How Long Can I Stay In Singapore After Employment Pass Is Cancelled?

5 min read|Last Updated: March 8, 2024|

Before this article begins, we at Paul Hype Page & Co would first and foremost like to state that we truly hope the information in this article never applies to you. Cancellation of an Employment Pass (EP) can be a tedious and arduous process.

If you are reading this right now, you are probably expecting your own EP to soon be cancelled because your employment in Singapore will soon be ending or the EP is expiring after its validity of 2 years. For this reason, if you would like to extend your time in Singapore, you will need an Employment Pass renewal.

Options after EP is Cancelled

On that note, Singapore is a country which is replete with business opportunities. Therefore, you should not be disheartened even though your current employment might be ending soon. This is because you now have the possibility of owning a Singapore-based business yourself and apply the right work.

In deciding on the visa to have for your own company, consider the visa you were previously holding:

  • If you are an employment pass holder, it is much easier to apply for the same visa under your own company.
  • If you are a S Pass holder, then applying for an employment pass can be more challenging as it is considered an “upgrade”. S Passes have local hiring quotas while Employment Passes do not have minimum local hiring quotas, and there are no levies payable.
  • If you are holding a personalised employment pass and you want to start your own business, we suggest a joint venture as PEP holders cannot hold majority shares in any company registered with ACRA.

Reasons for Cancellation of an Employment Pass

There are various reasons why one might choose to have an EP cancelled.

  • You plan to resign your existing employment and leave Singapore permanently
  • You are retrenched by existing employer and wish to leave Singapore permanently
  • You plan to resign from your existing employment and join a new employer in Singapore
  • You want to resign from your existing employment to start your own business in Singapore
  • You are retrenched by your existing employer and wish to find alternative employment in Singapore

Employment Pass Cancellation Procedure

The Employment Pass cancellation will be auto approved by MOM once the initiation for EP cancellation is done.

Employment Pass Cancellation Procedure

Who can cancel?

Their employer or an authorized immigration agency, in person or online.

What documents required?

  • The EP itself,
  • related pass holders’ travel documents,
  • Their passports, and
  • Cancellation form.

What happens upon cancellation?

  • You are issued an acknowledgement letter and, Issued a Short Term Visit Pass (STVP) with 30 days validity period

  • You must return the original work pass and all other related work passes by dropping them at MOM’s office or mail the passes within seven days of the date of cancellation.

Angela

NOTE: After an EP is cancelled, all related passes tied to the main pass such as the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) will be automatically cancelled at the same time. Thus, such DP holders can no longer in Singapore and will also receive an STVP which will be valid for 30 days.

What to Do Before Leaving Singapore

Most people who have had their EP cancelled will spend the remaining 30 days in Singapore to complete any remaining formalities because the 30-day validity period of the STVP may not be extended. Those who have plans to continue working and living in Singapore may apply for jobs during this period. However, those who are offered a job must apply for a new EP.

Similarly, those who plan to remain in Singapore to set up a business will also be required to apply for an appropriate pass. This is where we at Paul Hype Page & Co offer our services. We offer a package that covers both the processes of company incorporation and EP application.

Those who violate the terms of the STVP’s validity will be punished accordingly or possibly even deported. Such offenders are also likely to be barred from receiving any further Singapore work passes.

Formalities to attend to:

Formalities to attend to:

1. Tax Clearance for Foreign & SPR Employees (IR21)

Confirm with your employer as employers have the responsibility to file the Form IR21 and withhold all monies due to the employee for tax clearance purpose. This applies to all work pass holders including Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders.

2. Accommodation payment and deposit matters

Those who have been renting must inform their landowner, settle any payments, collect their deposit. They must also close accounts with any utility providers and collect any unclaimed deposits.

3. Bank account maintenance or closing

The banks with which the person leaving has accounts must be notified, as well as any relevant credit card and insurance companies. All payments are to be made before departure.

4. Schools or organisations your Dependents may be tied to

Those who have dependents in Singapore must also ensure that all institutions to which dependents are attached are appropriately notified.

Angela

Recommendation: If you are facing the end of employment and cancellation for your EP, we strongly recommend that you see this as an opportunity by kickstarting your own business.

93% SUCCESS RATE FOR SINGAPORE EMPLOYMENT PASS APPLICATIONS

Come down to our office or get in touch virtually for an EP assessment to determine your best chance to live & work in Singapore today.

