If you’re thinking about studying in Singapore, you have made a good choice.
Well, there are reasons for it.
The country has become a top choice for international students, especially in Asia, with thousands choosing to study here every year.
In fact, more and more students are coming to Singapore’s excellent universities, and many wants to work while they study.
Therefore, it’s important to know exactly how many hours you can work, because this knowledge will really help you to make the most of your time here.
Understanding Student Visa Types in Singapore
Before going into work, let’s get to know some details of Singapore’s student visas.
So, when you come to study in Singapore, you’ll need what’s called a Student’s Pass.
This is the main visa that international students use, and you’ll get it from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
You need this pass if you’re studying full-time at any approved school in Singapore.
Moreover, most students get their pass for one or two years, depending on their course length.
Note: Remember to start your renewal process at least a month before it expires. If you need help on doing it, your school’s office will help you with this.
Official Working Hour Regulations
Singapore takes student work regulations pretty seriously.
This is because, they want to make sure that you’re focusing on your studies first.
Well, it is obvious right? Your main purpose is to study.
Anyway, during term time, you can work up to 16 hours each week.
This includes any kind of work that you do – whether it’s a part-time job, an internship, or working on campus.
However, the rules are a bit down during holidays by giving you more hours to work.
Term-Time Work Restrictions
That 16-hour limit during term time needs careful attention.
Whereas, you’ll need to keep track of all your working hours, no matter what kind of work that you’re doing.
However, there are some places where you can’t work at all.
Such as in:
- Entertainment venues
- Gambling places
- Adult-related businesses
Anyway, besides you, your employers also need to keep records of your working hours and check that your Student’s Pass is valid.
This is all to stay inside of the rules of immigration.
Holiday Period Working Rights
Here’s some good news for you.
During your official school holidays, you can work full-time.
Which means that the 16-hour limit doesn’t apply in this case.
However, you’ll still need a proper approval, though.
This is because, it can affect your visa in the future, like when you are renewing it.
Therefore, make sure to get the word “okay” from your school and check that everything matches your visa requirements.
Note: Holidays are a great time to do internships or get practical training.
Where International Students Can Work
Well, you have quite a few options when it comes to this.
Many students work in retail stores, restaurants, offices, or as research assistants.
Moreover, working on campus is really convenient if you think about it.
Whereas you might find jobs in the library or as a teaching assistant.
So in a way, you might even get a permanent position at your campus, once your studies are done.
In addition to that, internships in your field of study are encouraged, but remember to get the approval from your school before looking into it.
Compliance and Reporting
Both you and your employer needs to follow the immigration rules much more carefully.
As a matter of fact, your employer needs to track your working hours and keep a good record of your work.
Plus, you’ll need to tell your school about your job and make sure that all your paperwork is in order.
Remember that breaking these rules can get you into serious issues.
In fact, you might even lose your visa and have to leave Singapore according to the immigration rules.
Income Tax and CPF Considerations
When you work in Singapore, you’ll need to think about income tax as well.
Now don’t be afraid of it.
This is because, you might not have to pay much if you don’t earn a lot or haven’t been here long.
In addition to that, usually, you won’t need to support the Central Provident Fund (CPF) if you’re on a Student’s Pass.
So that falls to the plus side in your case.
Note: Keep all your pay slips and tax documents in a safe place. This is because, you’ll need those later when it comes to visa-related work.
Common Areas to Avoid
There are several things that can get you into trouble.
Whereas working more than your allowed hours is a huge mistake, even if you didn’t mean to.
So that was the reason for us to mention about keeping a track record of your working hours.
Also, don’t take jobs that aren’t approved or work in places that are off-limits.
Note: Keep a record of your working hours and stay in touch with your school about your work situation. In case, if you don’t report changes in your work arrangements, you might run into visa problems.
Additional Support and Resources
You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.
Which means your university’s career office can help you to understand the rules and find jobs.
Moreover, the ICA has phone lines where you can call with visa questions, and there are student groups that can give you on advice.
Furthermore, if you need any legal help with work matters, you can get it through your university or approved outside services.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about anything, because you are on the positive side in every situation.
Getting to know the work-related rules, especially when it comes to working hours in a proper way is really important when you’re studying in Singapore.
This is because, working while studying is great for getting experience and earning some money to cover your expenses.
Anyway, always remember that your studies should come first, as it is your main role according to your visa rules.
Therefore, understand of these rules, work legally and do well in your studies.
Who knows, it might even help you to build a career in Singapore later.
Contact TEVS a Singapore student visa agency in Sri Lanka for more information.
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