Intracorp Singapore

Work Holiday Pass Singapore: Everything You Need to Know

Unlock the exciting benefits of the Work Holiday Pass in Singapore. Not only does it provide a chance to explore the captivating city-state, but it also allows you to work and earn during your stay. Dive into this guide to discover the eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and detailed application process, making your work journey in Singapore a smooth and fulfilling one.

Start Reading
Contact Us
Foreign student awaiting to travel to Singapore under the Work Holiday Pass with luggage in hand at an airport

What Is the Work Holiday Pass?

Amongst the diversity of work and family passes that Singapore provides for locals and foreigners, the Singapore Work Holiday Pass is a work visa intended for foreign students to work in Singapore. There are two different types of Work Holiday Pass provided by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore:: 

  • Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme 
  • Work Holiday Pass under the Work and Holiday Visa Programme

In this guide, we will focus on the first of the two (the Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme), which is available to a greater range of countries while the latter is only available to Australian students.

The goal of this visa is to target the younger spectrum of the world population and, thus, bring economic growth to Singapore and professional development for these prospective workers. However, the visa is only available to foreign students coming from a few select countries, which comprise the following: Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As a holder, you can live and work in Singapore for 6 months and receive various other benefits.

Benefits of Work Holiday Pass

  • Applicants are not required to have a job or salary.
  • Holders are not limited to specific work sectors.
  • Holders may start working in Singapore immediately.
  • The pass is valid for 6 months.
  • Holders may be eligible for other work passes after the 6-month holding period.

Who Is Eligible for Work Holiday Pass?

Eligible candidates for Work Holiday Pass under the Work Holiday Programme must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Be 18 to 25 years old.
  • Be an undergraduate (current student) or a graduate of a government-recognized university in one of the following countries: Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
  • If you are an undergraduate, you must have been a full-time student of the university for a minimum 3-month period prior to the application.
  • If you are a graduate, you must have been a full-time student for the entire period you attended the university.

Required Documents for Work Holiday Pass​

The required documents for the Work Holiday Pass application vary depending on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate at the time of the application.

If you are an undergraduate, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A copy of the personal details page of your passport.
  • An official letter (dated no longer than 3 months) from your university containing your legal name, citizenship/nationality, and date of birth.
  • A copy of your student card or (if you are an international student at the university) a copy of your student visa.

If you are a graduate, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A copy of the personal details page of your passport.
  • A copy of your diploma or transcripts.

Important Note

Additional documents are required in other stages of the application process.

Work Holiday Pass Application Process

Submit Application

  • Start an application at the Ministry of Manpower’s official Work Holiday Pass application site.
  • The application review process takes approximately 3 weeks.
  • Once the application is processed, you will receive an email with the outcome at the email account specified on your application. If you are approved for the pass, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.

Get the Pass Issued

To get your pass issued, you must be present in Singapore. There are, however, two distinct ways of getting your pass issued.

Apply In-Person

You, as a candidate, can apply through this route directly.

  • Provide required supporting documents.
  • Pay the required S$175 fee to get the pass issued and an additional S$30 fee (if needed) for a Multiple Journey Visa, which provides unlimited use of the work visa as long as it is valid.
  • Once all documents are submitted, you will receive a notification letter allowing you to travel to and work in Singapore for one month while you wait to receive your Work Holiday Pass card.

Apply Online

You can only apply online if you are a SingPass holder or an employment agent can apply on your behalf.

  • Submit the required details and documents.
  • Pay the required S$175 fee to get the pass issued and an additional S$30 fee (if needed) for a Multiple Journey Visa, which provides unlimited use of the work visa as long as it is valid.
  • Once all documents are submitted, you will receive a notification letter allowing you to travel to and work in Singapore for one month while you wait to receive your Work Holiday Pass card.

Additional Required Documents

In addition to the documents you previously provided when submitting your application, you will need to submit these documents to get your pass issued.

  • Candidate’s passport information.
  • Candidate’s contact information in Singapore.
  • Candidate’s Immigration Pass or Short-Term Visit Pass details.
  • Candidate’s home address in Singapore.
  • Candidate’s desired card delivery address.
  • Contact information of possible recipients (3 maximum) to receive the card. Contact details include email address, phone number, and identification such as NRIC, passport number, or FIN

The following documents may also be requested:

  • Passport proof of candidate’s arrival date in Singapore.
  • Declaration form along with the candidate’s IPA Letter.
  • Proof of the candidate’s departure from Singapore after the 6-month pass holding period.

Important Note

You must get your pass issued within 3 months of receiving your IPA letter.

Register Fingerprints and Photo

  • The notification letter will specify whether you must register your fingerprint and photo. If requested, you must schedule another appointment at EPSC and bring the following documents: notification letter, appointment letter, and original passport. 

Important Note

You must register your fingerprint and photo within 2 weeks of the Work Holiday pass being issued.

Receive Your Pass Card

  • Once you register your fingerprints and photo (if applicable) and additional requested documents are processed, you will receive your Work Holiday Pass Card within 5 business days.
  • Additionally, all authorized recipients are notified the day before delivery, and – in the case that an employment agent applied on your behalf through EP eService – they can check the status of your card in the portal.

Need Additional Expert Guidance?

Applying for a Work Holiday Pass in Singapore can be a complex process, and it’s essential to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and submit a complete and accurate application to avoid any delays or rejections. If you have any questions or concerns about the Work Holiday Pass application process or need additional guidance on navigating the requirements and procedures involved, reach out to our expert team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Work Holiday Pass be renewed?

No, a Work Holiday Pass cannot be renewed. However, you may still apply for other work visas like Employment Pass after the 6-month pass validity period.

Can I bring family members if I am a Work Holiday Pass holder?

No, you cannot bring family members under the Work Holiday Pass. You can, however, bring family members if you have eligible work visas like Employment Pass or ONE Pass.

How many Work Holiday Pass applicants are selected at a time?

A maximum of 2,000 applicants are selected to become Work Holiday Pass Holders annually.

What can I do if I don’t receive my Work Holiday Pass?

If your second Work Holiday Pass card delivery was not successful, you or another authorized individual can get it at the Employment Pass Service Centre (EPSC) 3 business days after (no appointment needed).

Can I appeal if my Work Holiday Pass application was rejected?

Yes, you can appeal if your Work Holiday Pass application was rejected, but you must have new supporting information and appeal within 3 months of receiving the rejection. You or your employment agent can appeal through this official Ministry of Manpower form.

Can I cancel my Work Holiday Pass?

Yes, you or your employment agent can cancel your Work Holiday Pass. The cancellation process varies depending on whether you are still located in Singapore. If you are in Singapore, you can schedule an appointment at Employment Pass Service Centre (EPSC). If you are no longer in Singapore, you can complete this cancellation form.

Related Guides