FAQs

Can someone who has had an EP cancelled apply for another one?2020-07-02T15:11:48+08:00

There is no law which stipulates that one who has had an EP cancelled cannot apply for another.

Which countries are the most common destinations for those leaving Singapore?2020-07-02T15:11:26+08:00

The five countries which are the preferred destinations of those leaving Singapore are Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Indonesia. These countries account for over 200,000 of the people who leave Singapore every year.

What is Singapore’s net migration rate?2020-07-02T15:10:03+08:00

According to the latest statistics, Singapore’s net migration rate is 13.1. This means that on average, out of every 10,000 people in Singapore, there will be 131 more people entering the country than leaving it. 

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  1. Profile Picture For admin
    Jim December 24, 2021 at 12:00 pm - Reply

    Hi,

    If I resign am I able to continue to have the lease on the property I am renting after ep expires for 3 months? My girlfriend is living here so i want to continue renting it for a while, and i will be back on stvp. Or is tenancy no longer valid?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Paul Hype Page December 27, 2021 at 9:57 am - Reply

      Hi Jim,

      You will need a valid EP to lease a HDB in Singapore.

      Best Regards,
      Paul

  2. Profile Picture For admin
    Patrici Tan December 3, 2021 at 2:39 pm - Reply

    What reason to indicate for cancellation of Employment Pass if the employee resigned and not leaving Singapore because looking for job.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Paul Hype Page December 6, 2021 at 9:53 am - Reply

      Hi Patrici,

      You can select this option:
      Pass holder will be obtaining a new work pass to work in Singapore.

      Best Regards,
      Paul

  3. Profile Picture For admin
    Jane July 15, 2021 at 6:22 pm - Reply

    Hello.

    I have applied for a visa for another country and just awaiting for it. But my spass will also expire soon. Am I still allowed to continue the process? or is there any other way?

  4. Profile Picture For admin
    Stephen February 7, 2021 at 10:30 am - Reply

    Hi! Due to Covid and work reasons, and some health (mental) issues, I am back in my home country for a few months but still on my local singapore contract and payroll.
    Question is, I may be staying in my home country for more than 6 months now due to covid.
    Can I check if I remain employed by the Singapore company and local contract but outsourced or seconded to work for our head office while being paid by Singapore, will my EP be cancelled ? Can it remain valid despite that I am working for our head office since I am on local singapore contract and payroll? Thanks!!

  5. Profile Picture For admin
    Z February 4, 2021 at 11:42 am - Reply

    Hi- my partner’s entrepass renewal was rejected and was originally due to expire on 23rd Feb. Will the STVP start from 23rd Feb or from the date of when the decision was made (i.e. today)? Thanks

  6. Profile Picture For admin
    Dharmesh January 22, 2021 at 9:44 am - Reply

    Hi,

    I wish to enquire the following:

    1) My EP Renewal got rejected and my existing employer is going to file an Appeal. I understand it takes 3 weeks to get the Appeal outcome. In this period of 3 weeks, provided I get an offer from some other company and this other company (future employer) is ready to file a fresh EP application, can my existing employer withdraw the Appeal before 3 weeks or they have to wait till the Appeal outcome is given by MOM (which can be 3 weeks atleast)

  7. Profile Picture For admin
    Scott Mattler December 23, 2020 at 8:49 am - Reply

    My EP has been cancelled today, Dec 23rd and I am supposed to receive a Short Term Visit Pass valid until Jan 22nd. I have been offered a new job by a different company, but they have yet to apply for an EP as they must complete the 30-day job posting on the MOM government job website. Will I be able to extend my short term visit pass to stay in Singapore and wait for my EP application results?

  8. Profile Picture For admin
    RS December 15, 2020 at 1:21 pm - Reply

    My husband’s EP is ending on Dec 31st and I am on a dependent pass and currently working on LOC. After Dec 31st, we will move to STVP. My husband has got a new job and his new company will apply for his EP on Dec 20th. Can his EP be processed before Dec 31st? Can I work on my existing LOC after Dec 31st?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi December 17, 2020 at 10:04 am - Reply

      Hi RS, please be informed that your husband’s new employer can submit his new EP application before current EP is expired.

