Verity journal

Thinking of working in Singapore? The Employment Pass (EP) is your golden ticket—offering highly-skilled professionals a chance to live and work in one of Asia’s most vibrant economies. But here’s the catch: many applications get rejected due to avoidable mistakes.

If you’re applying (or reapplying), this guide will help you understand the top reasons EP applications are rejected—and how to avoid them to boost your chances.

1. Unverified Educational Qualifications

This is now the most common reason for rejection. As of 1 September 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) made it mandatory to verify all declared qualifications through an MOM-approved screening provider.

Failing to submit proof of verified education means automatic rejection—even if your qualifications are real.

How to Avoid This:

Use a trusted screening provider like Verity Intelligence,
one of 12 MOM-approved companies globally authorized to conduct Singapore Work Pass Education Checks.

We provide country-specific packages, so you can verify your degree based on where you studied:

• Verify Education from Australia
• Verify Education from India
• Verify Education from Malaysia
• Verify Education from the United Kingdom
• Verify Education from the USA
• Need another country? Request here

2. Unqualified or Non-Accredited Institutions

Even if your degree is real, it must be from an accredited institution recognized under MOM’s COMPASS framework. Degrees from unlisted or unaccredited universities (including online or offshore programs) may lead to rejections.

How to Avoid This:

Check if your institution is listed in MOM’s COMPASS portal. If you’re unsure, our verification process at Verity Intelligence will help assess and confirm your institution’s accreditation status.

3. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

Many applicants rush through the process and upload documents that are:

• Incomplete (e.g. missing transcripts)
• Mismatched (name discrepancies)
• Low-resolution or unreadable

These mistakes delay processing—and often result in rejection.

How to Avoid This:

Double-check before uploading. Ensure your documents match your passport details and are clear, complete, and readable. At Verity, our team helps verify document quality before final submission.

4. Employer Errors or Misrepresentations

Sometimes it’s not you—it’s your employer. Inaccurate job titles, inflated salaries, or unrealistic job descriptions that don’t align with your skills can cause MOM to flag the application.

How to Avoid This:

Work with employers who understand EP criteria. They must:

• Justify your salary based on role and industry
• Provide accurate job descriptions
• Submit proper company documents

5. Inadequate COMPASS Points

The new COMPASS framework scores your EP application based on:

• Salary
• Qualifications
• Diversity
• Company support

If your score is too low—especially in the education and salary categories—your application may not meet the threshold.

How to Avoid This:

Improve your COMPASS score by:

• Verifying your education to earn qualification points
• Applying for roles with higher salary brackets
• Targeting companies with diverse teams and strong local hiring practices

Read more about the COMPASS framework and how education verification helps you earn points.

Pro Tip: Get Verified Before Applying

Most delays (and denials) happen because applicants wait until the last minute to verify qualifications. Pre-verifying your degree shows your future employer you’re prepared—and gives you a faster, smoother EP process.

Ready to Get Verified?

At Verity Intelligence, we’ve helped thousands of applicants and employers navigate the Singapore EP process with confidence. We’re:

• MOM-Approved Screening Provider
• ISO 27001 Certified
• Trusted by over 1,000 companies
• Experts in fast, secure education verification

Start Your Education Check Now
Or chat with us on WhatsApp at +6012 2250 138 to get started.