No degree, new industry, will I get a visa?

[britinshanghai]

Hello,

I am 24 yo Brit in Shanghai and have been working in shipping (on/off) since September 2009 (at least 8 months). Just got offered a job with a big broking firm here but cant get a work visa because I dont have a degree. So I must leave China!

I am currently studying ICS professional qualifications but they will take the next 4 years to complete and from Sept will be studying for a Law or Management degree from University of London External (long distance method).

I'm coming to Spore in 2 weeks to search for a job. I have been before and made lots of contacts so am confident about getting the job just worried about getting a visa.

So considering the above, no degree, not much experience, but studying prfessional qualifications and about to start a degree will I be able to get an S-Pass?
I have done the online test and it says yes as long as you are earning above S$3500.

Please advise so I can start sleeping again,

[sundaymorningstaple]

Good luck. You are gonna need it. Why would the MOM give you an Employment Pass to do a job that plenty of degreed Singaporeans can do for half the price?

You are right though, finding a job might be easy. Lotsa employers want to have an Ang Mo face to flash at their clients. I know, I've been the only Ang Mo in the last two companies I've worked for.

But the problem is MOM and until the elections are over next year, that's gonna be the sticking point.

sms

[serve_the_servants]

Sms,

This is a bit of a black box question, but do you have a more precise prediction / rumor for the elections? Beginning 2011, end 2011?

thnx

[therat]

2006 Singapore parliamentary general election was held on 6 May 2006

Next election must before 6 May 2011

[serve_the_servants]

Thnx!

I will come to Singapore this January 2011, so I hope it will be held around that time.

[britinshanghai]

to SMS

what is the difference between working on an S-pass and an EP?

[sundaymorningstaple]

to SMS

what is the difference between working on an S-pass and an EP?

It's actually a sort of EP but governed by a Quota System and a levy which EP don't have. There are other restrictions as well, but rather than me cutting and pasting or paraphrasing, here's the link to MOM overview of all the various passes:

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal ... asses.html

If you still have any questions after studying that link, I'll be happy to try to answer them.

sms

[britinshanghai]

SMS

Thanks I saw that before. Actually I'm one for doing lots of research but maybe I should have phrased my question better.

I've just read a forum that said the S-pass holder may have a harder time in everyday life e.g. bank accounts. Have you heard of this?

I know I don't have the qualifications for the EP but I believe I would be getting enough money to qualify for an S-pass. I've heard a number of times things happen in Spore if there is enough money involved. I dont mean bribes!
A little more on my situation, I did not complete a degree but completed a foundation year (year zero) at Royal Holloway, University of London. No certificate is awarded. Do you think it will hold any ground?

Appreciate the help.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Doubtful. You need a degree or at least a certification of some sort (I don't mean a certificate of attendance either). I have full 25% of my work force as S pass holders. All are paid by GIRO direct deposit into their bank accounts. Actually, it's a requirement of MOM that S pass holders MUST be paid via GIRO into a personal bank account. So, no, there are no banking issues with S Pass holders.

You can have your potential employer apply, and who knows, you might get lucky. But don't hold you breath while waiting as the odds under the current environment here are definitely not in your favour.

sms

[wcs]

If you are planning to study the LLB external from Uni of London, perhaps you should check if you can afford to do it through a local private college in Singapore. Then check if you can get a student visa to reside in Singapore and do this course.

Finally see if you would be eligible to have a student visa that allows a limited amount of working, typically up to 20 hours a week.

That would allow you to live in Singapore, do the study you want to, and maybe even negotiate yourself a job at a shipping company if you are persuasive enough.

It is a long shot, but if this is your dream, it is worth checking out!

[ksl]

Why not consider a career path with Maersk

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._P._Moller-Maersk_Group

Career opportunities

http://www.maersk.com/Career/WorkingAtM ... ities.aspx

[ksl]

Why not consider a career path with Maersk

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._P._Moller-Maersk_Group

Career opportunities

http://www.maersk.com/Career/WorkingAtM ... ities.aspx

Excellent Global Company , that had my CV for 18 months, before they contacted me for Helicopter Landing operations instructor and air traffic control both on and offshore. I was employed at the time and turned it down, but I really did appreciate the VIP treatment and the facilities for a career at the time.

[britinshanghai]

Thanks for the heads up about Maersk. I was offered a job by them in Shanghai but couldn't get a work visa and they paid China wages!

Anyway just an update, I'm in Spore now and I got a job in one day. British company and it took just 2 days to get approved for the work visa.
A bit surprised considering everything i've been told here and having heard they just cut the quota for expats.

[ksl]

Thanks for the heads up about Maersk. I was offered a job by them in Shanghai but couldn't get a work visa and they paid China wages!

Anyway just an update, I'm in Singapore now and I got a job in one day. British company and it took just 2 days to get approved for the work visa.
A bit surprised considering everything i've been told here and having heard they just cut the quota for expats.

Can you be more specific on your work pass?

Is it S pass or EP,?

Or you maybe treated as an intern, if you are still studying, which is an exception more than the rule.

However you are in, so good luck, that's the way to do it! That's why I always keep an open mind, that anyone can achieve anything, life is always about solving problems, that appear to be unsolvable