Client Background
A senior professional with over 13 years of experience in freight trading (but without a degree) reached out for advice before relocating to Singapore. He had been offered a role with a global trading firm (S$220K+ incentives), but local HR had expressed concerns about his eligibility due to the lack of a university degree.
His qualifications included:
- 13+ years of industry-specific experience
- A professional qualification from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
- No formal university degree
The Challenge: Misinterpretation of Employment Pass Requirements
Despite the high salary and seniority of the role, the client was told by the hiring company that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) required a formal academic degree, and that professional qualifications alone might not be accepted. This left him uncertain about whether to proceed, especially given that the role offer was contingent on EP approval.
There was confusion between MOM’s official guidelines, which allow for consideration of “professional qualifications or specialised skills,” and the internal HR interpretation, which suggested a blanket rejection without a degree.
Our Approach
We conducted a tailored assessment of the client’s eligibility for an Employment Pass based on:
- His salary package and COMPASS score
- The weight of his professional qualification in the context of his industry
- His substantial, specialised work experience
- His potential role scope and seniority
We also advised him on:
- The realistic salary threshold he would need to meet given the lack of a degree
- Additional supporting documentation to strengthen the application if the EP were to be filed
- How to engage with the employer’s HR team to correct misunderstandings about eligibility
If you want to see how COMPASS points are actually calculated — and what affects approval, see our Employment Pass guide section on Eligibility Criteria and COMPASS Framework.
The Outcome
The client received clarity and confidence regarding his eligibility and possible challenges. Our strategic guidance helped him move forward with discussions with the company, armed with accurate and up-to-date information to ensure his EP application would be structured properly from the outset.
What This Case Shows
This case highlights the importance of not relying solely on employer interpretation of MOM guidelines, especially for senior candidates without traditional degrees. Professional qualifications and extensive experience are valid grounds for EP consideration, but proper framing and salary alignment may be needed.
When misunderstandings about MOM requirements result in rejections, a structured appeal can make a difference.
Read our Employment Pass Appeal case study to see how a director’s application was approved after two appeals.
Consult Us on your EP eligibility
If you are considering a role in Singapore and would like clarity on your Employment Pass eligibility, timing, or application strategy, we can assist.
Our team provides structured assessments and strategic guidance as part of our Singapore Work Pass services, helping applicants understand requirements, risks, and next steps before proceeding.
You may book a 20-minute consultation to discuss your situation and approach with greater certainty.
About the Author: Sulochana Uthirapathi is the Founder of Transform Borders, a Singapore immigration consultancy established in 2017. She specialises in Employment Pass (EP), Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship applications, supporting professionals, families and corporate clients with legally guided and structured immigration processes.