What the IPA gives you.
MOM sends an in-principle approval (IPA) letter when the Employment Pass application is approved. For a standard EP application, the IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa that gives the candidate six months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued.
The IPA also tells you whether a medical examination is required after arrival. Treat the letter as the case-specific instruction sheet: check the candidate's name, passport details, pass type, validity and any conditions before arranging travel.
Use the actual IPA and the current MOM issuance instructions. A renewal or sponsorship route can have different timing and submission requirements.
Prepare the landing, not just the flight.
The candidate should carry a copy of the IPA and follow the latest travel requirements. Once in Singapore, complete any medical examination stated in the IPA before the employer submits the issuance request.
Confirm the candidate, employer, pass type and expiry date match the approved case.
Make sure the travel date leaves enough time for medical checks, issuance and any registration appointment.
Collect the candidate's Singapore contact and residential details and confirm they meet the applicable housing requirements.
Keep the passport, arrival details, medical result or declaration and employer declaration ready where required.
Issue while the candidate is in Singapore.
The candidate must be in Singapore when the employer or appointed employment agent carries out the issuance steps in EP eService. Provide the required details, upload any documents requested and pay the applicable fees.
$105
The application fee is paid when the EP application is submitted.
$225
The issuance fee is paid for each pass when the pass is issued.
$30
Multiple Journey Visa fee where the candidate's case requires it.
The issuance request may require passport details, Singapore contact details, current immigration or Short-Term Visit Pass details, residential address, card delivery address and details of authorised card recipients.
Read the notification letter.
After the pass is issued, the employer and candidate receive a notification letter by email. A valid notification letter allows the candidate to start work and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card. It is currently valid for one month from the date of issue.
The letter will state whether fingerprint and photo registration is required. If it is required, the candidate must complete registration at the Employment Pass Services Centre within two weeks after the pass is issued.
If registration is required
Book the appointment and have the candidate bring the original passport, appointment letter, notification letter and a mobile phone with a local number.
Digital pass
After registration, the candidate can set up Singpass and SGWorkPass to view the digital work pass and employment information.
Card delivery
MOM's current guidance says the card is delivered within five working days after fingerprint and photo registration or document verification.
Delivery problem
If delivery is unsuccessful twice, follow MOM's current collection instructions for the candidate or authorised recipient.
Turn issuance into a good start.
Immigration steps are only one part of onboarding. Give the employee a clear first-week plan and keep the HR record aligned with the issued pass.
Record
Save the IPA, notification letter, pass details and expiry date in the employer's secure HR system.
Confirm
Check the employee's role, salary, work location and reporting line against the approved employment arrangement.
Set up
Arrange payroll, bank account support, equipment, access and the internal policies needed for the role.
Explain
Tell the employee how to access SGWorkPass and who to contact if their personal or employment details change.
Review
Set a reminder to review the pass, passport and employment details well before the next renewal window.
Common delays to avoid.
- Reading only the approval email. The IPA contains the instructions and conditions that matter for the individual case.
- Arriving too close to the deadline. Medical checks, address details and issuance all need time.
- Issuing before the candidate arrives. The candidate must be in Singapore for the standard issuance process.
- Assuming every candidate needs biometrics. Check the notification letter; registration is required only where stated.
- Forgetting the notification letter window. A valid letter supports work and travel while the card is pending, but it is not an open-ended replacement for the card.
FAQ
How long does an EP IPA give the candidate to enter Singapore?
For a standard EP application, MOM currently states that the IPA gives the candidate six months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued. Check the actual IPA for the case-specific instruction.
Can the candidate start work before receiving the physical card?
Yes, a valid notification letter allows the candidate to start work and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the card. The candidate should also set up the digital work pass when instructed.
Does every EP holder need fingerprint and photo registration?
No. Check the notification letter. Registration is required only if the letter says it is needed, and it should be completed within two weeks after issuance.
What happens if the IPA or notification letter deadline is close?
Do not assume an extension is available. Check the current MOM process immediately and prepare the supporting explanation or medical information requested by MOM.
Is issuance the same as renewal?
No. First issuance follows the approved IPA and arrival process. Renewal has its own timing and eligibility checks, including the requirement to complete issuance before the relevant deadline.
References.
This guide is general information for employers. IPA validity, fees, registration steps and processing practices can change.