Work Holiday Pass (WHP) Decision Time

Member since 28 July 2023

StressedStudentMember28 July 2023 14:01:39

Good evening,

I applied for the WHP on the 8th of July and tomorrow makes it three weeks since my application was submitted. I have several questions which I’m hoping can calm me down:

Is a decision handed out to you on the 21st day of processing or will you have to wait a few days longer?
Does anybody have any idea about the likelihood of being rejected due to this pass exceeding its maximum capacity of 2,000?
Would it be wise to send an email to the MoM asking about my application? Or would this simply have the opposite of its intended effect?

I am a student at the University of Bath who has received a contract for an internship at a fast-growing FinTech firm in Singapore. It’s a massive opportunity for me and so I’ve been stressing heavily over this visa.

Other visas (such as TEP) are not feasible options for me as the company is unwilling to pay SGD$3,000+ for a student intern.

I would appreciate any insight and clarification on this matter. Thank you.

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert28 July 2023 19:07:27

15609

The three weeks average processing time mentioned by MoM are just a very rough estimate. In reality, it just takes as long as it takes and you can only wait (or cancel your application).

Due to the small number of such passes available, we have little first hand evidence on this forum about actual processing time and approval chances. But the little there is (I remember two or three posts in the last few years) you should read!

For a more plannable and certain engagement, as you mentioned, TEP and TWP are the appropriate visa types.

winglamfok08 Member

Member since 30 April 2024

winglamfok08Member30 April 2024 08:18:02

@StressedStudent

Hello, I am faving the same situation. I have been waiting for more than 21 days. How long does it take for you?

Máté221 Member

Member since 08 August 2024

Máté221Member08 August 2024 13:48:57

Same situation here, applied this week and my internship would start September. How long did it take for you guys? Should I get my hopes up?

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert08 August 2024 13:54:35

15609

@Máté221 The WHP is not meant for engagements with fixed start and end times, like your internship. It is not certain how long the process will take - and because the number of WHP to be issued is very small, there is a good chance yours will be rejected just because others were faster.

I recommend you look into other options: TWP and TEP are the passes intended for your purpose!