Singapore Post Study Work Visa for International Students

If you are an international student looking to work in Singapore after graduation, here’s a statistic that might interest you. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, in 2024, Singapore’s total population surpassed 6 million for the first time in June, driven largely by the increase in foreign workers, who now make up 30% of the total population. This reflects Singapore’s openness to foreign workers, making it an attractive destination for international students seeking employment opportunities.

To pursue these opportunities, you must be aware of the different types of post-study work visa options. In this article, international students seeking a post-study work visa in Singapore will find detailed insights into various work visa options, eligibility criteria, duration, and the application process.

Also read: Singapore Student Visa.

Why Work in Singapore?

• Singapore is a safe, highly developed country with a strong economy and a thriving job market. Currently, Singapore is experiencing positive employment growth, particularly in sectors such as technology, finance, and professional services. This indicates an increase in job opportunities.
• The personal income tax for non-residents or foreign workers in Singapore is generally low compared to many Western countries, including the US and UK. Additionally, there is no social security tax for foreign workers and no capital gains tax on investments, such as stocks. This means that foreign workers can save more money from their income and investments.

Different Types of Post Study Work Visas in Singapore

Singapore does not offer direct post-study work visas for international students. However, graduates who wish to stay and work in Singapore must find a job and apply for a relevant work pass. Below are the different types of work passes that international students can apply for to work in Singapore:

Long- Term Visit Pass

A Long-Term Visit Pass may be issued to eligible international students upon the expiry of their student pass. LTVP holders cannot work until their employers apply for a valid work pass from the Ministry of Manpower.

Eligibility Criteria	International students should have completed their graduation from specific institutions. Must actively seek employment in Singapore.
Documents Required	A recent, coloured digital photograph with dimensions 400X514 pixels, travel documents, education certificates and transcripts.
Application process	Apply via the non-Singpass option.
Application Fees	SGD 45 for each application.SGD 60 for issuance of LTVP.
Validity	One year for international students seeking employment in Singapore. For others, up to 2 years.
Processing Time	6 weeks.

Short- Term Visit Pass (STVP)

The Short-Term Visit Pass may be issued to international students who have completed their studies in Singapore, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days upon the expiry of their Student Pass. However, STVP does not allow anyone to work in Singapore.

Eligibility Criteria	Completion of studies in Singapore. Expiry of the Student Pass.
Documents Required	Valid Passport Education certificates and transcripts Student Pass Acknowledgement of cancellation or expiry of the Student Pass
Application process	The employer submits the application online through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Application Fees	SGD 30 or higher
Validity	30 days- can be extended up to 90 days

Employment Pass

Once you secure your employment while on an LTVP, your employer will apply for a work pass, such as an Employment Pass. As a result, your Long-Term Visit Pass will be cancelled.

An Employment Pass is issued to foreign professionals who have secured a job in Singapore, including international students who meet the criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower. The employer applies the pass on behalf of the candidate. 

Eligibility Criteria	Candidates must earn at least SGD 5,000 per month. Candidates must have degree-equivalent qualifications from top universities.
Documents Required	Personal information page of candidate’s passport. Company’s latest business profile. Proof of qualifications.
Application process	The employer submits the application online. If required, the candidate’s fingerprints and photo can be taken for issuance of the pass. The card is generated and is sent to the candidate within 5 working days.
Application Fees	SGD 1,500 – Covered by the employer
Validity	For first-time candidates up to 2 years. The pass is renewable for up to 3 years.
Processing Time	Within 10 business days.

Here’s an important statistic – According to the Ministry of Manpower, the number of foreign workers holding an Employment Pass has increased from 193,700 in 2019 to 202,400 in 2024. This reflects Singapore’s openness to foreign talent. 

S Pass

The S Pass is similar to the Employment Pass and is issued by the Ministry of Manpower to hire mid-skilled foreign workers. The employer applies for this pass on behalf of the candidate. Unlike the Employment Pass, which has no foreign worker quota, the S Pass is subject to company-specific quota, meaning applicants must compete for limited spots. While some international students with diplomas or technical qualifications may qualify for S Pass, the pass is primarily targeted at mid skilled workers. 

Eligibility Criteria	As of now, candidates with a salary of SGD 3,150 per month are eligible for S Pass. However, from Sep 2025, the minimum salary threshold may increase to SGD 3,300 per month.
Documents Required	Passport.Company’s latest business profile.Additional documents are required for healthcare professionals and lawyers.
Application process	The employer submits the application via EP eService. After submission and verification, the pass is issued to the candidate.
Application Fees	SGD 105 – Covered by the employer.
Validity	For first-time candidates up to 2 years.The pass is renewable for up to 3 years.
Processing Time	Within 10 business days. On the other hand, manual submission may take 8 weeks or more.

Read More: What is the Cost of Living in Singapore

Tips to Secure a Post Study Work Visa in Singapore

Since Singapore does not offer a direct post-study work visa, international students must secure a job and apply for a work pass. Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting a work pass:

• Begin job hunting at least three to six months before your graduation. Use online platforms like LinkedIn and MyCareersFuture to find jobs. Securing a job before your Student Pass expires will streamline the transition to a work pass while you are on a Short-Term Visit Pass.
• Target industries with a strong demand for foreign talent, like healthcare and technology. By targeting these jobs, your chances of getting a work pass increases.
• Apply for internships or work part-time while on a Student Pass. Work experience will increase your chances of securing employment.
• Apply for jobs that meet the minimum salary requirement for an S Pass or Employment Pass. Targeting such jobs improves the likelihood of getting these passes easily.
• Regularly check the Ministry of Manpower website for the latest updates on work visas and eligibility criteria. The S Pass salary requirements are about to get revised soon in September 2025. Staying updated on these changes will help you comply with the latest regulations.

Conclusion

Singapore does not offer direct post-study work visas, but international students can stay and work in the country through passes such as the Short-Term Visit Pass, S Pass, or Employment Pass. Securing these passes will allow you to work legally and build the successful career you envision for yourself.

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