      The process itself will need a minimum of 1 months. Once his new EP is approved, then you can apply for new DP and LOC. While his previous EP is cancelled, you do not have a DP and LOC. Thus, you should not be working

      Please note that after your work pass is cancelled, you will be given STVP for 30 days to stay in Singapore. If you need further extension, you may request it directly from MOM or ICA.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  9. Profile Picture For admin
    Ram October 18, 2020 at 12:50 pm - Reply

    Hi, EP renewal card can be issued when employee is outside of Singapore? She is holding EP card without validity data and QR code.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi November 6, 2020 at 11:37 am - Reply

      Hi Ram,
      Please be informed that the employee need to be in Singapore to issue her card even though for a renewal.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  10. Profile Picture For admin
    James October 15, 2020 at 9:18 pm - Reply

    Hi, i have been retrenched by my company due to business needs and have the STVP for 30 days. I managed to apply for a new job and signed the job offer. Currently they are applying my SPASS to mom however they said the processing could be delay for some reason. Can I request to extend my STVP while waiting for my pass to be approved? Thanks!

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi November 6, 2020 at 11:36 am - Reply

      Hi James,
      Yes, you can request to apply for further extension from ICA/MOM.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  11. Profile Picture For admin
    Gabe September 18, 2020 at 9:46 am - Reply

    Hi,
    My EP validity become to end, unable to renew due not enter SG for health check.
    Do we must return our EP card to MOM cause currently reside at JB. If not return it, any fine impose?

    Thanks buddy

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi September 28, 2020 at 9:47 am - Reply

      Hi Gabe,

      You must return the original pass card within 1 week from the cancellation by posting it to Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764. You can use EP Online’s “card return” function to tell us why you are unable to return the card.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  12. Profile Picture For admin
    Paul September 16, 2020 at 2:07 pm - Reply

    I am awaiting for the Approval of my Student Pass. I have recently left my previous employment on 28 Aug 2020. I will pursue further studies and have enrolled in a Diploma Course in one of the schools here in Singapore. They have already applied for my student pass. My current Visit Pass is valid till 30 Sep 2020.

    Is it possible to request for an extension of my visit pass while waiting for my student pass approval? How is the process for doing that (online or do I have to go to ICA building)?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi September 28, 2020 at 9:44 am - Reply

      Hi,

      You need to apply extension directly from MOM/ICA.

      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  13. Profile Picture For admin
    Selvam September 9, 2020 at 12:06 am - Reply

    Hi sir
    My s pass was cancelled last week
    Due to travel restrictions . because after holiday I not able to come back
    So now my pass was cancelled by my company .
    Can I apply again once the situation is stable ??

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi September 18, 2020 at 2:13 pm - Reply

      Hi Selvam,
      Yes, you may apply it again.
      Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you.

  14. Profile Picture For admin
    Lana August 9, 2020 at 12:48 pm - Reply

    Hello,
    Do i need to present my SPass at Singapore Immigration before my departure. My contract ended and i will be going home. can i return it back to MOM a day before my flight.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi August 13, 2020 at 9:46 am - Reply

      Hello,
      You are not required to show your S Pass if you have cancelled it. You can return it to MOM once you have cancelled it. Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  15. Profile Picture For admin
    Vas August 3, 2020 at 6:31 pm - Reply

    Hi ,
    My employer has applied renewal request two months before expiry date but kept pending for till a week before expiry date(pending for 50 days) and my employer requested for STVP after 50 days. MOM has approved STVP as well as extended my EP for one more month from original expiry date. Still my EP renewal is pending state and i got 13 days left till new expiry date . meanwhile i started searching new jobs and got selected into one.Please let me know what i need to do to apply new EP by new employer and what to do with existing EP renewal application .Please let me know what will happen If i ask my existing employer to revoke my renewal request and ask new employer to apply for new EP . Will i get one more month extension of STVP If my existing employer revokes my EP renewal request so that i will get one month time for new EP to be approved . Please suggest on my situation.

    Thanks.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi August 13, 2020 at 9:37 am - Reply

      Please be informed that you can apply new employment pass while still holding an existing employment pass. Upon cancellation of your employment pass, you will be given 30 days short-term visit pass to stay in Singapore.Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.

      Thank you for your question.
      Warm regards
      Paul

  16. Profile Picture For admin
    Mat Yuhico July 26, 2020 at 9:27 pm - Reply

    Hi,

    I’m resigning soon from my current job and my last day is on 31st July. I was told that I will be given a 30-day Social Visit Pass upon returning my EP after my last day. is it possible for me to apply for a short term visit pass while on Social Visit Pass for me to extend my stay in Singapore to more than 30 days? Or is it possible to just apply to extend my social visit pass? I heard that due to COVID, ICA is not as strict with the 30-days. Is this true?

