Sharing Employment Pass (EP) + Dependent Pass (DP) Timeline – Category 1
Hi everyone,
I’d like to share my Employment Pass (EP) + Dependent Pass (DP) timeline for reference, in case it helps others who are currently going through a similar process.
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Background
• EP Category 1
• Dependent Pass: wife + 1 child
• EP and DP applications were submitted together by employer
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Timeline
• 24 November 2025
EP and Dependent Pass (wife & child) were submitted together by employer via the ESD / MDEC system.
• 4 December 2025
EP status showed “In MDEC: Verification Stage.”
• 8 December 2025
Both Dependent Pass applications (wife & child) moved to
“In IMM: Decision Stage,”
while EP was still showing MDEC: Verification Stage at that time.
• 17 December 2025
EP was approved (Stage 1 / MDEC Approved) and officially moved to the IMM stage,
and I received the EP approval letter from my employer.
At the same time, both Dependent Pass applications were still showing
“In IMM: Decision Stage.”
• 18 December 2025
I immediately applied for eVisa via the MyVisa Portal.
The eVisa was approved within a few hours and was available for download on the same day.
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Current Status (as of this post)
• EP: Approved (Stage 1 completed, approval letter received, eVisa approved)
• DP (wife & child): Still In IMM: Decision Stage
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Total Processing Time (EP – Stage 1)
• From submission (24 Nov 2025) to EP approval (17 Dec 2025)
• Approximately 18 working days in total
(Actual duration may vary depending on case complexity, submission volume, and year-end processing.)
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Notes / Observations
• DP status can remain at IMM: Decision Stage even after EP Stage 1 is approved.
• EP and DP timelines do not always update simultaneously in the system.
• Once EP approval was in place, eVisa processing via MyVisa Portal was very fast.
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Next Stage: Pass Endorsement & EP Issuance
After EP Stage 1 approval and eVisa issuance, the next step is:
Pass Endorsement / EP Issuance
(This may also be referred to as EP endorsement, EP activation, or EP card issuance.)
Based on guidance from employer HR:
• The endorsement process is done after arrival in Malaysia
• Applicant must enter Malaysia using the approved eVisa
• Passport endorsement / EP issuance is handled locally in Malaysia
• Estimated processing time: ~5 working days
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Why eVisa Is Required First
• eVisa is required to legally enter Malaysia for EP activation
• Endorsement cannot be completed remotely
• Physical presence in Malaysia is required for:
• passport submission
• EP issuance / activation
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Estimated Working Start Date
According to HR:
• EP endorsement / issuance: ~5 working days
• Applicant can start working only after endorsement is completed
Sequence summary:
1. EP approved (Stage 1 completed, approval letter received)
2. eVisa approved
3. Travel to Malaysia
4. Pass endorsement / EP issuance (~5 working days)
5. Start working
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Hope this consolidated timeline helps anyone who is currently waiting or comparing statuses.
I’ll share another update once the Dependent Pass approvals and endorsement process are completed.
