This article will discuss the Singapore S Pass, the eligibility and documentary requirements, and the application process to guide employers and employment agents.
Working in Singapore as a skilled worker can be a great opportunity. The country has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a vibrant culture. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, Singapore is a great place to be.
This article will discuss the essential to-do’s when applying for a Singapore S Pass so you can successfully get this visa and start your career in the Lion City.
What Is the Singapore S Pass?
The Singapore S Pass is a work visa for skilled workers in Singapore. A skilled work visa allows employers to hire foreign workers who earn a monthly salary of at least $3,000.
Here is the list of things to remember about the Singapore Employment Pass:
- An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the applicant. If the pass holder changes jobs, the new employer has to apply for a new pass.
- To be qualified, your fixed monthly salary should be comparable to the top one-third of local associate professionals and technicians (APT) salaries. This is a minimum of $3,000.
- The duration of this visa is for two (2) years only.
- Upon expiration, you can still renew this visa.
- If you have a fixed monthly salary of $6,000, you are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass for your spouse and children.
- Employers must provide medical insurance for S Pass holders.
- Yes, S Pass holders can bring certain family members to Singapore on Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Singapore S Pass or any other type of work pass contravention may be reported to the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) and you may call their hotline or submit a feedback.
Furthermore, this entity regulates the employment of foreign employees and protects their well-being. The EFMA outlines responsibilities relating to:
- Work passes, including application
- Medical insurance
- Levy
- Cancellation and repatriation.
Eligibility Requirements
The S Pass is not for all work visa applicants. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) specifically states that the S Pass is only for skilled foreign employees across all nationalities or citizenships who:
- Have a job offer in Singapore.
- Earn a fixed monthly salary comparable to the top one-third of the local APT workforce by age:
- For all sectors except financial services, your minimum qualifying salary must be $3,000, which increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $4,500 at age 45 and above.
- For the financial services sector, your minimum qualifying salary is $3,500, which increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $5,500 at age 45 and above
However, there will be upcoming changes to the S Pass qualifying salary starting on 01 September 2023 onwards. Check out the full details here.
Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)
An employer or employment agent can determine a candidate’s eligibility for an Employment Pass or S Pass by using this online tool based on the data they supply, including their:
- Minimum salary
- Educational background
- Work experience.
However, it does not ensure that the application will actually succeed. This is due to the fact that additional checks, such as your quota (for S Pass) and the candidate’s background, are not taken into account in this evaluation.
If the SAT shows that the candidate is not eligible, the employer should not apply for the S Pass because the Ministry of Manpower will reject it. On the other hand, if the results show that the candidate is eligible, there is around a 90% chance that the candidate will get a pass.
You can view the SAT through this website.
What Are the Documents Required?
When submitting an S Pass application, you must upload the following documents:
- Personal particulars page of candidate’s passport.
- Company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
One important you need to take note of is that if the educational qualification you currently have is from an institution not found in the online application’s drop-down list, you need to submit and upload additional documents such as:
- For China:
- For Other Countries:
- Verification proof from a background screening company.
If the Ministry requires additional documents besides those required in the application, you must submit it so they can properly review your application.
S Pass Application Process
Only the employer or the employment agent can apply for an S Pass on behalf of the worker. What should the employer or agent do during this process? Here are the steps:
- Obtain written consent from the candidate to apply for an S Pass.
- Complete the candidate’s form.
- Submit the S Pass application form here.
- Pay a $105 fee via General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO), Visa, Amex, or Mastercard.
- Check your application status online after 10 days of submission. If you find that the application is still pending after 10 days, check your email if they requested for additional documents.
If the pass gets approved, the employer or employment agent should follow these steps:
- Print the in-principle approval (IPA) letter.
- Send the pass-holder’s copy of the IPA to the candidate.
What is an IPA, exactly? The IPA:
- Is a pre-approved single-entry visa for the candidate to enter Singapore. It allows the candidate 60 days to enter Singapore and get their pass issued.
- States whether the candidate needs to go for a medical examination, which can be done after they arrive in Singapore.
To illustrate how to apply for an S Pass or other types of work pass, watch this instructional video by the Minister of Singapore.
For more details about the application process, you can read more about it here.
Talk to a Migration Lawyer
If you are considering applying for an S Pass, consulting with a migration lawyer is a good idea. We can ensure your application is successful and provide the information, eligibility criteria and support you need to make the most of your time in Singapore.
JB Solicitors has a team of expert migration lawyers who can cater to your legal needs concerning work visa application. Contact us today.
