That is only the eligibility line. C1 points start at the 65th percentile; near the threshold it is often 0.
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EMPLOYMENT PASS
The minimum salary threshold (S$5,600) is the line to "be eligible for scoring", not the line to "pass". In COMPASS, salary earns 10 points at the 65th percentile and 20 at the 90th percentile of local PMET pay — a salary sitting right at the minimum scores 0 on C1. So the real approval line is usually well above the minimum, depending on how much your other five criteria can make up.
| Minimum threshold | Real approval line | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Eligibility to be scored | Reach 40 points |
| General (2026) | S$5,600 | Depends on other five criteria, usually higher |
| C1 salary points | Near threshold = 0 | 10 at 65th / 20 at 90th percentile |
This is the most misunderstood point. The minimum threshold (S$5,600 general) is a qualifying line: below it, you are not even scored. But meeting it only buys the ticket in — the 40 COMPASS points decide the outcome.
The key is how C1 salary is scored: not "did you hit S$5,600", but "where does your salary rank among local PMETs of the same age and sector". 10 points at the 65th percentile, 20 at the 90th. A salary near the minimum likely falls below the 65th percentile — C1 scores 0.
So an applicant just above the threshold might score C1=0, C2=0, C3=0, C4=10 — 10-20 total, far from 40.
C2 Qualifications — a top-tier degree gives 20 points, often the key make-up.
C3 Diversity / C4 Local employment — firm-related, not solely up to the applicant. Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs get C4's 10 points automatically, which favours small companies.
C5/C6 Bonus — a role on the Shortage Occupation List or in strategic priorities adds 10 each.
That is only the eligibility line. C1 points start at the 65th percentile; near the threshold it is often 0.
Salary only affects C1 (max 20). Without qualification and firm points, a raise alone may not reach 40.
Percentiles vary by age and sector and MOM reviews them. The same salary can sit at different percentiles by age.
We estimate which percentile your C1 lands in by age, sector, qualifications and firm, and how far the total is from 40 and how to bridge it. See EP and legal pathway assessment; full scoring in the EP complete guide.
No. That only makes you eligible for COMPASS scoring. You still need 40 points, and near the threshold C1 is often 0.
10 points at the 65th percentile, 20 at the 90th, of local PMET pay for your age and sector. The dollar figure varies.
Yes — via qualifications (C2 top-tier 20), the firm (C3/C4) and bonus criteria (C5/C6 shortage roles).
Not necessarily. Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs get C4's 10 points automatically, an advantage on that criterion.
Sources: MOM (COMPASS C1 salary scoring, percentile benchmarks, minimum thresholds). Verified July 2026; percentiles and thresholds change — follow MOM's latest. General information, not immigration or legal advice.
Whether C1 scores depends on your percentile among peers. We estimate where you land and how to bridge the gap.
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