Singapore Work Visa 2025: Student to EP S Pass Guide
Are you an international student in Singapore or planning to graduate soon, and wondering how to transition your Student Pass to a long-term Singapore work pass You are not alone. The Lion City s job market is competitive, and securing job sponsorship Singapore for international graduates requires strategic planning and up to date knowledge especially with the Ministry of Manpower MOM latest policy changes
The good news Singapore is actively seeking high calibre international talent particularly in key growth sectors This definitive guide fully updated for 2025 prospects provides the expertise and step by step actions you need to secure your Employment Pass EP or S Pass and launch your global career.
1. The Critical Gateway: Understanding Work Passes in 2025
Singapore does not offer a single post study work visa Instead the transition from student to professional requires an employer to sponsor you for a suitable work pass
The Two Primary Work Passes for Graduates
| Work Pass | Target Skill Level | 2025 Minimum Qualifying Salary New Apps | Key Assessment |
| Employment Pass EP | High Skilled Professionals Managers Executives PMEs | S$5,600 General S$6,200 Financial | COMPASS Framework Points based |
| S Pass | Mid Skilled Technical Staff Associate Professionals | S$3,300 from Sep 2025 | Quota & Foreign Worker Levy |
The most significant changes affecting recent graduates applying for the EP (Employment Pass) and S Pass are:
EP Salary Increase
-
The minimum starting salary for the Singapore Employment Pass EP in 2025 for new applicants begins at S$5 600 or S$6 200 for Finance roles) and increases gradually as the applicant gets older
S Pass Salary Increase
-
The required S Pass salary in Singapore for 2025 will increase to S$3 300 or S$3 800 for Finance roles taking effect from September 1 2025
-
COMPASS Framework Singapore: The EP requires a minimum of 40 points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework assessing you holistically not just on salary
2. Navigating the Job Hunt: Life After Your Student Pass
For graduates the immediate challenge is finding a legal path to remain in Singapore to secure job sponsorship
Temporary Paths for Job Searching Your Bridge
| Pass Type | Purpose | Eligibility | Key Constraints |
| Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) job search Singapore | Allows up to 12 months in Singapore to seek work | Graduates from specific local Singapore IHLs Institutes of Higher Learning) like NUS NTU Polytechnics | Must secure an EP S Pass before starting work |
| Work Holiday Pass (WHP) Singapore eligibility | A single non renewable 6month pass with full work rights | Graduates aged 18 25 from select universities in certain countries (e.g US UK Australia France | Strict age and nationality limits highly competitive quota 2,000 passes |
If you are a current student remember your Singapore Student Pass work restrictions only permit limited part-time work during specified periods. Focus on securing an offer that allows you to transition seamlessly
Tip for Students: If your spouse holds an EP or S Pass you might be working on Dependent Pass Singapore DP The DP grants work rights via a Letter of Consent LOC) simplifying your entry into the job market
3. High Demand Industries: Where to Find Sponsored Jobs
Companies in these sectors are more likely to successfully secure work passes for foreign talent particularly for roles that score well under COMPASS
| Sector | Relevant Passes | NLP/LSI Keyword Focus | Strategy |
| Technology & Digital | EP (High demand for Skills Bonus) | Tech jobs Singapore for fresh graduates visa | Target roles on the Shortage Occupation List SOL for easy COMPASS points |
| Financial Services | EP S$6,200 minimum | Finance and banking jobs Singapore EP S Pass | Requires a higher starting salary but high quality roles are plentiful. |
| Engineering & Manufacturing | EP S Pass | Engineering graduate jobs Singapore 2025 | Excellent sector for S Pass roles if the salary does not meet the EP threshold |
| Healthcare & Biomedical | EP S Pass | Healthcare and biomedical jobs Singapore | Strong government support for R and D good for post graduate research roles. |
Look for graduate trainee programs Singapore 2025 companies running these often streamline the MOM work pass application for graduates since they have allocated quotas and established processes.
4. Step by Step Guide: How to Convert Student Pass to EP S Pass
The work pass application is always initiated by your employer Your goal is to prepare your credentials to ensure quick approval
The Singapore Post Study Visa Application Process 2025
-
Secure the Offer: Ensure your fixed monthly salary meets the age specific EP or S Pass minimum
-
Employer Pre Assessment: Your employer runs your profile through the Self Assessment Tool SAT to check your eligibility under COMPASS for EP or the quota for S Pass
-
FCF and Submission: The employer advertises the job on MyCareersFuture (Fair Consideration Framework and then submits the application to MOM Reputable Singapore Employment Agencies EAs for foreign students often assist small firms with this.
-
IPA Issued: Once the In-Principle Approval IPA is received typically 3 weeks you must use this letter to cancel your existing Student Pass or LTVP
-
Pass Issuance: You complete final formalities and receive your digital work pass, officially completing the Singapore poststudy visa application process 2025
Employer Constraint Alert: Companies hiring on the S Pass must be mindful of the Singapore S Pass levy rates 2025 S$650 from Sept 2025 and quota restrictions Your high qualifications can sometimes push an employer toward an EP to avoid these quota limits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the EP minimum salary for a fresh graduate in 2025?
A: For a candidate in their early 20s the EP minimum salary for a new application starting from January 1 2025 is S$5 600 (General or S$6 200 Financial Services
Q: Can I use the 90day shortterm visit pass Singapore job hunting?
A: While you can be on a standard short term pass which is usually 30 or 90 days you cannot actively work. If you are an eligible IHL graduate applying for the LTVP job search Singapore is the only legal way to remain in the country long term specifically for job hunting after graduation
Q: What is COMPASS and how does it affect me?
A: COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is the points-based test for EP applications. You must score 40 points. Your university ranking C2 high salary C1 and job being on the Shortage Occupation List C5 Bonus are the main ways you can secure a passing score as a young applicant
Final Call to Action
The time to prepare for your 2025 job search is now Your qualifications, combined with a strong understanding of the COMPASS framework Singapore are your greatest assets