Who submits and when
Eligible candidates can apply directly; employers and appointed EAs may apply for them. Only one work-pass application may be active per candidate, so another pending application prevents a ONE Pass submission. Prepare complete required evidence. Apply for family passes after approval; concurrent applications risk family fees if the main application is rejected.
Fee, processing and status
Submit the online form and pay S$105 by Visa or Mastercard. Most cases take four weeks; outstanding-achievement cases may require longer agency review. Check status after four weeks, respond directly to emailed requests and allow more time for added evidence. The outcome is emailed to the address in the form.
Employer and third-party submissions
A prospective employer can apply, but must inform the candidate of the form contents, documents and declarations and send a copy of the submitted form. After approval, the holder signs the declaration and supplies it at EPSC issuance. An authorised third-party provider that is not an EA may select the form’s applying-as-an-employment-agency option and enter NA for the EA licence number, as MOM specifically instructs. This is a form-filling direction for that authorised role, not a claim to hold an EA licence.
Prepare for arrival
After approval, print the IPA and comply with current travel requirements. Show the IPA to the immigration officer on arrival and complete any required medical examination. The IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa and normally gives six months to enter Singapore and issue the pass.
Issuance route and payment
Within six months of IPA, the holder must be in Singapore. Use EP eService if holding Singpass; otherwise book EPSC. Issuance is immediate. Pay S$225 plus an applicable S$30 visa fee. eService supports GIRO, Visa, Mastercard and Amex; EPSC also supports NETS and CashCard, with overseas card use enabled where needed.
Complete issuance checklist
Prepare original passport, any medical declaration and current STVP/immigration-pass details; SG Arrival Card information is in ICA’s acknowledgement email. Add IPA, completed ONE Pass declaration and any existing-pass cancellation email. Supply local mobile number, Singapore residential address, local delivery address and at least one recipient’s contact details for alerts if applicable.
Notification letter and start of work
After issuance, the notification letter allows work and travel in and out of Singapore while awaiting the card. It is valid for one month and states whether fingerprints and a photograph are required. Request an extension of the notification letter if more time is needed for registration. Approval of the application and issuance of the pass are separate stages.
Fingerprints, photograph and digital pass
If instructed, complete registration at EPSC within two weeks after issuance, by appointment. Bring the original passport, appointment letter, notification letter and phone with a local number and Singpass/SGWorkPass apps. Registration captures fingerprints and photo and sets up Singpass access. On registration day log into SGWorkPass to view the digital pass, status and employment information; set it up even where no registration visit is needed.
Card delivery
Delivery is normally within five working days after registration or document verification, including where fingerprints/photo are unnecessary. The recipient receives delivery details by SMS or email at least one working day beforehand. The candidate identifies themself with a passport or digital pass; an authorised recipient uses NRIC, FIN or passport. If the card is late, check that correct documents were uploaded and use the available delivery-status service.
After two failed deliveries
After two unsuccessful deliveries, the candidate or authorised person can collect at EPSC three working days after the second attempt, without an appointment. The candidate brings the original passport or digital pass and notification letter. An authorised collector brings authorisation from the holder, their NRIC or passport, the candidate’s original passport and notification letter.
Official source
Written independently from official MOM source material.