Among other motivations that have compelled many international students to consider Singapore as an educational destination is the fact that there are employment opportunities in the country right after graduation. Each case is different, and Singapore gives out individual post-study work visas. Let us examine these visas closely.

1.  Employment Pass (EP)

International graduates from Singapore usually obtain an employment pass following completion of their studies, which is also known as the most popular post-study work visa. It targets outgoing students with employment prospects in the country. To be eligible for an EP, you must meet certain requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

You should have graduated from a reputable higher learning institution within Singapore in order to be eligible for an employment pass application. Additionally, a Singaporean employer should make an offer to you, and the monthly salary you will earn must meet the minimum wage, which is determined by your qualifications and experience.

Duration

The Employment Pass typically comes with a validity period of one to two years, and it can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the criteria.

Documents Required

• EP Application Form (Form 8).
• Cover Letter
• Employment Contract
• Education Certificates
• Passport Copy
• Passport-Size Photo
• Resume or CV

Application Process

1. Commence it with obtaining an invitation from a Singaporean employer because their input is vital in your EP application.
2. As listed above, gather all relevant supporting documents.
3. An authorized agency, such as your employer, submits the EP application online through the MOM site using the EP Online system.
4. Your application is examined by the MOM, and this usually takes some time—a few weeks.
5. Upon approval, an AIP stating the conditions applied to your EP will be sent to you.
6. The extent of the medical examination required for you will depend on your case.
7. Go through the provided information in the AIP letter and check whether it has been entered correctly, after which you can start with other procedures such as paying the appropriate fees.
8. You can collect your employment pass only after doing the needful and completing the formalities in full.

ALSO READ: UK Immigration Questions

2. EntrePass

Entrepass was created to support international student entrepreneurs hoping to set up and run companies in Singapore. To be eligible for EntrePass, you must meet specific requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

An application for an EntrePass should be made if you want to be a trader or professional in Singapore. One has to have a good business plan running in a listed business sector. It is also vital that sufficient proof of capital investment be shown.

Duration

EntrePass is usually awarded annually and may be renewed provided that your business continues to operate profitably.

Documents Required

• Complete the EntrePass Application Form
• Cover Letter
• Business Plan
• Passport Copy
• Passport-Size Photo
• Resume or CV
• Proof of Business Registration
• Financial Documents (e.g., bank statements)

Application Process

1. Create an elaborate commercial strategy detailing the proposed business in Singapore.
2. Obtain all the documents indicated at the end of this list.
3. You can either fill out an online application yourself at the MOM’s website, or you may let an authorized agency do this on your behalf.
4. It normally takes a few weeks for MOM to review your application.
5. You will receive an AIP letter outlining the terms of your EntrePass if your application is accepted.
6. It all depends on your situation since, among other things, you may also be required to undergo medical checks.
7. Carefully peruse the content of the AIP letter before finishing the procedures, including fee payment.
8. To obtain your EntrePass, you should wait until you have gone through all the required processes as well.

3. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

A very in-demand work permit for a highly skilled individual that holds an employer of choice is called a Personalized Employment Pass. It allows people to move around jobs more freely and does not depend on the particular employer. To be eligible for a PEP, you must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

A Personalised Employment Pass is meant for people who have a job offer or who already possess an employment pass. Salary packages, professional qualifications, and relevant experience are the requirements you must meet if you want to be granted an Employment Pass with a minimum level of fixed monthly earnings.

Duration

A PEP can last for up to three years, giving employees more flexibility in changing jobs and developing their career paths.

Documents Required

• Complete the PEP Application Form
• Passport Copy
• Passport-Size Photo
• Resume or CV
• Payslips of the last three months or an employment letter.
• Educational Certificates
• Additional Documents (if necessary)
• Declaration Form (if needed)

Application Process

1. Collect the specified documents as indicated above.
2. Visit the MOM’s website and apply for your PEP.
3. It normally takes a couple of weeks after the MOM has reviewed your application.
4. You will be notified of the approval of your application once it is approved.
5. You would have to satisfy other requirements, depending on your individual circumstances.
6. Go through the approval notice and make sure everything is OK.
7. Upon successful processing of the application, you can collect your Personalized Employment Pass.

ALSO READ: How To Study In the UK without IELTS?

4. S Pass

Another work visa after studies that is open for international students in Singapore is called S Pass. This category caters to those who are unable to get an employment pass but want to work in Singapore. 

Eligibility Criteria

You may be entitled to a pass through S Pass if you have a job offer from a local Singaporean employer and your salary meets the stated minimum requirement and educational qualification requirements. Normally, the conditions that should be met by an individual for a S Pass are generally more relaxed as compared to those for an employment pass.

Duration

In terms of validity, the S Pass typically lasts for only a short while, and its renewal often depends on the nature of your work contract.

Documents Required

• Completed S Pass Application Form
• Passport Copy
• Passport-Size Photo
• Employer’s SingPass/CorpPass
• Employment Contract
• Business Profile of the Employer
• Educational Certificates
• Additional Documents (if necessary)
• Declaration Form (if needed)

Application Process

1. Collect the specified documents as indicated above.
2. Make sure that your employer has a SingPass or CorpPass account so that they can assist you in submitting the application online.
3. Submission of your S Pass application is done online through the MOM site by your employer or an appointed organization.
4. Normally, the MOM reviews your application, which takes about three weeks.
5. You will get an email notice if your application is accepted.
6. You may have to take a medical exam, depending on your situation.
7. Ensure all the details in the notification are correct.
8. After your application has been accepted, you are allowed to pick up the S Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can international students work in Singapore after graduation?

Yes, international students who have graduated from a recognized institution in Singapore are eligible to work in the country after completing their studies. To work in Singapore after graduation, they typically need to secure employment and obtain a valid work pass or employment pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Can I get a job in Singapore after studying there?

It is possible for students who have completed their studies in Singapore to seek employment in the country. To do so, they would need to find a job that aligns with their qualifications and apply for the relevant work pass. It’s important to note that the availability of job opportunities may vary depending on the individual’s qualifications, skills, and the job market conditions.

Can international students work in Singapore while studying?

International students in Singapore are allowed to work part-time during their studies. Under the guidelines of the Ministry of Manpower, students on a Student Pass can work up to 16 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled school breaks. They should, however, ensure that their work does not interfere with their studies.

Can the mother of a student work in Singapore?

Generally, the ability for a parent (including mothers) of a student to work in Singapore would depend on the type of pass they hold. If the student is on a Student Pass, the parents are typically not eligible to work in Singapore based on their child’s pass. However, there are separate passes such as the Dependant Pass or Long Term Visit Pass for family members of certain pass holders, which may allow for employment under specific conditions. The eligibility for work would need to be determined in accordance with the specific pass held by the family member.

Conclusion

A post-study work permit gives opportunities for various careers and personal cases, which enables an international student to form a future in Singapore. These application processes are friendly and will guide you smoothly from the student life to the job market in this vibrant country that is open to everyone.