Requirements for changing from LOC to EP

A Letter of Consent (LOC) allows a Dependant’s Pass (DP) holder or an LTVP/LTVP+ holder who is the spouse or unmarried child of a Singaporean or permanent resident to work in Singapore legally.

However, the main constraint of the LOC is that the validity of the LOC is tied to the validity of the DP, which in turn, is tied to the validity of the main work pass. If the main work pass is cancelled, the DP will be cancelled as well, which will result in the LOC being cancelled too.

So many LOC holders may want to consider changing from a LOC to an EP due to the stability of an EP over a LOC. However, there are certain requirements to meet to qualify for an EP.

Requirements for an Employment Pass (EP)

  • There must be a job offer in Singapore
  • There is a minimum monthly salary requirement of at least $5,000. Older and more experienced candidates will require higher salaries to qualify for an EP, up to $10,500 for candidates in their mid-forties.
  • Candidates must have qualifications from recognised institutions. MOM does not accept qualifications from unaccredited institutions. 
  • Candidates must possess the relevant professional working experience and specialised skill sets.
  • Candidates are encouraged to use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to get an indication of whether they meet the EP requirements. If the SAT result shows that the candidate is not eligible, then the candidate should not proceed to apply for the EP because the application will be rejected. If the SAT result shows that the candidate is eligible, then the chance of getting the EP will be around 90%.
  • Processing time for EP is around 3 to 8 weeks.
Comparing to the Employment Pass, the application for a LOC is much simpler and direct. The requirements are also easier to fulfil as compared to an EP application.
  • The DP holder must be a business owner of a ACRA registered business.
  • There is no minimum salary required.
  • There is no requirement for qualifications from recognised institutions.
  • There is no requirement for professional working experience and specialised skill sets.
  • The LTVP, LTVP+ or Dependant’s Pass must be valid for at least 3 months.
  • Processing time for LOC is around 4 weeks (1 week to request for MOM to allow the LOC submission and 3 weeks for MOM to review the LOC application).
  • To renew the LOC, the business will need to hire at least one Singaporean / Permanent Resident who earns at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary (currently at $1400) and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months.

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