Renewing an Employment Pass

What MOM checks at renewal

Because the tests are re-run, a pass issued before COMPASS began on 1 September 2023 met it for the first time when it was renewed for an expiry from 1 September 2024. A candidate who passed comfortably two or three years ago can also come out differently now: the C1 benchmarks, the top-tier institution list and the Shortage Occupation List are all republished each year, and the employer's own diversity and local-employment figures move. COMPASS explained lists what changes when.

Which tables a renewal is judged on

Financial services has its own, higher qualifying-salary scale on the same dates. The COMPASS calculator asks when the pass expires and applies the matching column of each table, which is the quickest way to see whether a salary that passed last time still does.

Timing and the renewal steps

1. 1

   Open the window

   From 6 months before expiry (3 months for EP Sponsorship). MOM: the new validity “will not be reduced or lost when you renew early”, and up to six months of remaining validity is added on.

2. 2

   Update the company's details

   MOM asks employers to make sure the organisation's turnover information for the past 3 years is up to date before submitting.

3. 3

   Submit through myMOM Portal

   Processed or given an update within 10 business days; EP (Sponsorship) renewals within 6 weeks for most cases, on MOM's form.

4. 4

   Get the pass issued

   A successful renewal brings an in-principle approval valid for 3 months. The pass must be issued (S$225) before the IPA or the current pass expires, whichever is first — otherwise MOM imposes an overstaying fine. The renewed pass runs from the day the current one expires.

Changing jobs, or missing the deadline

• Renewal is for the same employer. A move to a new employer is a new application by that employer — see how an EP application works. MOM notes a qualification already verified need not be verified again.
• MOM: “If you miss the deadline, you need to apply for a new pass.”
• If the salary will fall below the qualifying salary that applies on the renewal date, the rules give no margin: Stage 1 is a floor, not a factor. Check it well before the window opens.

Renewal and permanent residence

MOM and ICA decide separately. A PR application does not extend an EP, and an EP renewal is not affected by a pending PR application, so the pass needs renewing on time whatever stage the PR application is at. EP holders thinking about PR can start with Employment Pass to PR.