Do I need VISA in Singapore?

Unlike United States and other similar countries, there is no need to apply for a "VISA" while you are still in the Philippines (you do not need to go to an embassy to apply for a VISA) because Singapore is a member of ASEAN country.
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However you would need to have a “Social Visit VISA” which will be given by the Singapore Immigration on the airport itself. This "Social Visit Visa" will be stamped on your passport once you arrive in Singapore.
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How long can I stay in Singapore?

Immigration grants either 14-day or 30-day social visit “VISA.” Sometimes they grant 14-days on some people, and some 30-days.

Be aware they can give lesser days like 3 days if you are suspicious to them which they can send you back on the following day.

Some factors on how to prolong your stay in Singapore are the following:

  • Your reason of stay (tourist, visiting a friend, medical, training)
  •  If you have an invitation letter which complements why you are here.
  • “Show money” to spend here.
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When booking for your tickets, please bear in mind that there are months which has 31 days. Example is July 08 to August 08 is not 30 days but 31 days.

Overstaying can cause you some trouble in the future.
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What is "EPEC”? Do I need this before going in Singapore?

EPEC stands for Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate. This certificate when approved and you have it activated online allows you to stay up to 1-year to look for a job.

This is optional, but it is recommend to apply because this application free.

Here is the link describing what this EPEC is and how to apply: https://epec.mom.gov.sg/epec/FAQ.jsp
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It is highly recommended that you must apply for this EPEC while you are still in the Philippines, preferably at least 2-4 months before you fly to Singapore.

It takes quite some time to process you EPEC and this will help you a lot if you want to have a hassle-free stay in Singapore.
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How to apply for "EPEC"?

The application is through online using this link: https://epec.mom.gov.sg/epec/entry.jsp

Just fill in the details required on the application form provided and take note the link above. This will be your way to check the status of your application.

If you are approved, a certificate letter will be sent to your address via SNAIL MAIL. Please take note, it is a SNAIL MAIL.

What to do when the EPEC Certificate arrives through my door?

Congratulations, you're entitled to have a 1-year stay when you activate this EPEC certificate via online.

The EPEC certificate is applied through ICA website (via online) to activate. In short, this certificate that you received is still useless.

The EPEC certificate has no impact on Philippine Immigration and Singapore Immigration. Because it is still a letter and not yet approved by ICA.

You are still expected to get a return ticket and Singapore immigration will still weigh whether you get 14-day or 30-day even if you show this EPEC letter.

It is not recommended to show this EPEC letter in Philippine Immigration.

How to activate my EPEC?

You can now activate your approved EPEC letter online through Internet using this link below. No need for you to queue up in ICA.

EPEC online application: https://ltpass.ica.gov.sg/eltsvp/newAppPreLogin.do

  • Choose "Holders of Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate”
  • Initial payment of $30SGD by using credit card.
  • Processing takes anywhere from 4 to 5 weeks. Please take note 4-5 weeks.
  • If approved, you would receive an EMAIL containing the "In-Principle Approval Letter".
  • Another payment is expected ($90SGD) for the issuance of your LTSVP card (Long term social Visit Pass).
  • The email also contains instructions on the required documentations (medical certificate, educational details, etc) and a date for your appointment to ICA to submit these documents.

If you would notice, it takes 4-5 weeks for processing your EPEC activation. So if you do the math, it is recommended that you activate your EPEC at least 1 month before you fly to Singapore.

They will issue to you a date of appointment in ICA office, although you can change this date with your own preferred date if you are not yet in Singapore because you need to have you medical before going in ICA.

Will EPEC guarantee me to find work in Singapore?

This is one of the common misconceptions of EPEC holders. Getting an EPEC does NOT mean you are guaranteed to get a job.

The only advantage of getting an EPEC is for you to be able to stay longer here in Singapore.

Remember that Singapore Government was the one who assessed your EPEC and not Singapore companies.

Most Singapore companies do NOT have any idea what EPEC is. Even if you show your EPEC letter or EPEC green card, they do not care about this matter, it is only stated on the letter/ card that you are able to legally stay here in Singapore for 1 year.

In other words, your factor of being accepted on a job depends on your qualifications, the way you answer on the interview and extra luck.

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