Over the years, Singapore has seen a rise in the number of foreign workers entering the country. In 2023, foreign employment increased as these workers filled critical skill gaps. This surge has led to a higher demand of people applying for a S Passes, intensifying the competition.

At Kenneth & Co, our work pass solution specialists have observed a rising demand for S Passes with an increased queries from our clients on how they can apply for a S Pass from a work permit. This demand is driven by benefits such as higher wages, the ability to bring family members to Singapore, and a pathway to Permanent Residency eligibility. However, many of our clients are left wondering “How do I apply for an S Pass?” as they are new to the S Pass application process and are unsure of the necessary steps. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to apply for an S Pass in 2024.

What is a S pass?

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S Pass is a higher-tier work pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower, applied by your Employer. It is a pass issued to mid-level skilled foreign workers who have met the minimum qualifying salary.

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Unlike an E Pass, S Pass holders are subject to a levy and quota, which limit the number of S Pass holders employed by a company. Find out more about the difference between an E Pass and S Pass.  

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What are the criteria(s) to be eligible for S Pass?

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These are the following criteria to qualify for an S Pass in Singapore, as stated by MoM.:

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• Minimum Qualifying Salary - $3150 (which will progressively increase up to $4650 at age 45) as of September 1 Sep 2023 for new applicants and September 1, 2024, for re-applicants. However, from September 1 2025, the qualifying salary will be increased to at least $3300 (to be confirmed)  
  Note: The financial sector has a qualifying salary of an additional $500 more than stated above
   

• An ACRA recognised Educational Qualification. As of 2024, firms are increasingly cautious about employees' educational qualifications due to recent fraud cases involving fake credentials. Multinational corporations have been particularly affected, prompting many companies to verify the educational backgrounds of interviewees rigorously. This trend highlights the growing importance of genuine educational qualifications in today's job market.
   

• Your company is offering you an S Pass within quota. For service sectors, the total number of S Pass holders that can be hired is capped at 10% of the total workforce, compared to 15% for all other sectors.
   

• Levy is paid by employers. For service sectors, the monthly levy rate is $550. For every other sectors, it is $650 if they are hiring above 10% of the total workforce,

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Due to S Pass being subjected to a quota and a monthly levy, this makes applying for a S Pass competitive as a large workforce will be competing for the limited quota. However, there are many other criteria to assess your eligibility, and each person’s case is unique with differing factors such as age, nationality, and sector. You may access ICA’s Self-Assessment tool to find out if you’re eligible for a S pass or speak to one of our consultants to find out how you can start taking actionable steps to be eligible for a S Pass.  

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Benefits of S Pass  

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There are many benefits that come with the more difficult process of attaining an S Pass as compared to just staying as a Work Permit holder. Here are some of the benefits that are available to S Pass holders:  

• Dependent Privilege: Pass holders who have a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000, are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and children.  

Employers can submit the application together with the S Pass application or separately later.  

• Longer Validity – S Pass holder have a longer validity period of up to 2 more years, which can be renewed after a shorter period.  

• Permanent Residency Eligibility - Unlike work permit holders, S Pass holders are eligible to apply for a PR in Singapore.  

• Unlocking Job Opportunities - S Pass holders can access a wider range of job opportunities in Singapore, benefiting from the country's dynamic and diverse economy.

• Access to higher wages - S Pass holders often enjoy higher wages compared to work permit holders, reflecting their skills and contributions to the workforce.

Holding a S Pass is usually seen as the first step for many work permit holders who wish to establish their future here, as they would be able to bring in their family members into Singapore (when the required salary is met), reside in Singapore for a longer period, and unlock eligibility for a PR.

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How to get started with the S Pass application process?

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After establishing your eligibility for a S Pass after using the self–assessment tool or simply meeting all the requirements, you will first have to express to your employer your interest in applying for an S Pass.. However, if you do not initially meet the requirements, find out how you can unlock your eligibility by speaking to us. Our consultants are committed to providing you with solutions to help you achieve your goal.

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What documents are required for the S Pass application?

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S Pass requires 3 important documents for MoM to process your S Pass application. This is to validate your qualifications for your job in Singapore and provide MoM evidence of your hiring.  

1. Your Highest Educational Certificates  

2. In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.  

3. Company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority)  

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However, additional documents might be required for higher skilled professions such as Dentist, Lawyer, TCM practitioner..etc which must be given by a specific professional body.  

Employees of a food establishment will be required to submit a copy of the food shop license issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) with the validity period shown.  

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How to check your S Pass application status

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You’ve met all the criteria and your employer submitted your application form. Now it is time to wait for the outcome. If you are curious about the status of your application, simply go to ICA E-service's page.    

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The biggest difficulty to attaining an S Pass.
 

Many of our clients face a common issue of their company not having a quota to apply an S Pass for them. The S Pass is a policy to ensure local and foreign workforce are balanced. Having a work permit does not necessarily mean that your company will have the quota (S Pass) for you. For example, if you’re in the services sector. Your company with have a dependency ratio ceiling of 35%. However, the quota for an S Pass is capped at only 10%. This means you might have to compete with your work permit holder colleagues for the same S Pass.  

Dealing with an S pass rejection.  

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After applying for an S Pass, rejections can occur for reasons both within and beyond your control. Issues such as missing documents that fail to demonstrate your specialized skills are within your control. However, factors like not meeting the salary requirement or outdated employer information are often beyond your control.

It's essential to identify and rectify these issues before submitting an appeal, as unchanged applications will likely result in the same outcome. If you are unsure why your S Pass application was rejected, our expert consultants are available to help identify the possible reasons and guide you through the process. Often times, we have helped our clients buff up their personal professional capabilities and many have found new jobs opportunities that reflects their new profile with a new S Pass to show for it.

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How can we help?  

Consider seeking advisory with us to help navigate through your S Pass application seamlessly and accurately. If you do not initially meet the requirements, our consultants will consult you about the steps you can take to unlock the eligibility for a S Pass. Our consultants will be able to find gaps in your initial applications and help address them.  

One common issue our clients face is the lack of a recognised educational qualification. In Singapore, having a valid educational qualification is paramount for career progression, especially applying for a S Pass. Without it, competing against others in an increasingly competitive job market becomes challenging or even impossible. Our consultants can advise you on programs that are both time- and cost-efficient, allowing you to continue working while upgrading your skills simultaneously. Simply book a consultation with us.  

Conclusion  

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Undoubtedly, getting an S Pass may not be the easiest task but with proper research and advisory, an S Pass can be the first gateway to opening a future in one of the world’s safest and multiracial countries. Read here to find out some of the opportunities you may have missed as a work permit holder. The barrier to S pass has constantly been increasing as the government is changing policies to prioritise locals. However, foreign skilled workers will always be essential to keep Singapore’s economy vibrant. Start taking action today before the barrier once again increases.

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Disclaimer: All information provided is accurate as of 2024 and is intended for informational purposes only. Information and data may change after this date, and readers are encouraged to verify the accuracy and relevance of the information independently before making any decisions. The content provided by Kenneth & Co. does not constitute professional advice from the government, and readers are advised to consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance tailored to their individual circumstances. Kenneth & Co. disclaims any liability for any harm, loss, or inconvenience caused by the use of the information provided.

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