Post Study Work Visa in Singapore for Indian Students

A steady rise of multinationals in Singapore has increased the demand for professionals, creating a strong job market for students aspiring to work after their higher education.The graduate visa or post-study work permit has been implemented by Singapore to attract students from overseas. In this article, we will discuss the post-study work permit in Singapore, its application process, the documents required, and much more.

Why Study in Singapore?

Singapore continues to be a strong centre of economic activity. One of the busiest ports in the world, the country, for a very long time, enjoyed stupendous growth rates. Starting from banking, the country attracted the best business houses from the world and quickly became the hub of all commercial activity. Students can apply for and get a non-renewable Long Term Visit Pass of one year to stay in Singapore to look for relevant employment, provided, they have completed their education from a recognized and approved Institute of Higher Learning (IHL).

While this continues to be the case, it is important to understand that as such, students cannot stay in Singapore on their Student Pass (Singapore Study Visa) to look for a job like in many European countries or the USA. But does that mean that students have to come back to India after completing their education? The answer is…not necessary. One to three months of stay back option is available to students.

Usually, once a graduate's student pass has been expired or cancelled, he/she is granted a short-term visit pass. This particular visa lets them stay in Singapore for a maximum of 90 days, during which they can explore various job options. But one can only search for job options, not take up employment while being on this visa.

Important Update: Long-Term Pass (LTP) is no more being issued as a hard copy now. The Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) only issues the digital form of the same for long-duration visits, student’s as well as dependent’s passes. The validity of the hard copies of the LTPs, which were issued prior to February 27, will remain till they are cancelled or expire. Those holding a digital LTP can check their passes via the MyICA app on cell phones or on the official website of ICA. The step has been taken so that the requirement to visit ICA is eliminated. Application submission for the same can be done online nor would one lose his/her card. One can download the pass either in a PFD format or via OpenAttestation.

Also Read:

What is the Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass?

Singapore work permit after study: A long-term Visit Pass (LTVP) can be issued to Indian students who have received their educational certificate/ degree from the listed Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). Students must understand that this is a non-renewable visit pass and if they cannot acquire the employment which would make them eligible for a Work Permit by the end of that year, they would have to return to India.

Documents Required for an LTVP

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority might ask for any or all of the following documents as part of the Singapore post-study work permit application.

• Original and Copy of the educational certificate acquired from the IHL
• Copy of Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and personal particulars page
• Valid Visit Pass issued to students when entering Singapore (as part of the Student Pass)
• Student Pass issued at the time of admission
• Recent Passport sized photo (one) which is
  • Not older than 3 months
  • in colour against a white unpolished/ matt background
  • In accordance with the visa requirements 

Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass Fees

Post Study Work Permit application: A student has to have a valid stay of 10 days left to apply for an LTVP. The student has to pay an extension fee of S$40 when the valid Visit Pass issued to him has accumulated to a period of 3 months or more since the date of entry/issuance of the first pass and for every subsequent 3 months since. When a student receives a job offer, the employer would then apply for and get a Work Permit for that person.

Check: Singapore Student Visa Guide 2022: Document Requirements, Fees and Where to apply?

Candidates would be required to pay the following Long Term Visit Pass application fee

• Students have to apply online at e-VP for an LTVP.
• Students have to pay a non-refundable processing fee of S$30 at the time of application.
• When the students receive an In-Principal Approval, they have to pay an issuance fee of S$60 within 30 days of the same. If the student fails to pay the same, it will result in the automatic withdrawal of the application

Check: Student Guide to Singapore

List of Recognised IHLs for Applying for an LTVP

The following is a list of recognized Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) for applying for a non-renewable Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP).

Documents Required for Students' Pass Application

• Registration Acknowledgment Letter from your chosen institute
• Travel document biodata page and birth certificate
• Personal information, educational background, employment history, financial support proof
• Your parents'/spouse's personal information (if required)
• Singapore residential address and contact details
• Email ID
• Latest passport-sized photograph

Fees for Students' Pass Application

Students have to pay a non-refundable fee of S$30 via Visa or Master debit/credit card or AMEX credit card or Internet Direct Debit or PayNow. It should be noted that the processing time of the application is one week. 

Check: Application procedure for Singapore Student Pass

Other Types of Passes

Apart from LTVP, a few other passes are also available for those who wish to work in Singapore after completing their studies. The same has been explained in detail below:

Employment Pass: One may apply for this pass if he/she has been offered employment with a fixed salary of more than SGD 4,500. The validity of the first pass is up to two years. The same can be renewed for up to 3 years. So, if your sponsor company is somewhere abroad (not a Singapore-registered company) and the clients or related agency is in Singapore, you can obtain this pass under the overseas sponsorship case.

S Pass: This pass is for mid-skilled technical staff, earning a fixed monthly amount of a minimum of SGD 2,500 (a higher salary bracket has been set for other applicants). They should also meet the other set of eligibility criteria. Only the employer of an individual can apply for this pass on his/her behalf. The validity of the same is two years and the same can be renewed later on.

EntrePass: Eligible international graduates who wish to start or operate a business in Singapore reflecting innovation can apply for this pass.

The EntrePass allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies

Others

• LASALLE-SIA College of The Arts
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts