AMA with Bluebox: Singapore Work Passes

Are you a foreigner planning to work in Singapore? Do you have questions about the different types of work passes available and the application process? Our client’s often ask the following type’s of questions:
“What are the type of work passes in Singapore?”
“Can long term visit pass holders work in Singapore?”
“Can dependent pass holders work in Singapore?”
“How do I check my work pass status?”


Look no further, as we have Bluebox, a leading immigration consultancy firm in Singapore, here to answer all your queries in this comprehensive Ask Me Anything.

Singapore is a hub for international businesses, and it’s no surprise that many foreigners are attracted to the city-state’s job opportunities. However, navigating the work pass application process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with Singapore’s immigration laws.

Employment Passes

How to apply for employment pass in Singapore?

To apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore, the employer must submit the application through the Ministry of Manpower‘s online application system. The application should include the candidate’s educational qualifications, work experience, and other relevant documents. The processing time for the application is usually three weeks.

How to renew employment pass?

To renew an Employment Pass in Singapore, the employer must submit an online application to the Ministry of Manpower at least four weeks before the pass expires. The application should include the candidate’s updated employment contract, salary details, and any changes in the job scope or company information.

When to renew EP?

An Employment Pass in Singapore is typically valid for one to two years and should be renewed before it expires. The Ministry of Manpower usually sends a notification to the employer or appointed employment agent a few months before the pass expiration date.

How to cancel employment pass?

To cancel an Employment Pass in Singapore, the employer must submit an online request to the Ministry of Manpower. The employer should provide the candidate’s passport details and the reason for the cancellation. The candidate must also return their original pass card to the Ministry.

Does Employment Pass need quota?

No, there is no quota for Employment Pass applications in Singapore. However, the Ministry of Manpower has specific criteria that applicants must meet, such as educational qualifications, work experience, and salary requirements.

Employment Pass and S Pass:

What is Employment Pass and S Pass?

The Employment Pass and S Pass are work visas in Singapore that allow foreign professionals, managers, executives, and skilled workers to work in Singapore. The Employment Pass is for higher-skilled workers, while the S Pass is for mid-level skilled workers. Both passes require a job offer from a Singapore employer.

What is the difference between S Pass and Employment Pass?

The key differences between the S Pass and the Employment Pass are the eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, and quota restrictions. The Employment Pass has higher eligibility requirements and salary thresholds than the S Pass, and there are also quotas for the number of S Pass holders a company can employ based on the sector it is in.

S Passes

What is S Pass?

The S Pass is a work visa in Singapore that allows mid-level skilled foreign workers to work in Singapore. The pass requires a job offer from a Singapore employer and has specific criteria that applicants must meet, such as educational qualifications, work experience, and salary requirements.

How to apply for S Pass in Singapore?

To apply for an S Pass in Singapore, the employer must submit an online application to the Ministry of Manpower. The application should include the candidate’s educational qualifications, work experience, and salary details. The processing time for the application is usually three weeks.

How to renew S Pass in Singapore?

To renew an S Pass in Singapore, the employer or appointed employment agent must submit an online application through the Ministry of Manpower’s website. The renewal application requires various documents, such as the applicant’s passport, educational certificates, and employment contract.

When to renew S Pass?

An S Pass in Singapore is typically valid for one to two years and should be renewed before it expires. The Ministry of Manpower usually sends a notification to the employer or appointed employment agent a few months before the pass expiration date.

How to check S Pass status?

The S Pass status can be checked through the Ministry of Manpower’s website. The employer or authorized third party should have the candidate’s passport number and application number to check the status.

How to apply S Pass from Work Permit?

To apply for an S Pass from a Work Permit in Singapore, the employer should complete the online application form, which requires them to submit details about the employee’s qualifications, work experience, and salary. If the employee meets the eligibility criteria, the Work Permit will be canceled, and the S Pass will be issued.

Work Permits

How to apply for Work Permit in Singapore?

To apply for a Work Permit in Singapore, the employer must submit an online application to the Ministry of Manpower. The application should include the candidate’s passport details, educational qualifications, work experience, and salary details. The processing time for the application is usually three weeks.

How to check Work Permit application status?

The Work Permit application status can be checked through the Ministry of Manpower’s website. The employer or authorized third party should have the candidate’s passport number and application number to check the status.

How to check Work Permit status?

The Work Permit status can be checked through the Ministry of Manpower’s website. The employer or authorized third party should have the candidate’s Work Permit number to check the status.

Other Related Questions

What Is IPA Letter?

An In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is a document issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore, which serves as a temporary work visa for foreign workers. It confirms that the individual has been approved to work in Singapore and must be produced when collecting the work pass.

How to check IPA status?

The In-Principle Approval (IPA) status can be checked through the Ministry of Manpower’s website. The employer or authorized third party should have the candidate’s passport number and application number to check the status.

What is an IPA letter? How to check IPA status?

An IPA letter is a letter issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to an applicant for a work pass in Singapore. It stands for “In-Principle Approval” and is valid for six months. It allows the applicant to enter Singapore and have their pass issued. To check the status of an IPA letter, the employer or employment agent can check the status of the application using their SingPass account on the MOM website.

How To Live In Singapore Without A Job?

To live in Singapore without a job, you can apply for a long-term visit pass or dependant pass if you have a spouse, parent, or child who is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. Alternatively, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. It is also possible to visit Singapore on a tourist visa, but you will need to leave the country periodically to comply with immigration rules.

How to check MOM blacklist?

To check if a foreign worker is blacklisted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the employer or employment agent can check the “Employment Status” of the worker using their SingPass account on the MOM website. The MOM may blacklist foreign workers who violate Singapore’s employment laws, such as working without a valid work pass or engaging in illegal employment activities.

Foreigner Working in Singapore

Can Student Pass work in Singapore? ie Can a Student Pass holder work in Singapore?

Student Pass holders are allowed to work part-time for up to 16 hours per week during school term and full-time during school breaks.

Can Dependant Pass work in Singapore? ie Can a Dependent Pass holder work in Singapore?

Dependent Pass holders can only work in Singapore if they obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) first. New criteria has been set by MOM for Dependent Pass holders to obtain an LOC.

Can Long Term Visit Pass work in Singapore? ie Can a Long Term Visit Pass holder work in Singapore?

Long-Term Visit Pass holders need a Letter of Consent from MOM in order to work. The Long-Term Visit Pass holder’s sponsor also needs to meet certain criteria.

Can Long Term Pass work in Singapore? ie Can a Long Term Pass holder work in Singapore?

Long-Term Singapore Work Pass holders, such as Employment Pass and S Pass holders, are allowed to work in Singapore without the need for an additional permit.

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