What's changed

The Ministry of Manpower published updates to the COMPASS framework's C2 qualifications criterion, comprising the list of awarding institutions whose degrees earn 10 or 20 points and the list of professional qualifications recognised as degree-equivalent. The updated C2 lists added approximately 15 new entries to the institutions list and approximately 20 new entries to the professional-qualifications list, alongside removals, mergers, and movement between Groups A and B.

New entries reflect expanded technical disciplines including maritime, biomedical, and design engineering, plus broader professional-qualification recognition across engineering, hospitality, and technical fields. The updated framework explicitly recognises the European/German Qualifications Framework Level 6 among degree-equivalent professional qualifications.

The COMPASS C1 salary criterion was simultaneously updated with a new sector-specific benchmarking table. To earn C1 points, an Employment Pass candidate's fixed monthly salary must meet or exceed the 65th percentile of local Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMET) salaries in their sector. Candidates without a degree or degree-equivalent qualification per the MOM lists earn no C2 points; the C1 sector benchmark applies independently.

Who's affected

The COMPASS framework applies to all Employment Pass applications and renewals — Singapore's principal work pass for foreign professionals earning above the EP qualifying salary threshold. EP candidates must pass the points-based COMPASS in addition to meeting the qualifying-salary requirement. Holders from major corridor nationalities — including India, China, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Malaysia — are concentrated in EP-using sectors such as finance, technology, professional services, and engineering.

Holders of EPs expiring on or after 1 July 2026 will have their renewal applications assessed under the new COMPASS criteria, including the new sector salary benchmarks. Initial applicants, employers sponsoring new hires, and renewing pass-holders all need to verify their candidate's qualifications and salary against the updated lists and tables.

When it takes effect

The new C2 qualification and institution lists and the C1 sector salary benchmarks apply to initial Employment Pass applications submitted from 1 January 2026. The same criteria apply to renewal applications for passes expiring on or after 1 July 2026 — meaning a meaningful share of EP renewals through 2026 and into 2027 will be assessed against the refreshed framework. As of 3 May 2026, the new criteria are live for initial applications, with the renewal cliff approximately three months out.