    Any clarification is very appreciated! thanks so much!

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi August 13, 2020 at 9:32 am - Reply

      Hi,

      Please be informed that you will be given Short-Term Visit Pass upon cancellation of your EP. You can apply an extension for your Short-Term Visit Pass from MOM or ICA directly. The approval is depends on their assessment.

      Thank you.

  17. Profile Picture For admin
    Kenneth July 17, 2020 at 10:24 am - Reply

    Hi, I am in the midst of waiting my EP approval because I am changing job from 1 company to another. In fact I have signed the Letter of Offer on mid March to my new employer. For whatsoever reason, the new EP application was done on mid May and as of now the new EP application is yet to be approved. My previous company has not cancelled my EP (good will basis) but they have informed that they will cancel it by end July. Assuming the worst case which I still not manage to get the EP approval after 30 days upon the cancellation, any way that I can further extend my stay in Singapore?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi July 29, 2020 at 9:53 am - Reply

      Hi Kenneth
      It is possible for you to extend your STVP after your EP has been cancelled with ICA. To discuss this matter further, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.
      Thank you for your question.

      Warm regards
      Pau

  18. Profile Picture For admin
    Balaji July 7, 2020 at 12:45 pm - Reply

    My employment is ending in July 30th & my EP will be cancelled so I want to leave Singapore and go back India immediately due to less availability of flights. So my last salary will be credited after 10-15 days of last day of employment. So my question is how long my bank account will be active so that I can transfer my salary to India.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Tiwi July 17, 2020 at 10:33 am - Reply

      Hi Balaji

      Your bank account will remain active even when you leave the country. You can also request your employer to credit your final salary to you on your last working day. This can help to reduce any issues on your end. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via Paul Hype Page.

      Thank you for your comment.

      Warm regards
      Paul

  19. Profile Picture For admin
    Sue S May 12, 2020 at 10:16 am - Reply

    Can a foreigner maintain a bank account in Singapore after cancelling his EP?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah May 18, 2020 at 9:59 am - Reply

      Hello Sue,

      It is possible for a foreigner who has had an Employment Pass canceled to have a Singapore bank account as long as the foreigner is in possession of any other valid visa. Such visas include the S Pass, Student Pass, or Dependant Pass.

      Other items required for the opening of a bank account by a foreigner in Singapore include proof of identity through a passport or an identity card, proof of residence in the form of telephone or utility bills, and sometimes a reference of introduction letter.

      For further information on Singapore visas or bank accounts, please contact us.

      Thank you for your question.
      Paul

  20. Profile Picture For admin
    Dinesh April 17, 2020 at 7:13 pm - Reply

    Hi,

    My EP cancelled on April 6 2020. My Vist pass will expire on May 6 2020. Already my new EP applied and still pending . For this situation, Shall i extend my visa?
    If it is possible to extend, Please advise how to extend.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah April 23, 2020 at 10:57 am - Reply

      Hello Dinesh,

      The course of action which you should take depends on whether you are seeking a short-term or a long-term extension.

      If you are interested in a short-term extension, after your EP expires or is cancelled, you may make use of a Short Term Visit Pass which is valid for 30 days. For any further extensions, you must directly appeal to either the Ministry of Manpower or the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

      If you would rather remain in Singapore on a long-term basis, you may apply for a new EP after you have obtained a new job in Singapore. You may also do so if you have incorporated a new Singapore-based business of your own.

      All of the matters discussed are topics with which we can assist you. Contact us if you would like to know more.

      Thank you for your question.
      Paul

  21. Profile Picture For admin
    Tan Ai Ching January 21, 2020 at 3:17 pm - Reply

    Can I ask my friend to help me return my employment pass to MOM?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah January 23, 2020 at 9:58 am - Reply

      Hello Ai Ching,

      All EP returns must be done via mail to the Ministry of Manpower’s Work Pass division.

      Please contact us for further information about the EP.

      Thank you for your question.
      Paul

  22. Profile Picture For admin
    Khin Thet Swe January 16, 2020 at 4:59 pm - Reply

    My cousin is S-pass holder. Now his pass was cancelled and he has Short Term Visit Pass for 1 month. His grandmother was passed away and need to go back 10 days to his home town. After that,
    Can he come back to Singapore as his Short Term Visit Pass is valid until 14 February?
    Please answer for this question.

