Applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore can be a crucial step for both foreign professionals and companies seeking global talent. However, even with a seemingly strong profile, applications can get rejected by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These rejections are often frustrating, especially if you’re unsure of what went wrong.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 7 reasons why Employment Pass applications are rejected and what you can do to avoid them — or appeal effectively. If you’re facing challenges, consider engaging a professional Employment Pass application services firm in Singapore to guide you through the process.
✅ 1. Insufficient Salary Based on Role and Experience
One of the most common reasons for rejection is that the declared salary does not meet the minimum criteria or is not aligned with market benchmarks for the job role.
MOM’s Minimum Salary Requirements (2025):
- SGD 5,000 minimum for younger applicants
- SGD 5,500 – 10,000+ for older, more experienced candidates or those in the financial sector
💡 Tip to Fix: Benchmark the offered salary against market rates using MOM’s guidelines or tools like the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). If the salary is too low, consider revising the compensation package before reapplying.
✅ 2. Poor Academic Qualifications or Unrecognised Institutions
While Singapore does not have an official list of approved universities, MOM gives weight to qualifications from reputable institutions. Degrees from lesser-known or unaccredited institutions — especially online degrees — often result in rejections.
💡 Tip to Fix: If the educational qualifications are questionable, it helps to provide:
- Transcripts
- Course outlines
- Certifications from reputable industry bodies
In borderline cases, experience can sometimes compensate, but a well-written justification is essential.
✅ 3. Job Role and Applicant Background Mismatch
MOM reviews the relevance of the applicant’s background to the job role. If there’s a mismatch between qualifications, past work experience, and the job description, this raises red flags.
Example: A candidate with a background in marketing applying for a software engineer role will likely be rejected.
💡 Tip to Fix: Align the job scope with the applicant’s resume. If needed, rewrite the job description to better reflect the applicant’s skills or reassign the candidate to a more relevant role.
✅ 4. Weak Employer Profile or Company Track Record
Companies with a limited operating history, low revenue, or those seen as “shell companies” may face difficulties in getting EPs approved. MOM wants to ensure that the hiring company is genuine and capable of supporting foreign talent.
💡 Tip to Fix:
- Ensure your company profile is up-to-date with ACRA.
- Provide evidence of business activity such as contracts, revenue statements, or future plans.
- Engage an EP application specialist to strengthen your case with proper documentation.
✅ 5. COMPASS Framework Scoring Below 40 Points
Starting from 2023, all new EP applications are subject to the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted. To be approved, applications must score at least 40 points based on criteria such as:
- Salary
- Qualifications
- Diversity in the company
- Support for local employment
Many applicants get rejected because they fail to meet this threshold.
💡 Tip to Fix:
- Use the MOM COMPASS calculator to evaluate your score.
- Improve diversity or local hiring ratios.
- Adjust salary or find applicants with stronger qualifications.
Professional agencies can help simulate COMPASS scores and identify weaknesses in the application.
✅ 6. Incomplete or Inconsistent Documents
Even strong applications can be rejected if documents are missing, incomplete, or contain inconsistencies. MOM verifies every detail — especially in qualifications and employment history.
Common issues:
- Missing degree certificates
- No English translations
- Conflicting employment dates
💡 Tip to Fix:
- Double-check that all documents are consistent, clear, and certified (if required).
- Always provide English translations for foreign documents.
- Include a cover letter summarizing key qualifications and addressing potential concerns.
✅ 7. High EP Rejection Rate in the Company
MOM also considers the hiring company’s track record with EP applications. If a company has had multiple rejections or hires a disproportionately high number of foreign staff compared to locals, this may raise compliance issues.
💡 Tip to Fix:
- Improve local hiring and upskilling efforts.
- Provide a justification letter explaining the need to hire a foreign professional over local candidates.
- Ensure that your internal HR process is transparent and fair.
✅ What Should You Do If Your EP Application Was Rejected?
First, don’t panic. A rejection doesn’t mean the end of the road. Many EP applications are approved on appeal with stronger supporting documents and clearer justifications.
Step-by-Step Recovery Plan:
- Review the Rejection Reason – MOM provides a brief explanation.
- Evaluate the Application – Look at salary, qualifications, and job match.
- Fix the Weaknesses – Revise the job offer, salary, or documents as needed.
- Submit an Appeal – Within 3 months from the rejection date.
- Engage a Professional – An experienced EP consultant can help assess the case, advise on revisions, and handle the appeal process.
✅ Why Work With an Employment Pass Application Services Company?
Hiring a professional team to handle your EP application significantly increases your approval chances. Here’s how they can help:
- Eligibility Evaluation: Check salary, qualifications, and COMPASS points
- Document Preparation: Ensure completeness and consistency
- Appeal Support: Draft persuasive letters and submit proper justification
- MOM Liaison: Communicate directly with MOM on your behalf
- Speed and Efficiency: Avoid delays due to incorrect or missing items
Our company has helped hundreds of professionals and employers in Singapore get their EP applications approved — even in complex or high-risk cases.
✅ Let Us Help You Get Approved
Whether your Employment Pass application was recently rejected, or you’re applying for the first time, we can guide you through every step of the process.
✅ Initial Eligibility Check
✅ COMPASS Scoring Simulation
✅ Document Review & Submission
✅ Appeals for Rejected Applications
✅ Renewals & Cancellations
Let our team of professionals help you navigate the Employment Pass system with confidence.
✅ Final Thoughts
Employment Pass applications can be tricky, especially with the evolving regulations under MOM’s COMPASS framework. Understanding the common reasons for rejections and addressing them early can save you time, money, and stress. Don’t risk your future in Singapore over technicalities — get expert support and make your EP journey a successful one.