No More Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) For Foreigners Wanting To Work In Singapore


Oct 22, 2016

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has decided to discontinue the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) scheme from 1 December 2011. From now on the MOM will not be accepting any applications for EPECs.

The EPEC was introduced in 1992 and is a certificate which signalled to employers that its holder is likely to be eligible for an Employment Pass. It also allows its holder to stay in Singapore to facilitate their job search and is valid for 2 years.

After an individual received an EPEC they need to activate it, which meant applying for a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) to stay in Singapore (for up to 1 year previously). The LTVSP could be applied for any time during the 2 year validity period of the EPEC.

Here are some FAQs which the MOM has answered regarding suspension of the EPEC:

Without the EPEC, how can a foreigner search for a job in Singapore?

There are many means whereby foreign talent can search for job opportunities in Singapore without the need to be physically present (such as job boards and recruitment firms).

Foreign students who are graduating from selected local institutes of higher learning (IHLs) can apply for a one-year LTVP to stay in Singapore after graduation to look for a job. The list of IHLs is available on the ICA website.

I am an EPEC holder. What are my current options?

If your EPEC is still valid and you are interested in coming to Singapore to look for a job, you can apply for a non-renewable three-month LTVP from ICA, before your EPEC expires. If your EPEC is still valid but you have no plans to come to Singapore to look for a job, you do not need to do anything. If your EPEC has expired, you will not be able to renew your EPEC or apply for a LTVP from ICA.

I applied successfully for an EPEC before 1 December 2011, but have not applied for an LTVP from ICA. What is the duration of the LTVP I can apply for?

You can apply for a non-renewable three-month LTVP from ICA.

I have previously applied successfully for an EPEC and LTVP. Can I still apply for another three-month LTVP from ICA using the EPEC?

No. You will not be able to apply for another LTVP from ICA with your EPEC if you have already previously done so.

My EPEC has expired. Can I renew my EPEC or apply for a LTVP from ICA?

No. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is non-renewable. You will not be able to apply for a LTVP from ICA using the EPEC.

My EPEC application is still being processed. Will my application be rejected?

All EPEC applications that are being processed will be assessed with the same criteria as before. EPEC applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email. Successful applicants will be issued EPECs which will still remain valid for 2 years from the date of issue.

Can I still use my EPEC during my job search in Singapore after 1 December 2011?

Yes, you can use your EPEC as a signal to employers during your job search in Singapore after 1 December 2011, as long as your EPEC is still valid (i.e. 2 years from the date of issue).

  About The Author  

Amit is an experienced career, business and HR professional. Previously, he has worked with organisations such as Bain & Company, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup. Amit has advanced degrees/qualifications in Career Counselling, Organisational Psychology & HR, Occupational Psychometrics, Career/Life Coaching & Business.
  1. Sateesh Jaladi

    Hi Amit, I am having 8 years of experience in Software development in India, I want to work in Singapore. Can you suggest any best approaches. Also please let me know which recruitment agency is more reliable in this regard. Thanks for your time.

    Reply
  2. karthik

    Hi i’m karthik from India i’ma diploma mechanical holder i have 3.7 year experience in CAD Design.Find the jobs for singapore via agents we are to much of cost charged. so how to find the job ? Then can i apply the EPEC. This pass how many month of validity time

    Reply
  3. suresh kumar

    Hi i am graduate & having job with 7 months experience in Digital marketing. i am looking for job in singapore, i have tourist visa also. very soon i will visit singapore. so please suggest me how can i get permanent or contract job? if there is employment agencies then please suggest me how to contact to them?

    Reply
  4. Kevin Zhan

    I’m on EPEC right now. I don’t understand where the validity for 2 years is. I just got mine last december and its expiring december of 2012. this year. can someone tell me how to have this for 2 years?

    Reply
    1. Amit Puri – Managing Consultant, Sandbox Advisors

      Hi Kevin,

      It would be best to contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for this. They will answer questions specific to your EPEC application/status and let you know about the duration as well.

      Reply
  5. Nandakumar

    Hello Amit,
    I finished my MBA from “James cook university” which doesn’t come in IHL’s, now am i allowed to apply for LTVP with the help of sponsor who is Singaporian PR?

    Reply
    1. Amit Puri – Managing Consultant, Sandbox Advisors

      Hello Nandakumar,

      It’s best for you, or, your potential sponsor to call the Ministry of Manpower and ask them. That way you’ll get a conclusive answer right away.

      Reply
  6. Jewel Henriette

    I want to look for a job in Singapore?Is it necessary to attend the job fair?is there any option like online application?Im all the way from philippines

    Reply
      1. Buddika

        Hello Sir, Im Buddika from Sri Lanka. can we get LTVP without job offer in Singapore. Or it only issue with job offer..

        Thanks.

  7. Min

    I want to look for a job in SG. Is it advisable to attend one of the Job fairs in SG? what job fair would you recommend me to attend. i am currenlty employhed in a telecommunication company in the Philippines.
    How will i apply for LTVP? what are the requirements? Should i apply for LTVP if i will go to SG during the Job Fair event?

    Reply
  8. Eric M. Espiritu

    My EPEC has expired in 2009 but was not able to use it since I was working in the Middle East. Please advise how can I get or apply for a new Employment Pass?

    I want to go back in SG this 2012.

    Regards

    Reply
    1. Amit Puri - Managing Consultant, Sandbox Advisors

      Hi Eric,

      You can use a visit pass to enter Singapore and look for jobs.

      It is not possible to get an Employment Pass, before having a job offer in Singapore.

      Reply
      1. AmyCo

        Dear Amit,

        I find myself in a similar situation. Are there sanctions if you are found looking for work on a social visit pass?

        Also, are employers reluctant to offer jobs to candidates who do not hold the appropriate visa?

        Thank you for your advice.

      2. Amit Puri - Managing Consultant, Sandbox Advisors

        You are allowed to look for jobs and meet employers, on a visit pass. Taking an extract from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website:

        “A Visit Pass may be granted to a foreigner who wishes to enter Singapore for social, business or professional purposes or as a tourist.”

        It is easier for employers to hire people already in Singapore, who are Citizens or PRs. However, companies (especially MNCs) are always interested in foreign talent/expertise as well and at the end of the day if they want to hire someone its not that hard for them to get an employment pass for the candidate.

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