Frequently Asked Questions
Upgrading to a Higher-Tier Work Pass
To upgrade, enhance your skill sets and education level. This enables you to command a higher income and an education certificate that would meet the prerequisites of the work pass criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore.
Upgrading to a S/E-Pass opens the gateway to higher income potential. Moreover, many work permit holders who transition to S/E-Pass status become eligible to apply for Singapore PR, providing enhanced opportunities for long-term residency and stability.
There are a few reasons why you may not be eligible for an S-Pass / E-Pass even if you have been working here for a long time:
- You are only holding an SPM Certificate and below. Having no recognized education certificate will not allow you to meet the MOM Work Pass Upgrade Criteria.
- You do not meet the minimum salary income. Upgrading yourself with a recognized certificate will help you not only command higher pay and skillsets but also unlock more opportunities.
Types of Work Passes
Singapore offers various work passes, including the Work Permit, S-Pass, and Employment Pass, each designed for different skill levels and income requirements.
The primary distinction between S-Pass and E-Pass is the worker’s skill, education, and income level. S-Pass is for mid-skilled workers with lower salary requirements, while E-Pass is for higher-skilled professionals with higher income and education prerequisites.
To upgrade from a Work Permit to an S-Pass, you must meet specific criteria such as the minimum salary ($3,150) and a recognized diploma certificate.
To upgrade from a Work Permit to an E-Pass, you must meet the specific income criteria of $5,000 with a bachelor's degree. Candidates must also pass the COMPASS Framework Criteria with at least 40 points.
Yes, Malaysians typically have a lower qualifying salary range for both S-Pass and E-Pass application. This varies based on several factors. For precise details, consult official sources. Book an appointment now.
Work Permit Upgrade FAQs
Upgrading your work permit to an S-Pass or E-Pass not only offers potential PR eligibility, job security, and increased opportunities for higher earnings but also provides enhanced employment benefits, greater flexibility in job opportunities, and improved career advancement prospects in Singapore.
Meeting the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements can be challenging, however Immigration experts like Kenneth & Co can help you simplify the process to ensure a smoother transition in your upgrading journey.
Collaborating with your prospective employer is crucial, as that is the first step to kick off your application. The Ministry of Manpower then evaluates each applicant based on various criteria, with both the individual's and the hiring company's credentials assessed. However, Kenneth & Co can offer guidance to meet MOM eligibility requirements in the process of upgrading your work permit.
To upgrade, improve your qualifications and income to fulfill the criteria for S-Pass or E-Pass. All candidates must hold either a MOM-recognized diploma or a bachelor's degree.
By elevating your educational qualifications, you acquire valuable skills, which can potentially lead to increased compensation and fulfill the educational level requirements necessary to qualify for an S-Pass or E-Pass.
Benefits of S-Pass and E-Pass
Benefits include higher compensation, eligibility for a Dependent Pass, and the possibility of applying for PR.
No, Work Permit holders cannot apply for PR directly. The first step is to upgrade to an S-Pass or E-Pass.
For a Work Permit to convert to a PR in Singapore, they will need to enhance their qualifications by obtaining a Recognized Diploma certificate by MOM (Ministry of Manpower).
There is no definite timeline for a work permit to become a PR in Singapore. However, on average, our clients typically secure their S-Pass/E-Pass within 12-18 months (about 1 and a half years). Check out our case studies for more information.
While there's no guarantee, completing the program can meet the educational requirement necessary for an upgrade of an S-Pass or E-Pass. As a form of assurance, many of our candidates have successfully upgraded to an S/E-Pass Holder using our provided solutions.
Support and Certification
While our firm doesn't directly oversee the S/E Pass application process, as it is typically managed by your employer, we are committed to providing comprehensive guidance. Our services include assisting in quota calculations, facilitating employer negotiations, and offering recommendations for alternative job opportunities that align with S/E Pass criteria. Rest assured, your application process will benefit from our robust support and specialized expertise.
Upon successful completion of your course, you will be awarded a Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Master’s Degree certificate—depending on the program and institution you’ve chosen. These qualifications are issued by globally recognized universities and can be provided in both physical and digital formats, based on your preference.
This certificate is duly recognized by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, as we exclusively partnered with schools that meet the qualifications for upgrades based on Singapore's immigration policies.
At Kenneth & Co., we do not provide job placement services for our students. However, our affiliated sister company offers recruitment services that may assist you in securing a job, depending on job availability in your sector and the specific job scope. Nevertheless, we can offer guidance on how to enhance your candidacy in the job market.
Getting Started & Consultation
For assistance, please reach out to our customer service team via email at info@kennethac.com or by calling our hotline at +65 6970 1392. Our team will typically respond to your inquiries within 2-4 working days. Thank you!
To get started, you can simply sign up through the forms on our website. We'll contact you within 1-3 working days and schedule an initial consultation to understand your needs and guide you through the next steps. Book an appointment now.
No, consultations are completely free of charge. To receive a complimentary profile assessment, simply schedule an appointment with us. Book an appointment now.
We open appointment slots for the next 2 weeks. We recommend securing your appointment at least three days in advance for your convenience as there are limited slots available.
Feel free to reschedule your appointment by reaching out to the consultant who initially contacted you, click the reschedule button in our emails, or simply schedule a new appointment directly with us here.
All our consultations are conducted in English and Mandarin. Tagalog is also available in the Philippines.