How to Apply for Singapore Training Employment Pass

As a diverse and international metropolis, Singapore has become one of the most vibrant and livable cities in the world, attracting countless dream-chasers with its stable political climate, dynamic business environment, comprehensive infrastructure, convenient regional transportation, and high-quality lifestyle.

If you are a recent graduate, lack specialized skills, have a low starting salary, or are a newcomer simply wanting to experience the work atmosphere of the island nation, are there other options besides the EP Pass, S Pass, and PEP Pass to work in Singapore? Of course, there is. Consider the TEP Pass!

What is the Training Employment Pass?

The Training Employment Pass (TEP) is a type of internship pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to current and recently graduated students for internships. TEP holders primarily work in sectors such as services, retail, hotel management, and food and beverage.

The TEP is generally valid for 3 months, includes an internship allowance, and provides accommodation (4-8 people per room, equipped with internet, air conditioning, furniture, etc.).

TEP holders coming to Singapore have the opportunity to benefit from a favorable learning environment designed for interns. Through supplementary training methods, their abilities in work, language, teamwork, and independent living are enhanced. Upon completion of the internship, interns will have opportunities for retention or to seek other employment in Singapore.

Training Employment Pass (TEP) Application Overview

Who is it for?

• Eligible foreign students or foreign trainees who wish to undergo training in Singapore.

Who applies?

• The TEP is applied for by the employer.

How long is the validity?

• Up to 3 months

Is it renewable?

• Not renewable

Can you apply for dependant passes?

– No, you cannot.

Does it require a Foreign worker levy or quota?

• No levy or quota is required.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Training Employment Pass (TEP)?

• Fixed monthly salary of S$3,000 or be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an acceptable institution.
• Hold a degree/diploma. If the applicant has not yet completed their educational program, a support letter from the educational institution is required, stating that the training is part of the degree/diploma curriculum.

If you are a foreign student or an intern at a Singapore office or subsidiary of an overseas company, you can apply for a Training Employment Pass.

If you are a foreign student, you need to meet the following conditions:

• The school curriculum must include a training internship in Singapore.
• You must be a student from the COMPASS list of institutions, or earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000.

If you are an intern from an overseas company’s office or subsidiary in Singapore, you need to meet the following conditions:

• A fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000.
• If you have previously held a TEP, you cannot apply for another one for the same type of training.

What if I am not eligible?

If you are not eligible to apply for a TEP, you can try:

• If you are a foreign student, consider applying for the Work Holiday Programme.
• If you are a foreign intern, consider applying for the Training Work Permit for semi-skilled or unskilled foreign trainees.

What Documents are Required to Apply for a Training Employment Pass (TEP)?

The following documents and information are required for a TEP application:

1. Employment Pass Application Form

The applicant must be sponsored by a reputable Singapore-registered company. The form must be stamped with the company seal and signed by both the applicant and an authorized person from the company.

2. A detailed training plan stating: training objectives, type of training, location of training, and duration of training.
3. Applicant’s educational diplomas and verification proof, including diplomas/degree qualifications from China or India, transcripts, and mark sheets.

Note: The employer is responsible for ensuring the applicant’s qualifications are authentic and from an accredited institution. When employers and employment agencies apply for passes for Chinese employees, they must first apply for degree verification through designated online platforms and then submit the proof online.

Also note: The three designated online platforms for Chinese students are Dataflow, the China Higher-education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC), and the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC).

4. Provide proof that the training the applicant is undertaking is part of a degree/diploma program, or a support letter from the educational institution stating that the training is part of the degree/diploma program.
5. A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant (taken within the last three months).
6. The personal particulars page of the applicant’s passport/travel document.

What is the Application Process for a Training Employment Pass (TEP)?

If an employer wishes to hire a university student or foreign intern for training in Singapore, the employer needs to apply online.

Who can submit the application? The employer

What are the fees? When submitting the application: S$105 per TEP. When the pass is issued: S$225 per pass, S$30 for each multiple-journey visa (if applicable).

How long does the application process take? Within 3 weeks in most cases.

Application Steps

1. The employer submits the application form, and MOM will respond with an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter or a rejection letter.
2. The applicant arrives in Singapore.
3. The employer applies for the TEP card issuance based on the Notification letter.
4. The applicant registers their fingerprints and photo as required.
5. The applicant or an authorized recipient receives the card.

Note:

• If the applicant’s existing visa in Singapore expires before the TEP is issued, the original visa cannot be extended.
• The applicant can only enter Singapore after the TEP is approved. The applicant does not need to be in Singapore when the employer applies for the TEP.

Online Application (eServices) Portal:

EP eService

Apply for or issue a pass online

To submit the application:

1. Obtain written consent from the applicant to apply for the TEP.
2. Enter the applicant’s qualification details correctly in the application form.
3. Log in to EP eService to fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
4. Before submitting the application, the employer needs to ensure the company’s turnover information for the past 3 years is updated.
5. Pay the S$105 fee for each application via GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.

Check application status

If more information or documents are needed, you will receive an email from MOM within 3 weeks.

Steps to submit documents: Click on “Work Passes” on the left menu > select the application record > select “Submit documents”. Alternatively, select “View details” to see what action you need to take.

Make an appointment to collect the card

If the TEP application is approved:

Print the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. Send a copy of the IPA to the applicant. The IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa that the applicant can use to enter Singapore. The applicant has 6 months to enter Singapore and get the card issued.

Steps to Collect the TEP Card:

The applicant must be in Singapore when you perform the following steps to get the pass issued.

1. Log in to EP eService on the myMOM portal and provide the required information and documents.
2. Pay the fees using GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex: S$225 per pass, S$30 for each multiple-journey visa.
3. Once the pass is issued, both the applicant and the employer will receive a notification letter via email.

The notification letter:

1. Allows the applicant to start work and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card.
2. States whether the applicant needs to register fingerprints and have a photo taken for the card.
3. Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. If the applicant needs more time to complete the card registration procedures, you can request an extension of the notification letter’s validity.

You will need the following information to get the pass issued:

• Applicant’s passport details
• Applicant’s Singapore contact details
• Details of the applicant’s current Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or other pass
• Applicant’s residential address in Singapore, which must comply with housing requirements
• A Singapore residential or office address to receive the applicant’s card
• Details of up to 3 authorized recipients (their mobile numbers and NRIC/FIN/Passport numbers)

You may also need to upload PDF copies of these documents:

• Applicant’s passport page showing the date of arrival in Singapore
• Completed medical examination form or medical declaration form
• Completed declaration form (attached to the applicant’s IPA letter). The employer should have this signed by an authorized HR personnel or an employee holding at least a managerial position.
• If your applicant is waiting for medical results and needs more time to get the pass, you can extend their STVP. Please submit this request 1 week before the STVP expires and upload a doctor’s memo stating the collection date for the medical results. Example: If the STVP expires on 10 February, please submit the request by 3 February.

Within 2 weeks after the TEP is issued, the applicant may need to register their fingerprints and photo (if required). The employer must make an appointment for the applicant to visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). Registration must be done within 2 weeks of issuance.

The applicant should bring the following documents to the appointment:

• Original passport
• Appointment letter
• Notification letter

Receiving the card

Timeframe: The card will be delivered to the specified address within 5 working days after registration or document verification.

If the applicant does not need to register, the card will be delivered within 5 working days after we have checked the documents.

The recipient will be notified via SMS or email at least 1 working day in advance of the delivery.

The employer or employment agency can also check the card delivery details in EP eService.

Download SGWorkPass to scan the QR code on the new card to check the pass status, expiry date, etc.

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