Applying for the S Pass can be tricky for employers looking to hire mid-skilled foreign talent in Singapore. The S Pass is for Associate Professionals and Technicians who earn at least $3,150 a month. Having an S Pass allows you to tap into a pool of diverse talent who can add value to your company.
Knowing the eligibility criteria and application process can help smooth out the process. There are salary, educational and skill requirements to meet. Employers need to know about quotas and levies as these can affect S Pass application approval. Prepare required documents and know the fees to avoid delays.
Read this to know how to increase your chances of S Pass approval and how to deal with rejections. This post will walk you through each step of the process so you’re ready to get the talent your business needs.
Quick Facts
S Pass is for mid-skilled foreign workers in Singapore.
Meet eligibility criteria and know S Pass quota and foreign worker levy.
Prepare and know the process.
Eligibility Criteria
An S Pass allows mid-skilled foreign workers to work in Singapore. To qualify, you need to meet several requirements related to education, salary and job type.
Educational Qualifications
To apply for an S Pass, you need to have the right educational qualifications. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore requires a degree, diploma or a technical certificate.
Your qualifications should match the job you are applying for in Singapore. MOM may also consider your work experience relevant to the job. Technical certificates should be at least 1 year full-time study. Ensure all your documents are verified and accredited correctly.
Salary Threshold
Salary is one of the S Pass eligibility criteria. As of 2024, you need to a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,150 a month is required. This is to ensure your salary is in line with the local professional market.
If you are in the financial services sector, your minimum qualifying salary requirement is higher at S$3,650. These thresholds increase with age as older candidates bring more experience. Keep yourself updated with any changes to the salary requirements which may be revised from time to time based on economic conditions.
Job Type and Sector
S Pass is for mid-skilled jobs such as technicians, analysts, accountants and journalists. Your job must fit into these or similar categories.
Your role should not be an entry level position but one that requires specific skills or qualifications. The industry you are in also matters. Some sectors like finance have higher salary thresholds. MOM has a Self-Assessment Tool to check if your job type and sector qualify for S Pass so you can check before you apply.
Application Process
Applying to be a S Pass holder involves gathering required documents, following the submission guidelines and waiting for processing. This post will walk you through each step.
Documents Needed
You will need several documents to apply for S Pass. These are the candidate’s passport, educational certificates and employment contract. If the candidate has prior work experience, employment letters and resume are often required.
Photocopies of all documents should be clear and legible. Ensure all documents are in English or include a certified translation.
Having a checklist will help you prepare all required documents:
Passport
Educational certificates
Employment contract
Resume
Previous employment letters (if any)
Submission Guidelines
You or your appointed agent can submit the S Pass application. Application is done online through Employment Pass eService of Ministry of Manpower.
Before submission, get written consent from the candidate. This consent should state that the candidate agrees to the employment and authorizes the employer to apply on their behalf.
Follow these steps:
Log in to EP eService
Fill up the application form
Upload the required documents
Submit the application
Make sure all fields are filled up correctly to avoid delays.
Processing Time
After submission, it will take 10 working days for the application to be processed. During peak periods, it may take longer.
You will receive an update via email or online portal. If there are any discrepancies or missing documents, it may take longer.
Check your email and EP eService portal regularly to track your application.
Be prepared for longer processing time and ensure all information is correct to avoid delays.
Fees and Payment
When applying for S Pass, you need to know the specific fees and payment modes. Having the right information will make the application process smoother.
Application Fee
S Pass application fee is S$100 per pass. This is a mandatory fee and must be paid during the initial application stage. Once the pass is approved, you and the candidate will receive an email notification.
Note that this notification letter is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Keep track of these timelines to avoid any errors or delays in processing.
Payment Modes
For the application fee payment, several modes are accepted. You can use GIRO, Visa, Mastercard or Amex to pay. Each payment mode is secure and will process your transaction fast. Electronic payment will make the process easier and no physical document required.
