When to apply for employment pass?

[tournesol]

I've been reading through this forum ... looked at the MOM website...and I can't seem to get my answer. I will be starting a job here in Singapore June (relocating from the Great White North - Canada that is ). My company's head office is in Canada, but we are starting up a regional office in Singapore...but it won't be up and running until June.

Anyway, it's not clear to me when I should apply for my EP or who should apply...

1- Who should apply for the employment pass, them or me?
2- WHEN do I apply? Do I need it before I enter the country?

I hope someone can help me!

[tilly1234]

Hi tournesol,

if you can get somebody in your company doing the administrative work for you, it will be probably easier...
However, you can also apply for the EP yourself.
Just that a corporate application makes it more "official"...

Seems like it usually takes between 3 and 5 weeks to have the EP approved - however, there are examples of people who had to wait longer than this.
If you send your papers in the beginning of April, you should be fine.

You can enter Singapore on a tourist visa and then collect the EP at MOM when you're in Singapore.

Personally, I'd suggest to apply well before you enter the country, so that the EP is pretty much approved and ready when you arrive.
Otherwise, if your tourist visa expires before you get the EP, you might have to leave the country and come back to get another visa stamp.

Hope this is helpful!
Best regards,
Lea

PS: I'm European, so maybe somebody here has more experience when it comes to travelling with a Canadian passport...

[tournesol]

Hi Lea,

that is very helpful...thank you so much!