Work Rights for International Students in Australia
In comparison with other countries, international students in Australia have more flexible work rights. The Australian government understands the need for practical work experience and the need to help students manage their finances.
Work Rights for Student Visa Holders
Students with a valid Student Visa (subclass 500) can work during study periods for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. The volunteer work and unpaid internships that are part of your curriculum are not considered employment under this visa.
Students are allowed to work during officially recognised breaks (which are part of the course), which are semester holidays, winter/summer breaks, and any study breaks.
Key Work Conditions:
- You may not start work until your course has commenced
- You may not enter employment before landing in Australia on your student visa
- Your rights to work under your visa are dependent on your active enrolment
- Excessive work hour violations may lead to visa termination
Employment Types Available
This visa allows the holder to work in Australia, which allows students to gain knowledge and skills in a multitude of fields while pursuing their education.
Casual Employment: Most new international students secure casual employment, particularly in hospitality and retail. These positions are shift work. Wages at these positions are around 20 to 25 dollars per hour.
Part-time Positions: These are more stable positions, which can be in administration, research, and other more specialised roles that are linked to the student's area of study.
Freelance and Gig Work: This includes independent contractor work such as food delivery, rideshares, content creation, and online tutoring. All require the appropriate licences.
On-Campus Opportunities: Universities offer a variety of student jobs such as library student aide, undergraduate tour guide, peer tutoring, and research assistant. These jobs are helpful for networking and are often flexible around classes.
Step-by-Step Process to Start Working
Step 1: Obtain Your Tax File Number (TFN)
Your TFN is crucial for legal work in Australia. Apply online at the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for your TFN as soon as you land.
Requirements:
- Passport
- Australian Address
- Proof of student visa
Processing time is typically 10-14 days. You have to apply to work legally, this is your first step.
Step 2: Open an Australian Bank Account
Almost all employers expect you to have an Australian bank account for salary payment. All major banks have accounts for students with low fees.
Required Documents:
- A current passport and visa
- Enrolment confirmation
- Address in Australia
- Australian Tax File Number (once issued)
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Resume:
- Revise and customise the resume to Australian criteria and limit to 2-3 pages
- Highlight relevant global work and educational experiences
- Language proficiency and multicultural aptitude should be underscored
- Provide contact details and the address in Australia
Cover Letter:
- Address each letter to the appropriate contact
- Promote your current position as a student
- Prove that you understand Australian work culture
- Make a clear statement on your work rights
Step 4: Job Search Strategy
Web Based Job Search:
- Search on Australia's most popular job site, SEEK.com.au
- Look on Indeed Australia
- LinkedIn Australia
- University career websites
- Job boards catering to specific industries
Self-Initiated Job Search:
- Job search by walking around and dropping your resume in businesses
- Locations around your university or home
- Look in the student-friendly sectors such as retail and hospitality
Career Development:
- Become a member of professional and student associations
- Attend career fairs hosted by your universities
- Engage with the post-secondary alumni in your programme
- Participate in relevant community service
Post-Study Work Options
This can make Australia a desirable long-term educational investment as it provides a great opportunity for international students to work after studying.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Permits Australian working opportunities for new graduates with options for eligible applicants to gain permanent residency later on.
Post-Study Work Stream Requirements:
- Achieved higher education qualification recognised by an Australian institution
- Two academic years studying
- Application within the last 6 months from date of graduation
- Complied with the English language proficiency standards
- Health and character clearances
Duration by Qualification Level:
- Bachelor's degree: 2-4 years, subject to the specific field of study
- Master's by coursework: 3-5 years
- Master's by research: 4-6 years
- Doctoral degree: 4-6 years
Graduate Work Stream
This stream offers 18 months of work rights to graduates with skills in any of the listed eligible occupations, irrespective of the level of their qualification.
