Training Employment Pass: A Comprehensive Guide

The Singapore Training Employment Pass is for foreign students and corporate trainees who are foreign nationals to gain work experience in one of the most dynamic economies in Asia. If you want to advance your career through practical training, this pass is for you.

The Training Employment Pass allows you to train for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore for up to 3 months so that you can do the work in your own country. It’s a great way to upskill and make international connections. However, there are specific requirements and steps to follow.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Training Employment Pass. You will learn who can apply, how to apply and what to expect during the process.

Quick Facts

• The Training Employment Pass is for foreign undergraduates and trainees to gain work experience in Singapore

• You need an employer to apply for the pass on your behalf

• Pass is valid for up to 3 months and has specific requirements

1. Foreign Students:

The training attachment in Singapore must be part of your course of study.

You must be studying at an acceptable educational institution or earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,000.

2. Corporate Trainees from Overseas Offices or Subsidiaries:

You must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,000.

Note: Foreign students who do not meet the above eligibility criteria may consider applying for the Work Holiday Programme while foreign trainees may look into the Training Work Permit which has a validity of up to 6 months.

Find out how to apply for the Training Employment Pass to undergo training in Singapore if you are a foreign student or corporate trainee.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: Submit an Application

Employer must obtain written consent from the candidate.

Log in to the EP eService (EP Online) to fill up the Training EP application form and upload the required documents.

Pay a non-refundable fee of $105 per application.

Step 2: Prepare for Arrival

Candidate must comply with Singapore’s latest travel requirements.

Step 3: Pass Issuance

Upon the candidate’s arrival in Singapore, log in to the EP eService to provide the required information and documents.

Pay issuance fees: $225 per pass and, if applicable, $30 for a Multiple Journey Visa.

Both employer and candidate will receive an email notification, allowing the candidate to start training.

Step 4: Registration of Biometrics (If Required)

The notification letter will indicate if the candidate needs to register fingerprints and a photo.

If required, schedule an appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) within 2 weeks of pass issuance.

Step 5: Collect the Pass Card

Pass card will be sent to the address specified within 5 working days after registration or document verification.

Required Documents

Personal particulars page of candidate’s passport.

Detailed training program outlining objectives, type, location and duration of training.

For non-English documents, include the original document and English translation in one file.

Additional document(s) are required for:

Diploma/degree qualifications from India

Transcripts and mark sheets

Diploma/degree qualifications from China

Certificate of Graduation

Verification of education certificates from one of the following independent verification channels:

1. Dataflow

2. The China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC)

3. The China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Information (CDGDC)

Applications take about 3 weeks to process.

Some cases may take longer.

TEP is valid for 3 months and is non-renewable.

No foreign worker levy or quota is required for TEP holders.

By following this process, employers can facilitate the application and issuance of Training Employment Pass for eligible candidates successfully.

TEP is non-renewable. It is only valid for 3 months.

To cancel a Training Employment Pass (TEP) in Singapore, follow these steps:

1. EP eService: Log in to EP eService on myMOM Portal.

2. Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP): For pass holders in Singapore, apply for STVP to grant a valid stay up to 30 days from the application date. Both employer and pass holder will receive STVP by email.

3. Departure: The pass holder must present STVP and a valid passport to the immigration officer when leaving Singapore.

Timing: Cancel TEP within 1 week after the last day of training.

Advance Cancellation: You can submit a cancellation request up to 14 days in advance. For example, to cancel the pass on 15 Feb, submit the request from 1 Feb.

Post-Departure: If the pass holder has left Singapore permanently, cancel the pass within 1 week from their departure date or if the pass has expired.

As an employer, please ensure:

Notice: Give the pass holder reasonable notice of their repatriation.

Outstanding Issues: Settle all employment-related matters including salary payment.

Repatriation Arrangements: Buy an air ticket with check-in luggage and cover all connecting transport to the international port of entry in the pass holder’s home country or the region nearest to their hometown unless the pass holder agrees in writing to bear the cost.

Travel Requirements: Verify airline boarding requirements (e.g. health or visa) and home country entry requirements to ensure compliance.

Work Prohibition: Pass holder is not allowed to work after TEP is cancelled, even while waiting to leave Singapore.

Card Disposal: Cut the TEP card in half and dispose it to prevent misuse.

Ensure the pass holder has a valid legal stay in Singapore at all times. Overstaying can result in fines and is a criminal offense for the foreigner and the employer.

By following these steps, you can cancel a Training Employment Pass smoothly.

TEP allows foreign students to work in Singapore. To be eligible, you must attend an acceptable educational institution.

Here are some examples of approved educational institutions:

1. Harvard University (www.harvard.edu)

2. University of Cambridge (www.cam.ac.uk)

3. Stanford University (www.stanford.edu)

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (www.mit.edu)

5. University of Oxford (www.ox.ac.uk)

For the complete list, you can refer to this document.