You will get an in-principle approval if your Work Permit application is approved.
What is an in-principle approval
An in-principle approval (IPA) is one of the requirements for you to bring migrant workers into Singapore.
You will get an IPA letter when your worker's Work Permit application is approved.
The validity of the IPA will be mentioned in the letter. This is the window you have to bring the worker into Singapore.
You can also check the IPA validity online.
Extend an IPA
Processing time: Immediate
You can extend the IPA for up to 1 month if you need more time. You are allowed to extend the IPA only once.
To extend an IPA, log in to WP Online to make the request at least 1 week before the IPA expires.
If approved, you can print the extended IPA online.
When to cancel an IPA
You must cancel the IPA if you decide not to hire the worker or if they no longer work for you.
You will need to provide
additional information or documents for your cancellation request if your worker:
- Has gone missing.
- Has been arrested.
- Is helping the authorities in an investigation.
- Has passed away.
Before cancelling
If the worker is in Singapore, you need to do the following:
- Ensure your worker has a valid passport.
- Discuss and agree in writing with your worker on the following before buying an air ticket:
- Transit arrangements, such as connecting flights and layover hours
- The allowance needed to sustain your worker during the transit
- Buy a one-way travel ticket with a departure date within 14 days from the IPA cancellation.
Note: For air travel, provide baggage allowance and cover all connecting transport costs to the international port of entry in your worker’s home country or the region nearest to their hometown.
You will need to provide information or documents for the following scenarios:
| If the worker |
You will need to provide |
| Is leaving Singapore |
A scheduled departure date within 14 days of the IPA cancellation. |
| Has gone missing |
Missing person police report (required only for non-Malaysian workers).
If the worker is not found within 1 month from the date the Work Permit was cancelled, $2,500 (half of the $5,000 security bond) will be forfeited to cover the repatriation and other related costs.
|
| Has passed away |
- Death certificate
- Airway bill if the ashes or body has been sent back to the home country/region or cremation certificate if the body has been cremated in Singapore
|
| Has been arrested or is helping authorities in an investigation |
The investigating officer’s contact details.
|
How to cancel
- Log in to myMOM Portal to cancel the IPA.
- Print the Special Pass and give it to the worker. The stay duration is based on the scheduled departure date in myMOM Portal.
- The worker needs to show the Special Pass and a valid passport to the immigration officer when leaving Singapore.
To avoid any consequences of overstaying, you must ensure the worker leaves before the Special Pass expires. For non-Malaysians, the security bond will usually be discharged 1 week after the worker's departure, and if all conditions are met.
After cancelling
The worker cannot work, even while waiting to leave Singapore. Your worker’s levy will be charged until 1 day before the cancellation (only applicable for Temporary Work Permit (TP).
Please ensure that your worker has a valid legal stay throughout. Otherwise, an overstaying fine will be imposed.
If the worker needs more time to leave Singapore, request an extension of the Special Pass before it expires.
It is a criminal offence for:
- Foreigners to remain beyond the expiry date of a visa
- Companies to employ foreigners without a valid work pass