Why Your EP Keeps Getting Rejected

2026-10-21

Have you applied for an Employment Pass (EP) multiple times, only to see it rejected again and again? Or gone through rounds of supplementary document requests, feeling approval was just around the corner—only to receive another rejection letter?

The feeling is frustrating. A rejection itself isn't the worst part; the real setback is not knowing why it happened, or where to improve the next time.

This was exactly what Mr. Y experienced.

The Real Story Behind the Repeated Requests for Documents

Mr. Y had previously applied for the EP on his own several times, without success. His applications were repeatedly met with requests for additional documents, making the whole process frustrating and drawn-out. He later came to us through a friend's referral and entrusted this EP application to our team.

Why Does MOM Ask for Supplementary Documents?

In EP applications, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) may request additional materials for various reasons. The most common scenario: MOM feels the proposed salary is too high relative to the candidate's profile, and asks for evidence that justifies it. Typically, they may request:

1. Market salary benchmarks for the same role in Singapore

2. Details of the applicant's work experience and job scope

3. The hiring company's bank statements for the past 3 months

4. Proof of company operations (client contracts, invoices, etc.)

5. Information about the company's existing employees

A higher salary generally improves EP approval odds—but it is not simply "the higher, the better." MOM assesses whether the applicant and the company genuinely justify that salary level, and the five items above are exactly where they look.

Mr. Y's case was a textbook example of this situation.

Preparation Before Submission Is the Key

Before formally submitting, we reviewed Mr. Y's background together with the exact supplementary items MOM had previously requested, and provided targeted recommendations to strengthen his application. Deciding what to emphasize, what to keep concise, and how to frame each piece of evidence requires careful, case-by-case planning.

With all materials prepared collaboratively, Mr. Y's EP application was submitted—and approved on the first try.

Timeline

- ✅ 22 Sep 2026: EP application submitted

- ✅ 29 Sep 2026: EP approved—within just 7 days

Repeated Failures Don't Mean There's No Way Forward

To succeed with an EP application, start by abandoning template-based submissions.

Every applicant's situation is different. The key lies in fully understanding the individual profile, identifying the gaps that need improvement, and tailoring the evaluation strategy and supporting materials to the actual case—rather than relying on generic templates.

About Skyline Business

Founded in 2013, Skyline Business is a Singapore-based consultancy with deep local expertise in work passes, immigration, company incorporation, corporate tax filing, document translation and notarisation. Our experienced team is well-versed in Singapore government policies and handles over a thousand successful cases each year, offering professional, efficient, one-stop service so clients don't have to run between agencies on their own.

If you have any questions about work pass applications, reach out to us for a consultation.

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