Post-Study Work Visa Options
Unlike some Western countries that offer a single, blanket post-study work visa for all graduates, Malaysia requires you to secure an appropriate visa to legally remain in the country for employment.
1. The New Graduate Pass (Social Visit Pass – Graduate)
In a significant recent development, Malaysia has introduced a Graduate Pass designed to provide a formal bridge between studies and full-time employment.
- What it is: This pass allows eligible international graduates to stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months after completing their studies. This period can be used for job searching, travel, or gaining initial work experience.
- Eligibility Note: As of the latest regulations, this pass is generally offered to graduates from a specific list of countries (including the US, UK, Australia, and key European nations). Applicants must have completed a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and require a Malaysian citizen sponsor.
If you are not eligible for the Graduate Pass, you must proceed directly to the Employment Pass route immediately upon receiving a job offer.
2. The Main Work Visa: Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa for international graduates securing professional, technical, or managerial roles. Your employer must successfully apply for this pass on your behalf.
The EP is categorized based on salary and contract duration:
- Category I (High-Level Professionals): For individuals earning a monthly salary of RM 10,000 or more. Issued for up to five years and generally renewable.
- Category II (Mid-Level Professionals): For individuals earning a monthly salary between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999. Issued for up up to two years and renewable.
- Category III (Skilled Workers): For individuals earning between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999 and on contracts of up to 12 months. This pass is limited in scope and only renewable twice.
Key Requirement: The employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a suitably qualified Malaysian citizen for the role. Employers usually prefer hiring graduates from Malaysian universities who possess skills in high-demand sectors such as IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
Other Work Permit Options
- Temporary Employment Pass (TEP): Generally used for semi-skilled roles or specific sectors (like manufacturing or services) and is not the standard route for degree holders seeking professional careers.
- Professional Visit Pass (PVP): Issued for short-term engagements, training, or internships lasting less than 12 months, where the individual remains employed by a foreign company.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
The responsibility for the Employment Pass application lies with your future employer, usually through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) or the relevant regulatory body.
- Job Search: Begin applying for jobs during your final semester, focusing on Malaysian companies registered with the ESD.
- Receive Job Offer: Accept the job offer, which must detail the salary and position necessary to qualify for an EP category.
- Employer Submission: Your employer will submit the EP application, including documentation about your qualifications, salary, and the company’s justification for hiring an expatriate.
- Visa Conversion: Once the EP is approved, your university will notify you to submit your passport to the Immigration Department to cancel your Student Pass and receive the new Employment Pass sticker. You must be on the appropriate work visa before you begin working.
Post-Graduation Grace Period
After graduation, your Student Pass will have an expiration date. Non-eligible students are typically allowed a short grace period, usually 1 to 2 months, depending on the visa’s end date. It is critical to secure a job offer and initiate the EP application well before this period ends. If you are eligible for and receive the new Graduate Pass, you gain a vital 12-month extension to complete this process.
By planning ahead, securing a good job offer, and ensuring employer support for the visa process, international graduates can successfully transition from student life to a rewarding professional career in Malaysia.
