Are you thinking of working in Singapore? If so, you need a work visa. The Ministry of Manpower is the regulating body that issues the work permits. There are several work visas in Singapore. Most of them are issued based on the type of work the foreign worker will do in the country. One of these work visas is the S pass Singapore visa.
The S Pass work permit is given to the semi-skilled foreign employees. They are mid-skilled workers or those with an educational background that is more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree. This type of workers includes customer sales representatives, clerks, and electricians. If you are interested in working in Singapore as a mid-skilled worker, here is how you can avail an S pass Singapore visa.
Step 1 – Submit the S pass Singapore application
The first step is to submit the S pass work permit application. This is done by the employer who you will work for in Singapore. That is why you must seek a job in Singapore first. Once you get a job offer, the employer will log in to the myMOM portal and apply on your behalf. As the candidate, you must give written consent to your employer that enables them to apply for the work visa on your behalf.
During the S pass Singapore application process, the employer will supply the necessary information and upload the relevant documents. The employer will likely ask you to submit your documents as soon as you get the job, Thus, you must prepare them in advance.
After submitting the application and paying the S$105 fee, you will need to wait for approval. It usually takes up to three weeks depending on the case of the candidate. Once approved, the employer will print the in-principle approval (IPA) letter and send you your copy. The IP has a pre-approved single-entry visa for you to come to Singapore which will only be valid for 60 days. The rest of the S pass work permit steps should be done while you are in Singapore.
Step 2 – Request for S pass work permit
The next step is to request the S pass Singapore permit. Again, the employer is the one who will apply for this on your behalf. Aside from submitting the necessary documents via the portal, you will be asked to provide the delivery address where your S pass work permit card will be sent to you. It can be the office address or your home address.
Afterward, you need to nominate up to three authorized recipients for your card aside from you and your employer. You also need to supply their NRIC, FIN, or Passport number, mobile numbers, and email address. Once the S$100 fee is paid, your pass will be issued where you will have to print the notification letter. The notification letter contains the next steps to the S pass Singapore application and the needed documents.
Step 3 – Inscribe photo and fingerprints
If this is your first time applying for the S pass work permit or any Singapore work visa, you have to inscribe your photo and fingerprints to the office of the Ministry of Manpower. You will need to make an appointment to visit the MOM Services Centre – Hall C. You also need to bring the required documents. One of them is your original passport. You will be required to bring the appointment letter, notification letter, and the IPA. If there are documents listed on the IPA and the notification letter, you should also bring them along with your registration appointment. This should be done within a week after the S pass Singapore permit is issued.
Step 4 – Get the S pass Singapore card
The last step is getting the S pass work permit card. This will be delivered to you at the delivery address you indicated in the request. This is usually delivered 4 working days after you inscribe your photo and fingerprints. You, as well as your authorized recipients, will receive a delivery notification via SMS or email, one working day before the delivery day. You can also check your S pass Singapore delivery via the myMOM portal.
Work in Singapore
The S pass work permit is only one of the visas in Singapore that will enable you to work. Before applying for a work visa, make sure that you are eligible for that particular pass. That is why it is essential you learn which work pass applies to you.