Having the right payment mode ready beforehand will save you from unnecessary trouble and make the application smoother.
Approval and Issuance
After you submit the S Pass application, MOM will review the submission. If approved, you will receive an in-principle approval letter. Then you need to get the pass issued to the candidate.
Outcome
After submitting the S Pass application, you will receive the outcome within 3 weeks for most candidates. MOM will send an in-principle approval (IPA). This means the candidate can proceed with the next steps to enter Singapore and complete the process.
IPA letter is important as it has a single entry visa for the candidate. This visa allows the candidate to enter Singapore within 60 days to collect the pass.
Once the candidate is in Singapore, it’s time to collect the S Pass. Bring the IPA letter to one of the MOM service centers. Ensure the candidate has done the medical check-up and has all required documents. You can donwload the medical examination form from MoM website.
The physical S Pass will be issued within a few working days. A temporary pass will be given for immediate use until the physical card is ready. Pay the S Pass issuance fee of S$100 per pass. Remember to buy medical insurance for your candidate as well.
How to Increase Your S Pass Approval Chances
Complete Documents: Check twice that all required documents are complete and accurate. Missing or incomplete documents will cause delays or rejection.
Meet Salary Requirement: MOM requires new applicants to earn at least S$3,150 a month. Make sure your salary meets this minimum to boost your chances.
Relevant Experience: Highlight experience that matches the job requirements. Detailed job description and achievements will help your case.
Job Advert: Advertise the job for at least 14 days on MyCareersFuture job portal before applying. This is a must and to show that the job is open to local candidates first.
Verify Educational Qualifications: Ensure your educational qualifications are verifiable. Provide transcripts and any required certifications to support your qualifications.
Address Previous Rejection: If you are reapplying after rejection, address the reasons for the previous rejection. Update your application to resolve the previous issues highlighted.
Use Correct Job Titles: Use job titles that match the role. Misleading or generic titles will cause confusion and rejection.
Get Professional Help: Consult immigration lawyers if you are unsure. Professional advice will guide you through the application process and help you identify the weaknesses in your application.
By following these tips, you will increase your chances of getting S Pass. For more info, refer to MOM official guidelines.
Rejection and Appeal Process
If your S Pass application is rejected, don’t be discouraged. There are ways to appeal.
Common Reasons for Rejection:
Insufficient Qualifications: The candidate does not meet the minimum education or experience requirements.
Inaccurate Applications: Errors or incomplete information will cause rejection.
Local Talent Availability: Priority will be given to local candidates if similar skills are available.
Negative Employer Track Record: Past issues with the employer will affect the decision.
Steps to Appeal:
Check Rejection Advisory: Review the specific reasons for rejection.
Use Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): This will help you to know if the candidate qualifies.
Submit within 3 months: You have 3 months to appeal.
Appeal Preparation:
Address Each Point: Explain clearly how you are addressing the reasons for rejection.
Add More Information: Include new or missing documents to support your case.
Get Professional Help: Engage a registered Singapore service provider to assist with the appeal.
Important Links:
Use Self-Assessment Tool to check qualification criteria.
Read detailed rejection and appeal process.
Additional Tips:
Deadline: Submit your appeal within 3 months.
Clarity: Make your appeal letter simple and short.
Professional Help: Get help from experienced service providers.
By addressing the rejection reasons and following the steps, you will increase your chances of appeal.
Conclusion
Applying S Pass in Singapore is for mid-skilled foreign professionals.
You need to meet the eligibility criteria which includes minimum monthly salary. For more info on work passes and S Pass holders responsibilities, you should visit the MOM website.
Once you meet the criteria, you can start applying. This involves submitting online and wait for approval. Read this guide on how to check S Pass application status.
With S Pass, you can bring your family to Singapore, a more stable living environment. Plus more career development and job opportunities.
Remember the quota and salary requirements. Seek help from a professional employment agency such as P Connect Services Pte Ltd for help when in doubt.
Need help with S Pass application? Fill in the form below to get started.
