Singapore Work Visa for Indians

About Singapore Work Visa

Also known as the 'Valid Pass', a Singapore work visa is issued to foreign nationals as a valid employment document. Before we begin to understand this Singapore visa, here are a few key facts about the country.

Documents Required for a Singapore Work Visa for Indians

Here is a checklist of the documents required for a Singapore work visa.

Valid Passport

• Your passport's particulars page.
• If your name on the passport differs from the other documents submitted, you must provide an explanation letter and a supporting document (e.g. deed poll).

Company's Information

• The company's latest business profile details or
• Instant information registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Educational Qualification

• The employer must fill out the details mentioned as per the certificate on the portal.
• Verification proof (a screenshot of the verification portal) must be uploaded covering the following details:
• Verification portal's website address.
• All information entered in the verification portal, such as your full name, Date of birth, Date of graduation, Student identification number & the final page stating that you were awarded the certificate by the institution.
• Acceptable sources of verification proofs:
• Background screening companies
• Government/ awarding institution's verification portal
• OpenCerts portal

Note: Documents that are not acceptable:

• Educational certificates and documents certified by a public notary.
• School letters

Work Experience

If you are a first-time applicant who has applied through the MyCareersFuture portal (mandatory), you must provide documents mentioning the following details to the employer.

• Name of the company
• Country/ region of employment
• Occupation
• Period of employment
• Last drawn fixed monthly salary (basic monthly salary + fixed monthly allowance)

If you are an Intra-Corporate Transferee (an employee working at the branch/ affiliate/ subsidiary of the employing company), you must additionally provide an organisational chart.

Spouse Details

If your spouse is a Singapore citizen, PR or work pass holder, you will have to fill in the Spouse's Full Name and NRIC/ FIN details.

Types of Singapore Work Visa

A Valid Pass, also known as a Singapore Work visa, is issued to all foreign nationals who intend to work in Singapore. Let's have a look at the different Singapore work visa types.

How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa for Indians

The Singapore work visa must be applied for by the employer or an agent appointed by the employer. The application procedure has two stages: Pass Approval and Pass Issuance. Pass approval happens before your arrival in Singapore, and pass issuance happens upon arrival. For better understanding, the Ministry of Manpower has divided the application process into four steps.

Step 1: Before Applying

• The employer must advertise the job requirement on the 'My Careers Future' portal. The generated Job Posting ID will be required during the application procedure.
• Once the employer shortlists and selects you for the stated role, you must undergo a two-stage eligibility framework.
• Stage 1: Must meet the EP Qualifying Salary (i.e. at least USD 5000 for all sectors except financial services and USD 5500 for the financial services sector)
• Stage 2: Score 40 points to pass Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
• Once you have successfully cleared the framework, the employer must then collate the documents required for the application.

Step 2: Before Arrival

• Before your employer proceeds to apply for the application, they must get two documents in place:
• A signed employment contract between both parties (i.e., the employer and employee). It acts as a written consent to apply for the EP.
• A duly filled-in candidate form that enlists travel document details, contact details, work experience, educational qualifications, and membership or professional details.
• Once the employer has all the documents in place, they must log in to the Employment Pass (EP) Service, duly submit the application and pay the applicable fee of USD 105.
• After the successful completion and approval, an in-principle approval (IPA) letter is issued. IPA is a single-entry pre-approved visa that permits entry to Singapore. A copy of the IPA letter must be presented to the immigration officer after arrival. The letter is valid for 6 months, within which you must get your pass issued. The letter also mentions whether you are required to undergo a medical assessment.
• You must print the IPA letter before departure. At the same time, they must comply with the latest travel advisory issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore.

Step 3: Upon arrival

You must be in Singapore when you carry out these steps:

• The employer must log in again to the EP eService portal (within 6 months of IPA issuance) and submit the additional documents to get the pass issued.
• Once submitted, the employer must pay an additional fee for the issuance of the pass, USD 225 for each pass (USD 30 for Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable).
• Once the EP is issued, the employer and you will both receive an email notification (valid for one month). The letter received via email allows you to start work and travel in and around Singapore until the card is issued. The letter will also mention whether photo or fingerprint registration is required.
• If the letter states that registration is required, the employer must make an appointment (within 2 weeks) at the Employment Pass Service Centre (EPSC). You must carry your original passport, notification letter, and appointment letter for registration and document verification.
• Once the registration and verification are done, the card will be sent to your given address.

Step 4: As and When Required

These are a few situations that might arise after the pass is issued. The employer must complete the procedure accordingly.

• If the company's or your information changes, notify the Ministry of Manpower.
• If the pass is due to expire, apply for a renewal
• If the pass card is stolen, lost or damaged, apply for a replacement.
• If you are no longer working for the stated employer, apply to cancel the pass.

Note: For the issuance of Singpass, you must be a FIN holder.

Singapore Work Visa Fee

The Singapore work visa fee structure is as follows:

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of Singapore Work Visa for Indians?

You can request the employer to check your Singapore work visa status on your behalf or track it yourself. You can track your Singapore visa status online by following these steps.

• Visit the MOM page to Check a Work Pass. Select your preferred language and enter.
• You will be redirected to a page that states, "I want to check Pass Status and Salary". Click on Start.
• Fill in your date of birth and either your Foreign Identification Number or Passport Number.

Note: If your application is pending even after 10 days, ask your employer to check their email for any additional documents. They must submit the necessary documents accordingly to complete the process.