Avoiding Singapore EP Rejection: COMPASS and Education Guide

At a Glance

• COMPASS Scoring: You must secure at least 40 points for visa approval.
• Mandatory Education Verification: Degree verification through MOM-appointed agencies (like DataFlow) is essential.
• Higher Minimum Salary: Check the new sector-specific minimum salary requirements effective from 2025.

Once you've decided to relocate to Singapore for a new job or an expat assignment, the first major hurdle you'll face is the Employment Pass (EP) application. While there was a time when a decent salary and solid experience were enough, the introduction of the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) in September 2023 has made the checklist of required documents much more demanding.

I still remember the anxiety of receiving a request for additional documents because one piece of paperwork was incomplete when I first moved here. Recently, the process has become even longer due to the mandatory "Education Verification" step aimed at preventing academic fraud. For those preparing to move to Singapore in 2025 or 2026, here is a summary of the essential documents and tips you cannot afford to miss.

The COMPASS Scoring System: 40 Points for Approval

Securing a Singapore EP is no longer a matter of luck; you need a strategic approach based on the scoring rubric. You must earn at least 40 points across four foundational criteria (C1–C4) and two bonus criteria. Each category awards 0, 10, or 20 points. It is vital to calculate your potential score in advance.

• C1 Salary: Your score is determined by comparing your salary to the local benchmark for your age and sector. For example, while the minimum salary for a candidate in their early 20s in the general sector is SGD 5,000, a candidate in their mid-40s may need to earn up to SGD 10,500 to score points.

• C2 Qualifications: Graduates from "Top-tier" universities (such as SKY, KAIST, or POSTECH in Korea) automatically receive 20 points. A standard bachelor's degree earns 10 points. If your qualification score is low, you must make up for it in other categories.

• C3 Diversity: This looks at the share of your nationality among your company's PMET (Professional, Managerial, Executive, and Technical) employees. If the company already employs many people of your nationality, it may be harder to score points here.

• C4 Support for Local Employment: This evaluates how well the company supports local (Singaporean) hiring. Since this is beyond an individual's control, you should communicate closely with your company's HR team.

Education Verification: Start Early

One of the most surprising requirements for many is the "Verification Report." Previously, a scanned copy of your degree was sufficient. Now, you must submit a report from an MOM-approved third-party agency confirming the authenticity of your degree. This process takes longer than expected.

• Approved Agencies: DataFlow, RMI, and Verity Intelligence are the primary providers. DataFlow is the most commonly used. For Korean universities, once you submit your English graduation certificate, the agency contacts the university directly to verify its authenticity.

• Timeline and Cost: It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but I have seen it take up to 8 weeks depending on the university's academic calendar or verification procedures. Costs vary by agency but generally range between SGD 200 and SGD 300.

• Important Note: Your application may be rejected if the name on your passport differs by even a single letter from the name on your degree. If you have changed your name or use a different English spelling, prepare an English version of your Basic Certificate (showing the name change) or supporting documents in advance.

2025 Minimum Salary Benchmarks by Sector

The minimum salary requirement, a fundamental condition for visa approval, has been adjusted upward as of January 2025. Those in the financial services sector face even higher benchmarks, so be sure to double-check your offer letter.