Employment Pass (EP) candidates must clear a two-stage framework: meet the EP qualifying salary (Stage 1) and score at least 40 points on the points-based COMPASS (Stage 2), unless exempted. One of the four foundational COMPASS criteria is C2: Qualifications. This article sets out what the official MOM and ICA pages say about C2 scoring, verification proof requirements, S Pass qualification rules, and PR eligibility for pass holders — and where the official sources stop short of prescribing specific agencies, timelines, or fees.
EP Eligibility Framework in Brief
- Stage 1 — Salary: Candidates must earn a fixed monthly salary at or above the EP qualifying salary, which varies by sector (all sectors except financial services, or financial services) and rises with age from age 23. The current minimums are $5,600 (all sectors except financial services) and $6,200 (financial services), with higher thresholds taking effect for new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028.
- Stage 2 — COMPASS: Candidates who meet Stage 1 must score ≥ 40 points on COMPASS, unless exempted (fixed monthly salary ≥ $22,500; overseas intra-corporate transferee; role for 1 month or less). COMPASS has four foundational criteria (C1–C4) and two bonus criteria (C5, C6).
COMPASS C2: Qualifications — Points Breakdown
The official MOM eligibility page defines three bands for C2:
| Candidate’s qualifications | Points |
|---|---|
| Degree-equivalent qualifications from top-tier institutions: Top 100 universities per QS World University Rankings, other highly-reputed Asian universities, Singapore’s Autonomous Universities, or institutions highly-recognised in a particular field and endorsed by a relevant agency | 20 |
| Other degree-equivalent qualifications: Foreign qualifications assessed as comparable to a UK bachelor’s degree (MOM references UK ENIC); professional qualifications well-recognised by industry and endorsed by a relevant sector agency; foreign qualifications awarded by local private education institutions (PEIs) that meet MOM’s criteria | 10 |
| No degree-equivalent qualifications | 0 |
Candidates without degree-equivalent qualifications can still pass COMPASS by earning ≥ 40 points from the other criteria.
When Verification Proof Is Required
The official page states: “If you need points from this criterion, you have to submit verification proof together with your candidate’s qualifications in your EP application. Otherwise, you do not need to submit your candidate’s qualifications and verification proof.”
The page links to a separate “Documents required” page for “changes to verification requirement,” but the eligibility page itself does not:
- Name any specific verification agency (e.g., CHSI, CDGDC, Dataflow)
- Prescribe a step-by-step process for obtaining verification
- Publish processing timelines or fee schedules
- Distinguish between Chinese degrees and degrees from other countries in the verification rule
The lists of top-tier institutions and degree-equivalent professional qualifications are updated once a year.
S Pass: Qualifications Are Optional
For S Pass, the official eligibility page says: “Declaring qualifications is optional.” If an employer declares a candidate’s qualification, the employer is responsible for ensuring it is authentic and was awarded by an accredited institution in the application form’s drop-down list. No COMPASS framework applies to S Pass; the qualifying salary is a separate age-progressive threshold (current minimum $3,300 for all sectors except financial services, $3,800 for financial services, rising from 1 January 2027).
PR Eligibility for EP / S Pass Holders
The ICA “Becoming a Permanent Resident” page lists “Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass” as one eligibility category. The applicant submits the application via the ICA e-Service using Singpass. ICA states it “takes into account factors such as the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency” but does not publish the weightings or detailed criteria. The page also notes that all fees are non-refundable (S$100 at submission; S$20 for Entry Permit, S$50 for 5-year Re-Entry Permit, S$50 for Identity Card at completion). Processing time is “within 6 months, provided all required documents are submitted and are in order; some applications may take longer.”
What the Official Sources Do Not Specify
- No official page names CHSI (Xuexin), CDGDC, or Dataflow as mandated or approved verification channels.
- No official page publishes verification processing times (e.g., “10–20 working days,” “25–35 working days”).
- No official page publishes verification fees.
- No official page states that a Dataflow report is “MOM-mandated” or required for PR/GIP applications.
- No official page provides a time-and-cost comparison table for verification methods.
- No official page says that three-year Chinese diplomas (大专) are or are not degree-equivalent under C2; the rule is framed around “degree-equivalent qualifications” assessed against the UK bachelor’s benchmark or endorsement by a relevant agency.
- No official page addresses re-use of prior verification reports when changing employers.
Practical Implications for Applicants
- If your institution is on the top-tier list: You can claim 20 C2 points, but you must still submit verification proof with the application.
- If your institution is not on the top-tier list: You may still claim 10 points if your qualification is assessed as comparable to a UK bachelor’s degree (MOM references UK ENIC) or meets the professional-qualification or PEI routes. Verification proof is required to lock in those points.
- If you cannot obtain degree-equivalent recognition: You score 0 on C2 and must reach 40 points via C1 (Salary), C3 (Diversity), C4 (Support for local employment), and any bonus criteria (C5 Skills bonus, C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus).
- Employers should use the enhanced Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check a candidate’s eligibility before applying.
- For PR: Verified credentials may strengthen the profile, but ICA does not mandate a specific verification report or agency.
Official References
- MOM — Eligibility for Employment Pass (COMPASS framework, C2 scoring, verification proof requirement, qualifying salary tables, exemptions)
- MOM — Key facts on Employment Pass (pass duration, renewal, family passes, no quota/levy)
- MOM — Eligibility for S Pass (qualifying salary by age/sector, qualifications optional, Self-Assessment Tool)
- MOM — S Pass quota and levy requirements (DRC by sector, S Pass sub-quota, levy rate $650 from 1 September 2025)
- ICA — Becoming a Permanent Resident (eligibility categories including EP/S Pass holders, assessment factors, fees, processing time, Singpass requirement, National Service liability)
