International students completing their studies in Singapore may consider remaining in the country temporarily to manage transition arrangements or explore employment opportunities.

This article outlines two immigration passes administered by the
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA):

• Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP)
• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

Eligibility and approval are subject to ICA assessment. Students should always refer to the official ICA website for the most up-to-date information.

1. Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP)

The Short-Term Visit Pass may be granted following the cancellation or expiry of a Student Pass (STP), subject to ICA approval.

Who May Be Eligible

International graduates who:

• Have completed their course of study in Singapore; and
• Hold a Student Pass that is due to expire or has been cancelled.

Validity

• The duration is typically between 30 to 90 days, subject to ICA assessment.
• In certain circumstances, a one-time online extension may be considered.

Purpose

An STVP may allow graduates to:

• Make post-graduation arrangements
• Attend job interviews
• Prepare documentation for longer-term immigration passes
• Employment or internships are not permitted while holding an STVP.

Application

Student Pass cancellation and related procedures are managed through ICA’s official channels.

In many cases, after cancelling a Student Pass, ICA may issue a Short-Term Visit Pass subject to assessment.

Singpass login is generally required to access online services.

Students are advised to verify their specific eligibility directly with ICA.

Important Note

An STVP is generally issued as a single-entry pass.
Students should confirm travel conditions with ICA before departing Singapore during the validity period.

2. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

The Long-Term Visit Pass may be an option for eligible graduates who wish to remain in Singapore for a longer period while seeking employment.

Who May Be Eligible

International graduates from recognised institutions in Singapore may be eligible, subject to ICA’s prevailing policies.

Validity

The LTVP is typically granted for up to 12 months.

It is generally issued on a one-time basis.

Multiple re-entry is commonly permitted during its validity.

Purpose

The LTVP allows eligible graduates to:

• Remain lawfully in Singapore
• Focus on seeking employment

Employment or internships are not permitted while holding an LTVP.

Upon securing employment, the employer may apply for an appropriate work pass such as:

• Employment Pass (EP)
• S Pass (SP)

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted online via the ICA website.

Applicants are typically required to upload:

• Recent digital photograph
• Passport biodata page
• Immigration pass details
• Graduation certificate or supporting academic documents

Applicable fees are determined by ICA and may vary.

Applicants applying from overseas may receive an In-Principal Approval (IPA) notice, which allows entry into Singapore to complete formalities.

Planning Your Transition

Moving from STVP to LTVP, and ultimately to a work pass, requires advance planning and full compliance with immigration regulations.

All policies and eligibility criteria are subject to change by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Students should refer to the official ICA website for the most current information.