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:
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:
Log in to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website using your CorpPass
Fill up the online form
Upload documents
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:
Visit MOM website
Log in to your account
Click on application status
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:
• S 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
Log in to WP Online.
Click cancel Training Work Permit.
Print the Special Pass after cancellation.
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.
Log in to WP Online.
Choose “Worker has already left Singapore” as the reason for cancellation.
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:
Report to police if applicable
Log in to WP Online
Click on “Replace Card” under “Card Replacement”
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.
Aspect | Training Employment Pass (TEP) | Training Work Permit (TWP) |
---|---|---|
Eligibility | Foreign professionals, managers, executives, or specialists with a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 3,000. | Semi-skilled or unskilled foreign trainees or students; no minimum salary requirement. |
Duration | Up to 3 months; non-renewable. | Up to 6 months; non-renewable. |
Quota and Levy | Not subject to levy or quota. | Subject to sector-specific quota and levy requirements. |
Application | Employer applies on behalf of the candidate. | Employer applies on behalf of the candidate. |