Your Student's Pass in Singapore
In Singapore, the Student's Pass is your permit to live and study. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) gives you a digital pass after you finish the last steps (fingerprints, photo and fee).
SingaporeEXAMPLE STUDENT'S PASS
Type: Student
Status: Student
Example: Master of Science
Institution: Example University
This is only an example picture. Your real pass is digital, not a card.
What Is the Student's Pass?
It is the pass that lets a foreign student live in Singapore for full-time study. ICA gives you the pass. Your school does not.
Visa and Pass
Lets you travel to Singapore
Does not promise entry
An officer decides at the checkpoint
Lets you live and study here
Digital
Linked to your course
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
ICA runs Student's Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR), gives you the IPA letter and the digital pass, and handles changes and cancellation.
Key Papers
IPA letter
ICA's first approval. For India and Pakistan it includes your visa. It is not your Student's Pass.
Digital Student's Pass
Your pass after the last steps. You get it in FileSG or the Singpass app.
Visit Pass (e-Pass)
A short stay permit sent by email when you arrive. It shows the last day you may stay, until your Student's Pass is ready.
Staying too long
Main Rules
Full-time course
You must be accepted into an approved full-time course.
Valid pass at all times
Staying after your pass ends is against the law. The IPA letter alone does not let you stay.
Report changes
Tell ICA within 14 days about a new passport, new address or new personal details.
Student's Pass: New, Renewal and Change
The main things you may need to do with your pass.
Key Times
In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
Up to 2 weeks (India and Pakistan)
Pay and prepare
Before the IPA letter ends
Enrol in person
After you arrive
Digital pass
Within 7 working days of enrolment (at Nanyang Technological University, NTU)
What You May Need to Do
New Student's Pass
For a foreign student accepted into an approved full-time course. NTU lets you apply no more than 2 months before.
Key Requirements:
- Registration Acknowledgement Letter (from your school, it confirms your registration)
- Passport details page
- Photo taken in the last 3 months
- SGD 45 processing fee when you apply (not refunded)
Renew Your Student's Pass
Renew online in the same way if your course runs past your pass.
Key Requirements:
- SGD 45 processing fee (not refunded)
New Passport or Address
Update online. ICA processes it within 5 working days.
Key Requirements:
- New passport details page, or
- Tenancy agreement, phone or internet bill, or utilities bill for a new address
Replacement Pass
Use this if your name, birth date or photo changes.
Key Requirements:
- Old and new passports
- Photo taken in the last 3 months
- SGD 60 fee (not refunded)
Cancel Your Pass
When you finish or stop your studies. There is no fee. ICA takes up to 3 working days.
From Approval to Digital Pass
In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
ICA approves your application and sends an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, the letter that says your Student's Pass is approved so far.
Duration: Up to 2 weeks (India and Pakistan)
Pay and prepare
Accept the terms, do the medical check if asked, and pay the SGD 60 (Singapore dollars) fee when ICA issues the pass.
Duration: Before the IPA letter ends
Enrol in person
Give your fingerprints and photo at your school's session or the ICA Services Centre.
Duration: After you arrive
Digital pass
FileSG emails you a login to get your digital pass.
Duration: Within 7 working days of enrolment (at Nanyang Technological University, NTU)
Steps After Approval
What to do after ICA approves your Student's Pass.
From IPA Letter to Digital Pass
Complete tasks
Accept the Student's Pass terms and do the medical check if asked.
Do this before the IPA letter ends.
Pay the fee when ICA issues your pass
SGD 60, plus SGD 30 if ICA gives you a Multiple Journey Visa (a visa that lets you leave and come back many times).
Pay by the deadline, or ICA withdraws your application.
Travel to Singapore
Arrive no earlier than 1 month before your course starts.
Show your IPA letter at the checkpoint.
Give fingerprints and photo
At your school's session, or by appointment at the ICA Services Centre.
Do not wear coloured contact lenses.
Get your pass
ICA sends an email through FileSG.
Then you can register for Singpass 3 working days after your pass is issued.
Renewing Your Pass
Apply online
Renew in the same way as a new application. Pay SGD 45.
Wait for the decision
ICA decides. See Processing Times.
Working After Study
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student's Pass | Employment Pass (EP) | A job offer with at least SGD 5,600 a month, rising with age from age 23, and a pass under COMPASS (MOM's points test). The Employment Pass is a work pass for skilled jobs. | Your employer applies for it. From 1 January 2027, new applications need at least SGD 6,000 a month, rising with age from age 23. |
| Student's Pass | S Pass | A job offer with at least SGD 3,300 a month, rising with age from age 23. The S Pass is a work pass for mid-level jobs. | Your employer applies for it. From 1 January 2027, new applications need at least SGD 3,600 a month. |
Papers for Your Pass
What ICA asks for at each step.
To Apply
Registration Acknowledgement Letter
From your school.
Passport details page
And your birth certificate if asked.
Photo
Colour, passport size, taken in the last 3 months.
To Update Your Address
Proof of address
A tenancy agreement, a phone or internet bill, or a utilities bill.
Processing Times
How long each step takes.
Main Steps
Apply in SOLAR
Apply in the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system.
Key Activities:
- Fill in eForm 16 (the Student's Pass form)
- Pay SGD 45 when you apply (not refunded)
IPA letter
ICA's first approval.
Key Activities:
- Read the conditions
- Note the last date on it
Last steps
Finish everything in person after you arrive.
Key Activities:
- Pay SGD 60 when ICA issues the pass
- Give your fingerprints and photo
Digital pass
Get your pass in FileSG or the Singpass app.
Key Activities:
- Check your email for FileSG
Processing Times
Fastest Cases
Typical Cases
Complex Cases
Keeping Your Pass Valid
Simple rules to keep your Student's Pass in order.
Good Habits
Update your address
Tell ICA within 14 days.
Use a tenancy agreement or a bill as proof.
Update your passport
Tell ICA within 14 days.
Upload a clear picture of the new passport details page.
Follow the work rules
Up to 16 hours a week while classes run, at schools on the MOM list.
Exchange students cannot work at all.
Apps
Official apps
- Singpass app (shows your digital pass)
- FileSG (the government site that sends your digital pass)
- MyICA Mobile (the app for the SG Arrival Card, SGAC, an online form you fill in in the 3 days before you land)
Mistakes to Avoid
Plan Ahead
Keep track of your pass dates and report changes on time.
Common Questions About the Student's Pass
Answers about keeping your pass valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Links
Need More Help?
Ask your university's international office, or talk to our advisers.
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