Training Work Permit: A Comprehensive Guide

The Training Work Permit (TWP) is designed for unskilled or semi-skilled foreign trainees undergoing practical training in Singapore.

It is also for foreign students to undergo training that is part of their course requirement while studying in a Singapore educational institution.

The duration for this pass is up to six months. As an employer, you are responsible for applying for this permit on behalf of your trainees or students.

As an employer, you can apply for a Training Work Permit (TWP) to facilitate practical training in Singapore for eligible foreign employees. The key eligibility criteria are:

1. Employees from Related Overseas Companies: Semi-skilled or unskilled employees from your company’s overseas affiliates.

2. Foreign Students: Students enrolled in Singapore educational institutions, where the training is part of their course requirement.

TWP is valid for up to 6 months.

You have to pay the basic tier, higher-skilled monthly foreign worker levy applicable to your sector during the training period.

Number of TWP holders you can employ is subject to your company’s foreign worker quota for the respective sector, including:

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Marine Shipyard

• Process

• Services

A security bond is required for each non-Malaysian TWP holder. To be purchased before the trainee enters Singapore.

Note: Medical examination is not required for TWP holders.

No qualifying salary is required.

Has to be provided by the employer.

Applying for a Training Work Permit in Singapore is a multi-step process. You need to prepare the documents, submit and wait for processing.

Here’s what you need to know:

To apply for a Training Work Permit you need to submit:

• Training Work Permit Application form

• Trainee’s passport copy

• Trainee’s recent passport-sized photo

• Letter from trainee’s overseas employer or educational institution

• Training program outline

• Trainee’s qualifications

Make sure all documents are in English. If not, provide official translations. Double check all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.

You can apply online. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website using your CorpPass

2. Fill up the online form

3. Upload documents

4. Pay application fee

The system will guide you through each step. Review all information before submitting. Keep a record of your application number for future reference.

Processing time for TWP is 3 weeks. From the date MOM receives all documents.

Factors that may affect processing time:

• Completeness of application

• Accuracy of information provided

• Volume of applications

Apply early to ensure you have the permit before training starts.

You can check your application status online. Here’s how:

1. Visit MOM website

2. Log in to your account

3. Click on application status

4. Enter your application number

The system will show you the status of your application. It can be “In Progress”, “Pending Additional Documents” or “Approved”. If additional documents are required, submit as soon as possible to avoid delay.

No, you cannot renew your TWP in Singapore. The permit is valid for up to 6 months and is not extendable.

This is a short-term permit for training only. Once your training is done, you must leave Singapore.

If you need to stay longer, you will have to explore other visa options. These may be:

• Work Permit

• S Pass

• Employment Pass

Each has different requirements and purpose. Check if you qualify for any of them.

Remember, your employer must cancel your TWP when your training ends. They must do it before you leave Singapore.

Plan your training and stay within the 6 months limit. Complete your training goals within this timeframe.

If you have questions about your permit status, check online. This will help you to keep track of your permit expiry date.

Cancelling a Training Work Permit in Singapore is easy. Here’s how:

• If training ends early

• When permit expires

• When a worker leaves Singapore

1. Log in to WP Online.

2. Click cancel Training Work Permit.

3. Print the Special Pass after cancellation.

4. Give the Special Pass to the worker.

The Special Pass allows the worker to stay in Singapore temporarily before departure. Workers must present this pass along with a valid passport when leaving the country.

1. Log in to WP Online.

2. Choose “Worker has already left Singapore” as the reason for cancellation.

3. Cancel the permit within 1 week from the worker’s departure date.

You don’t need to cancel an expired pass but workers must apply for a Short-term Visit Pass if they want to stay in Singapore after expiry.

If your Training Work Permit card is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must act fast. As an employer, you must apply for replacement within 1 week.

Here’s what to do:

1. Report to police if applicable

2. Log in to WP Online

3. Click on “Replace Card” under “Card Replacement”

4. Pay the replacement fee

The cost for a replacement card is $60. Only employers can apply for a new card. Workers cannot.

While waiting for the new card, your worker can use the SGWorkPass mobile app to check their work permit status. This app shows important details like expiry date and permit conditions.

Remember to keep the Work Permit card safe. It’s not transferable to another person. Only the authorized worker should hold and use it.

If you need help with the replacement process, you can contact MOM. They can guide you through the steps and answer your questions.

Comparison between TEP and TWP.