Prerequisites:
- Skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Occupation must be listed on the combined skilled occupation lists
- Applications must be filed within six months of programme completion
- Standard visa requirements must be fulfilled
Post-Study Work Rights Application Process
Step 1: Collect Essential Documents
- Academic transcripts and confirmation of programme completion
- Results from English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic)
- Health insurance documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Immigration history and passport
Step 2: Complete Online Application
Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal. Application processing may take 2-6 months, depending on complexity and completeness of submitted documents.
Step 3: Health and Character Assessments
Complete the necessary medical examinations with designated panel physicians. Submit police clearance certificates from every country you've resided in for over 12 months since age 16.
Step 4: Decision Wait Time
Check your application status using ImmiAccount. Process any information requests for further documents immediately to avoid processing delays.
Maximising Work Experience
Establishing a Network
Industry Associations: Become a member of relevant professional organisations. Many of them offer discounted student memberships and help with professional networking.
Professional Development: Participate in relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events help understand the Australian workplace and industry trends.
Seek informal or formal mentorship connections with prominent specialists. Numerous universities and professional industry associations help facilitate mentorship programmes.
Skill Development Strategies
Australian Workplace Culture Training: Knowledge of business customs, communication frameworks, and professional expectations of the region greatly improves chances of getting employed.
Digital Skills Enhancement: Develop the industry-required Australian business application software and digital platforms. Many employers greatly appreciate candidates with advanced digital literacy.
Enrol in relevant professional certifications that strengthen your qualifications in the Australian job market.
Major Issues of Concern and Recurring Mistakes
Regulatory and Legal Issues
Consistently logged work hours are needed to meet work visa requirements. Not adhering to the fortnightly work hour cap of 48 hours can lead to dire consequences, including visa cancellation.
Employers and employees are advised to keep records of employment, including payment and schedule documents, for tax returns and future visa applications.
Financial Planning
Make sure to budget your funds wisely since income from casual work may be less predictable. Prepare for slow income periods during your intensive study sessions or exams.
Keep in mind your international taxation as an international student. International students tend to be taxed at a higher rate to begin with, but may receive some refund depending on the total income earned for the year.
Academic Performance Balance
You should always give priority to your studies instead of work commitments. Your academic performance has a direct correlation with the eligibility criteria for a post-study work visa, as well as career opportunities in the future.
Your academic schedule should be communicated to your employers, particularly with regard to the exams, assignments, and deadlines.
Conclusion
Juggling a job and school in Australia enables you to gain professional experience, expand your network, and support your education financially. Work permits and visa restrictions can be complex, but if you adhere to application procedures and compliance frameworks, you can enjoy these benefits while safeguarding your visa status.
The student work to permanent resident pathway in Australia is well-defined and a number of international graduates make the switch to long-term careers. Focused and strategic approaches to work coupled with academic rigour can strengthen your foundation for your future in Australia.
The primary goal of your journey to Australia is education, so do not lose sight of that. Work experience should enrich your education and provide insight and skills that are useful for your career.
Take advantage of Australia's myriad of work opportunities for international students. Remember to stay current with regulatory changes and start planning your work strategy well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work more than 48 hours per fortnight if I have multiple jobs?
No, the 48-hour limit is the maximum for work done across all employers. Regardless of how hours are allocated among the jobs, this limit being exceeded is a breach of visa conditions.
Are unpaid internships included in the work hour limit?
Internships that are part of the course do not count as work hours. However, work done outside the course may be counted, thus not forming part of work hour's limit.
Am I allowed to start working as soon as I arrive in Australia?
Work may only commence once the course has officially started. Engaging in work prior to this timeframe is a breach of your visa conditions.
What happens if I'm in between two courses?
Work permissions remain valid if there is an interval of two months or less between courses. With longer gaps, your work entitlements may be impacted.
Are there jobs that an international student is not allowed to do?
As a general rule, there aren't any specific restrictions; however, some jobs that need a security clearance or specialised licences may be unavailable to visa holders.
