How to Improve Your Chances of EP Approval in Singapore

How to Improve Your Chances of EP Approval in Singapore

Singapore’s Employment Pass (EP) is a highly sought-after work visa for foreign professionals aiming to build their careers in the city-state. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the EP allows skilled individuals to work in executive, managerial, and specialized roles. While the demand for foreign talent remains strong, MOM has raised its standards for EP approval, especially with the implementation of frameworks like COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework).

With a growing number of applications facing rejections due to stricter scrutiny, understanding how to improve your EP approval chances is essential. Whether you’re a candidate or an employer, this article provides actionable strategies to strengthen your application and navigate the process confidently.

For expert guidance and seamless EP application services, consult https://employmentpassapplication.sg/, where experienced consultants can help you every step of the way.

1. Understand the Eligibility Requirements Thoroughly

Before applying, it’s important to confirm that the candidate meets the basic EP eligibility criteria. As of 2025, the key requirements are:

• A minimum monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (higher for older or more experienced applicants)

• A recognized degree or professional qualification

• A valid job offer from a Singapore-registered company

• A role that fits into PME categories (Professionals, Managers, Executives)

MOM will assess the application holistically, so it’s critical that all elements align.

2. Ensure Your Job Role Justifies the EP

One of the most common reasons for EP rejections is a vague or low-level job role that doesn’t justify foreign professional employment. To enhance your chances:

• Use specific job titles such as “Marketing Strategist” or “Data Engineer” instead of generic ones like “Executive”

• Provide a clear and detailed job description

• Emphasize responsibilities that require expertise, innovation, or leadership

• Highlight the value the foreign professional brings to the organization (e.g., multilingual skills, regional market experience)

The role must appear specialized and essential, not easily replaced by a local hire.

3. Benchmark the Salary Properly

While SGD 5,000 is the minimum salary for EP applicants, this is often insufficient for older or more experienced candidates. MOM expects salaries to align with industry norms and the applicant’s experience level.

Tips:

• Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check salary competitiveness

• Consider offering higher-than-baseline salaries to improve EP scoring under the COMPASS framework

• Ensure the salary reflects the seniority and market value of the job role

Undervalued salaries are red flags and may result in rejection.

4. Score Well Under the COMPASS Framework

Since September 2023, Singapore uses the COMPASS points-based framework to evaluate EP applications. Applicants must score at least 40 points across four foundational criteria:

1. Salary – relative to local norms in the same sector

2. Qualifications – degree accreditation and relevance

3. Diversity – nationality mix within the company

4. Support for Local Employment – the company’s record of hiring and developing locals

If you fall short in one area, you can compensate in another. To improve your score:

• Submit a recognized degree from top global institutions

• Work for companies that have diverse teams and strong local hiring records

• Ensure salary is well above the median for the role

Companies can also earn bonus points for contributing to strategic economic priorities or hiring mature local workers.

5. Provide Complete and Consistent Documentation

Inconsistent or missing documentation is a fast track to rejection. Ensure the following documents are accurate and aligned:

• Passport (clear, valid, and not expiring soon)

• Degree certificates and transcripts

• Resume/CV with matching work experience

• Job offer letter and employment contract

• Detailed job description

• Company ACRA Business Profile

All documents in non-English languages must be officially translated. Submitting incomplete files or conflicting details will delay processing or trigger rejection.

6. Avoid Overstating Qualifications or Experience

Honesty is crucial. Over-exaggerating your skills or submitting fake certificates will not only lead to rejection but may also blacklist you or the employer.

MOM often conducts random checks on:

• Educational qualifications

• Past employment history

• Employer legitimacy

Be transparent about your actual experience and credentials. If there’s any gray area, provide supporting documents like reference letters or project portfolios to strengthen your case.

7. Comply with the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)

MOM mandates that employers must give fair consideration to Singaporeans before hiring foreigners. To comply with the Fair Consideration Framework, companies should:

• Advertise the job on MyCareersFuture.sg for at least 14 days

• Document efforts made to recruit locals

• Provide legitimate reasons for hiring a foreigner (e.g., skill gaps, regional experience)

Failure to comply can result in automatic rejection and investigation into the company’s hiring practices.

8. Choose the Right Employer Profile

MOM assesses not just the applicant, but also the employer’s business profile. Companies with the following traits have higher approval chances:

• Stable business operations

• Positive compliance records with MOM and ACRA

• A balanced ratio of local to foreign workers

• Clear need for foreign talent in growth industries

Startups and small businesses must show sufficient business activity and proper hiring structure. Employers can bolster the application with organization charts, project plans, or business contracts.

9. Prepare for Appeal (If Necessary)

If your EP application is rejected, don’t panic. You may still appeal the decision within 3 months of rejection. However, appeals must be substantive — not just resubmissions of the same documents.

For an effective appeal:

• Address MOM’s rejection reasons specifically

• Provide additional evidence or clarifications

• Update salary or job scope where necessary

• Engage professional help to craft a strong case

https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ has helped many applicants overturn rejections through strategic and well-documented appeals.

10. Engage a Professional EP Consultant

Given the complexity of MOM’s guidelines and the evolving regulatory environment, many applicants benefit from working with a specialist EP consultant. A consultant will:

• Assess your eligibility under COMPASS

• Guide you through document preparation

• Ensure your application meets MOM’s current standards

• Handle appeals and follow-ups effectively

To avoid costly delays or rejections, many companies rely on https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ for end-to-end EP application support.

Conclusion

Improving your Employment Pass approval chances in Singapore involves more than just meeting the minimum criteria. MOM is looking for qualified individuals with strong job matches and responsible employers who support local hiring efforts. To stay competitive, applicants and employers must work together to present a transparent, compliant, and well-supported application.

Whether it’s optimizing your COMPASS score, crafting a stronger job description, or handling an appeal after rejection, professional advice can make all the difference. Don’t leave your EP application to chance—get in touch with https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ and make your move to Singapore a smooth success.