International students must apply a work visa to work in Singapore after they graduate. Generally, graduates will be granted a Short-Term Visit Pass after their student pass has been cancelled/expired, this visa will allow students to stay in Singapore for an up to 90 days period. International students can use this extra time to live and look for a job in Singapore, but it does not allow you to take any type of employment while you are on this visa.
If you are graduating from a university which in the list of Institute of Higher Learning, and seeking employment in Singapore, you may have an option to apply for a one-year (non-renewable) Long-term Social Visit Pass (LTVP). International students can use this period to work and stay in Singapore. Full list of institutes of higher learning can be found here.
Besides, there are other three types of work visa options available to ALL international students who work in Singapore after they graduated.
- Employment Pass is one of the most common work visas for international students to remain and work in Singapore after their studies. This work visa caters to foreign professionals who work in a managerial, executive or specialised job. Therefore, applicants must meet a minimum salary of S$4,500 per month and with acceptable educational qualifications such as a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialist skills. Their employer must sponsor their work visa.
- S Pass is one of another common work visa for international students to remain and work in Singapore after their studies. This work visa is catering for mid-skilled foreign employees who are technicians or specialists. Applicants must also meet a minimum salary of S$2,400 per month (will be raised to $2,500 for new applications from 1 October 2020) and with acceptable educational qualifications such as a degree or a diploma. Their employer must sponsor their work visa.
- EntrePass is a visa option for international graduates who wish to develop ideas or entrepreneurial skills by setting up a new business in Singapore. You must have started, or intend to start, a private limited company registered with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Singapore. At the same time, other criteria also have to be fulfilled.
There is one more work visa option – Work Permit is available for foreigners who want to work in Singapore. This work visa is for workers who work in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. The work permit is not a common work visa option for International students to work in Singapore after they graduated.
Below table gives a good overview of restrictions and conditions for different post study work visas.
Singapore Post Study Work Visa Requirements
| Type of Visa | Restriction | Visa Duration | Renewable | Sponsorship Needed | Dependents Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Visit Pass | Graduates from the institutes of higher learning | 1 year | No | No | No |
| Employment Pass | Minimum salary of S$4,500 per month | 2-3 years | Yes | Yes | Yes (meet minimum salary criteria of S$6,000) |
| S Pass | Minimum salary of S$2,400 per month | 2 years | Yes | Yes | Yes (meet minimum salary criteria of S$6,000) |
| EntrePass | Registered with ACRA* | 1-2 years | Yes | No | Yes (annual business spending must be at least S$100,000) |
*ACRA is referring to Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore. Besides register with ACRA, applicants should also fulfil other criteria.
Related Questions
You will need to submit the application online through the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. After you got the approved status by using the status enquiries, you can collect your LTVP card in-person from ICA Building.
As apply for an Employment Pass and S Pass need the sponsorship from your employer, therefore your employer or appointed employment agent will apply on your behalf.