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah January 23, 2020 at 10:23 am - Reply

      Hello Thet Swe,

      Anyone who owns a Short Term Visit Pass may enter Singapore as long as it is valid. Therefore, your cousin will be allowed to return to Singapore at any date before February 14.

      Thank you for your question.
      Paul

  23. Profile Picture For admin
    Shin December 19, 2019 at 11:15 pm - Reply

    I am a foreign student in JC and how long can I stay in Singapore after I cancel my PR?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah December 23, 2019 at 9:22 am - Reply

      Hello Shin,

      After you have cancelled your PR status, your Re-Entry Permit will no longer be valid. Thus, once your PR is no longer valid, you will have to leave Singapore.

      For further information on Singapore PR status, visas, and migration, please contact us at any time.

      Thank you for your question.
      Paul

  24. Profile Picture For admin
    Vincent Lim November 18, 2019 at 9:31 am - Reply

    I got my work permit. After worked for less than 14 days, I resigned due to I found the agreement that I signed is unreasonable and I had to terminate before my probation period is over. Will this short work permit affect my future Employment Pass application?

    Second question is a new employer apply for my EP then cancelled the application due to they did not accept that I did not inform them about the short term work permit. Do I need to inform about this EP withdrawal by this employer in my future EP application?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah November 25, 2019 at 9:52 am - Reply

      Hello Vincent,

      If you are unsure about the likelihood of the outcome of your future EP applications, you may use the Ministry of Manpower’s Self-Assessment Tool to find out.

      MOM keeps a record of all your application (approved and rejected) and passes.

      If you would like further information about the EP, please contact us at any time.

      Thank you for your questions.
      Paul

  25. Profile Picture For admin
    Lee Lonia October 8, 2019 at 3:24 am - Reply

    Hi, may i ask im a korean that holding a work permit here but recently i had resigned from my work and got hire by a new company. To cancel my current work permit do i have to buy airplane ticket as i am not returning back to my country?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Kumaran Tiwiyah October 10, 2019 at 2:15 am - Reply

      Hello Lonia,

      You will need to leave Singapore when you cancel your work permit.

      You may return to Singapore once you obtain new work pass IPA.
      During the period which you have to leave Singapore, you may be in any other country.
      Please contact us for any further information regarding the renewal of or application for an Employment Pass or any other work visa. We will provide you with additional advice on what steps you should next take.
      Thank you

      Paul

  26. Profile Picture For admin
    john July 10, 2019 at 12:30 am - Reply

    hi,
    Last day of work is 31st July.
    can i apply pep at the same time apply for short term pass,so that i able to buy more time to be in singapore to look for next job.and is there a choice for the applicant to choose either a single entry or multiple entry for short term pass?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Paul July 17, 2019 at 7:25 am - Reply

      Hello John,

      You can only have 1 pass at a time, but you can start applying for your PEP while holding a STVP – A Short Term Visit Pass may only be used for single entry.

      Paul

  27. Profile Picture For admin
    Roemary Lawrence June 23, 2019 at 7:58 am - Reply

    Hi,

    After EP is cancelled, do I need to go back to the home country before coming back to Singapore using my tourist visa (90 days)?

    Thanks

    • Profile Picture For admin
      Paul July 17, 2019 at 7:38 am - Reply

      Hello Roemary,
      Upon cancellation of the EP, you can request for a Short-Term Visit Pass which will be valid for 30 days. With it, you may remain in Singapore for as long as it is valid.

      Please contact our team for further information on work passes. We will be glad to assist you.

      Paul

  28. Profile Picture For admin
    Tania Singh May 23, 2019 at 4:44 am - Reply

    Hi,
    I wish to enquire about the short term visit pass after EP cancellation. I wish to go to another country for 3 days after my last day at work. Assuming my EP will be cancelled on the last working day and i’ll be issued STVP for 30 days, can I go to Indonesia for 3 days and come back to Singapore to complete my leaving formalities? If not, what is the way to do this?

    • Profile Picture For admin
      eric eric May 27, 2019 at 9:50 am - Reply

      Dear Tania

      STVP after EP cancelled.
      Firstly, check if your STVP is a multiple entry STVP or single entry.
      If it is multiple entry, you may go back to Indonesia and come back into Singapore again. If single entry, you may not

      Regards

      Paul Hype Page

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