For US citizens looking for work, Singapore is a busy global commercial city with lots to offer, but getting the proper work visa in Singapore is necessary.
Let’s explore more,
Work Visa in Singapore for US Citizens
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore provides a range of work visa alternatives,
1. Employment Pass (EP)
- The Employment Pass is designed for executives, managers, and professionals who are foreign citizens.
- Those who receive job offers for managerial or specialist positions usually receive it.
- To be eligible work visa in Singapore, candidates often need to have a professional qualification, specialized skills, or a strong university degree, in addition to earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,000.
2. S Pass
- Technical workers with a mid-level of ability can use the S Pass.
- It is frequently awarded to employees with a degree or diploma and has a minimum monthly wage requirement of SGD 3,000.
- Before selecting a foreign candidate, employers must also show that they gave Singaporeans fair consideration.
163 American jobs in Singapore – CLICK HERE
3. EntrePass
- For international business owners who want to launch and run a company in Singapore, EntrePass is designed.
- This is the perfect visa for people who want to start creative, venture-backed businesses.
- Some requirements must be fulfilled by the company, including registering with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and proving the possibility of making a sizable economic contribution.
4. Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
- For foreign professionals working abroad or holders of high-income Employment Passes, there is an option called the Personalized Employment Pass.
- With its additional flexibility, the PEP is not employer-specific like the ordinary Employment Pass.
- Its eligibility rules are strict, though, and it has a high wage barrier.
Read: Which job has the highest demand in Singapore?
Eligibility Criteria for US Citizens
Before applying for a work visa in Singapore,
- Employment Pass Requirements
Applicants must get a job offer from a Singaporean company and meet the minimum wage criterion of SGD 5,000 per month to be eligible for an Employment Pass.
The candidate should also have the required qualifications, which are usually a college degree or professional certificates.
- S Pass Requirements
Mid-skilled workers making at least SGD 3,000 per month are eligible for the S Pass.
Typically, applicants must have several years of relevant job experience in addition to a degree or diploma in their specialty.
- EntrePass Requirements
The requirements to get an EntrePass are meeting certain investment or innovation milestones, proving that the business would boost Singapore’s economy, and having a workable business strategy.
The company has to register in Singapore as a private limited company.
- PEP Requirements
High-earning Employment Pass holders or foreign professionals with a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 18,000 are eligible for the PEP.
Since this pass is not linked to a particular employer, it offers more career flexibility.
Application Process and Required Documentation
- In Singapore, the majority of work visa applications are filed online through the website of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- Typically, employers or employment agencies apply on the applicant’s behalf.
- The MOM normally takes a few weeks to process an application after it is filed.
- A valid passport, copies of all relevant school transcripts, and a contract of employment are among the essential documents that applicants must submit.
- A work visa’s processing period can vary, usually taking 1 to 4 weeks.
- The cost of an application for an Employment Pass starts at about SGD 105, and if it is approved, there is an additional SGD 225 in fees. These fees also vary according to the type of visa.
Bottom Line
The first step for US citizens looking to search for professional prospects in Singapore’s vibrant city-state is to get a work visa in Singapore.
