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Apply for a Work Holiday Pass

Under the Work and Holiday Visa Programme, you can get a Work Holiday Pass that lets you live and work in Singapore for 12 months. It takes around 4 weeks to process an application.

At a glance

Who can apply Candidate
How much it costs When the pass is issued: Note: From 1 April 2019, there will be adjustments to the application and issuance / renewal fees for Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit and other passes.
How long it takes Around 4 weeks
Related eServices

These are the steps for applying:

Step Who does this Result
Submit an application Candidate In-principle approval letter or rejection letter
Get the pass issued Appointed employment agent or candidate Notification letter
Register fingerprints and photo (if required) Candidate Acknowledgment of card delivery
Receive the Work Holiday Pass card Authorised recipients or candidate Work Holiday Pass card

Note: If you are planning to submit your application early, make sure it is not more than 3 months from your intended travel date.

Submit an applicationShow

Processing time: Around 4 weeks

To submit an application for a Work Holiday Pass under the Work and Holiday Visa Programme:

  1. Prepare the following required documents:
    If you are You need
    Graduate
    • A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport.
    • A copy of the degree certificate or transcripts.
    Undergraduate
    • A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport.
    • A letter from the university stating your matriculation, name, nationality, date of birth and year of study. The letter must not be dated more than 3 months before the date of application.
    • A copy of your university student card.
  2. Submit the application with the required documents.
  • If the documents from your university are not in English, submit a copy of the original document and an official English translation certified by the university.
  • Documents must be in PDF or JPEG format.
  • Each document’s file size must not be more than 2MB.

It takes around 4 weeks to process the application. If your application is approved, you will get an in-principle approval (IPA) letter by email.

The Work Holiday Pass under the Work and Holiday Visa Programme is valid for 12 months. You must get the pass issued within 3 months of the date of the IPA letter.

Get the pass issuedShow

When: Within 3 months of in-principle approval

You or your appointed employment agent can ask for the pass to be issued. You need to be in Singapore when the request is made.

There are two ways to get the pass issued:

  • Using EP Online (use this if you have a SingPass or an employment agent)
  • Over the counter

Using EP Online

You (if you have SingPass) or your employment agent can apply to have the pass issued using EP Online. To get the pass issued:

  1. Log in to EP Online to make the request and submit the supporting documents (see what you’ll need).
  2. Pay the fees using GIRO, or eNETS credit or debit:
  3. When the pass is issued, print the notification letter.

The notification letter:

  • Allows you to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card.
  • States if you need to register to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
  • Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. Request to extend the validity if you have a change of travel plans.

Over the counter

Use this option if you don’t have a SingPass to use EP Online.

  1. Make an appointment to have your pass issued over the counter at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
  2. Bring the supporting documents for the appointment.
  3. Pay the fees using VISA, MasterCard or NETS:
If your credit or debit card was not issued in Singapore, ensure it has been activated for overseas use.

What you'll need

You will need the following for the pass to be issued:

  • Your passport details.
  • Details of your current Short Term Visit Pass or immigration pass.
  • Your residential address in Singapore.
    From 14 September 2018, your residential address must meet the housing requirements before you can get the pass issued.
  • A local address where we can deliver your card.
  • Contact details of at least one authorised recipient to receive an SMS or email on the delivery details.

You may also need copies of these documents:

  • Disembarkation/Embarkation card (IMM27).
  • Completed medical examination form.
  • Completed declaration form attached with your in-principle approval letter.

Register fingerprints and photoShow

When: Within 2 weeks after pass is issued (if required)

Check the notification letter for whether you need to register your fingerprints and photo. First-time candidates or those whose last registration was more than 5 years ago will need to register.

For registration, you or your employment agent must make an appointment for you to visit EPSC. You need to register within 2 weeks after the pass is issued.

Bring along these documents for the appointment:

  • Appointment letter.
  • Notification letter.
  • Documents listed in the IPA letter and notification letter.

Receive the Work Holiday Pass cardShow

When: 4 working days after registration or document verification

We will deliver the card to the given address 4 working days after you register and get your documents verified at EPSC.

If you don’t need to register, we will deliver the card 4 working days after checking your documents.

The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 day before the delivery.

You can also check the card delivery details in EP Online.

Download SGWorkPass to scan QR code on your new card to check status, expiry date and more.

If card delivery fails

After two unsuccessful deliveries, you’ll have to collect the card at EPSC.

You or an authorised person can collect it 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. You don’t need an appointment.

Bring along these documents for card collection:

  • Candidate’s original passport.
  • Notification letter.

If you authorise someone to collect it on your behalf, make sure they bring these along:

  • An authorisation letter from the pass holder.
  • NRIC or passport for verification.
Last Updated: 7 December 2018

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