Score your Singapore Employment Pass application against the COMPASS framework (in force since Sept 2023). Six criteria: four foundational (Salary, Qualifications, Diversity, Local Employment Support) plus two bonus (Skills, Strategic Priorities). Pass threshold: 40 points total.
Total score across all six criteria must reach 40 points. Each foundational criterion (C1-C4) awards 0, 10, or 20 points; bonus criteria add up to 30 more points. Most applicants need at least one 20-point foundational score plus solid mid-range scores elsewhere.
C1 Salary uses MOM's reference benchmarks for local PMET earnings by sector. The 90th percentile for software (C1=20) is around S$11,000-13,000/month. The 65th percentile (C1=10) is around S$6,500-8,000/month. Lower for arts and admin sectors.
C3 (Diversity) and C4 (Local employment) are evaluated at the firm level - your COMPASS score depends on your employer, not just you. If you're being sponsored by a Singapore SME with mostly foreign PMETs, expect 0 on both. Hiring locals first improves the score for everyone.
C5 (Shortage Occupation List bonus) is the most accessible bonus - it adds 20 points if your job is in tech, finance, healthcare, or another listed shortage role. C6 (SEP partner) is rare and mostly applies to firms with major MOM/EDB partnerships.