Post Study Work Visa in Singapore for Indian Students

Opportunities related to post-study work options for international students are a prime reason to choose Singapore as a study destination. The government offers a Training Employment Pass (TEP) for training programs and a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for those sponsored by a Singaporean spouse or family member. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary.

A steady rise of multinational companies in Singapore has increased the demand for professionals, creating a strong job market for students aspiring to work after their higher education. Now, many of you do not know that Singapore does not offer a "Post Study Work Visa" like other countries. Instead, Training Employment Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for job search.

If you get the job after completing your studies in Singapore, you can apply for a work pass. Students cannot stay in Singapore on their Student Pass (Singapore Study Visa) to look for a job as in many European countries or the USA. In this article, we will discuss how you can work in Singapore after completing your studies here.

What Happens After Graduation 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 impressive growth rates. Starting from banking, the country attracted the best business houses from around the world, and quickly became the hub of all commercial activity. Due to this reason, students from many countries, including India, come to study here.

After completing studies, 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 recognised and approved Institute of Higher Learning (IHL).

Usually, once a graduate student's pass has expired or been 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.

Related Read: Singapore Work Visa for Indians

Why Study in Singapore?

Here are some benefits of studying in Singapore:

• World-Class Education: Singapore’s top universities, NUS and NTU are among the best in the world. Their programs focus more on both academic excellence and practical learning.
• Affordable & Transparent Costs: Tuition fees are about 30% lower than in other countries like the US or UK. Scholarships and grants, especially for Indian students, make education even more affordable.
• Multicultural & English-Friendly: English is the most spoken language in Singapore. It is the primary medium of instruction, making it easy for international students to adapt. Also, a large number of Indians are living here, which ensures cultural familiarity and support.
• Strategic Location & Career Boost: Situated in Asia’s economic hub, Singapore offers access to global markets. It is good for those students who are exploring internships and job opportunities with major multinational companies.
• Safe & High Quality of Life: Singapore boasts one of the world’s lowest crime rates. Its world-class infrastructure and healthcare ensure a comfortable and secure student experience.

Also Read:

• MBA in Singapore
• MS in Singapore

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
  1. Not older than 3 months
  2. in colour against a white unpolished/ matt background
  3. 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.

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, AMEX credit card, 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,n 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

Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions to the best management colleges in the world can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. Candidates with queries can get in touch with us in the comments section, below.