TIPS! FOR COMPANIES ON EMPLOYMENT PASSES(EPs) FOR INFOCOMM PROFESSIONALS from IDA 1. ICT - Infocomm Queue to expedite the application process IDA and MOM set up the ICT Queue in January 2000 in response to the growing infocomm sector. Companies should indicate 'ICT' on the top left-hand corner of Form 8 when submitting the application. This helps to expedite the application process as the forms can be quickly routed to the ICT Queue. 2. Apply early, preferably 2 weeks before the applicant arrives in Singapore This will help to prevent any delay in allowing the applicant to start work immediately upon arrival in Singapore. Also, it can help save companies' cost and the hassle of having to deal with rejected cases of foreigners who are in Singapore. 3. Build up a good case for Employment Pass (EP) application It is important that companies furnish as much information (with supporting documents) as possible on the candidate's bio-history such as academic and professional qualifications and the number of years of relevant work experience. 4. Good Universities To ensure a higher chance of obtaining an EP for their employees, candidates should receive their education from good and reputable Universities in their countries. Companies can refer to what the industry considers as 'credible web-sites' on such Universities. These web-sites are by no means exhaustive and are not endorsed by IDA. They serve as good guidelines for companies. 5. Candidates with good professional certification/working experience Apart from qualifications, companies should also look for applicants with reputable infocomm professional certification and those with a good number of years of relevant work experience. In both instances, companies are to furnish documentary evidence to support that the candidates have the infocomm professional certificates and testimonials from previous employers on the areas of experience. 6. Client letter Companies that outsource their foreign talent to client sites should always furnish a client letter supporting the EP application. 7. For more information Please refer to the following web-sites: Contact Singapore http://www.contactsingapore.org.sg OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 1. If I am seconding my staff from our overseas HQ to the Singapore office, and they would not be paid in Singapore, can I still apply EPs for them? Yes, they would still require an EP. The Singapore office should state (in name) that they would be responsible for the accommodation and repatriation of the applicant. The letter should also say that the applicant would be paid in a foreign currency. However, the criteria for the passes still apply and the salary should be the Singapore dollar equivalent. 2. Our company has submitted the EP application already. However, due to the urgency of the project, is there a way for the applicant to start work immediately? The company can apply for a temporary EP for the applicant. However, the company has to justify the need of a temp EP. Temporary EPs are only given on a case by case basis and it is for a 1-month period. 3. How do I apply for a short-term EP? The application of a short-term EP is the same when applying for a long-term EP. However, short-term EPs are for a period of not more than 1 month and it is non-renewable. 4. What can I do to extend the short-term EP if the project is delayed? The company can put in a fresh application for a long-term EP. 5. Must our company apply for an EP if staff from our overseas HQ are coming to Singapore for a meeting? No. You can apply for a business visit pass with Singapore Immigration and Registration (SIR) at the 4th floor SIR building. A business visit pass of not more than 2 weeks will be issued.