How many hours a week can I work on a Student Visa?

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​NEW!!! Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders

Announced by the Australian Government 4/2/2022

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Due to workforce shortages, there is temporary relaxation of student visa work limits to all sectors of the economy. This takes effect immediately for all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals who wish to commence a job prior to course commencement. This means that international students can work before their course commences and work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy. This also includes secondary applicants. This is a temporary arrangement and will be reviewed by the Government in April 2022. Check regularly on the Department of Home Affairs website for updates.

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We get asked lots of questions here at Study Online Australia which we love to answer! So in this week’s blog post, we’re going to talk all things international student work rights. 

When you apply for a student visa, you are committing to the conditions listed - which means making sure you’re not breaching the rules at work. But not everyone’s story is the same so we’ve rounded up the most useful information out there for students and secondary applicants alike.

From how many hours you’re allowed to work to temporary relaxation of working hours due to the Covid-19 pandemic, find out everything you need to know about student work rights in Australia below.

Are you allowed to work on a student visa in Australia? 

Yes but you must always refer to your visa grant letter and fulfil the conditions attached to your student visa.                       

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

One of the biggest factors to consider when applying for a student visa is the work limitations. 

Under student visa condition 8105, you must obey the following rules:
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• You must not engage in any work in Australia before your course of study commences.
• You must not work for more than 40 hours a fortnight. (A fortnight means the period of 14 days starting on a Monday.) 
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You are considered to be engaged in work if you meet the below criteria:

• You have ‘clocked on’ to an electronic system that records work activity  
• You have attended a place of work for a period of time using a roster or timesheet​  
• You have received remuneration for work as indicated in a payslip

When can I work more than 40 hours a fortnight?

You can only work over 40 hours a fortnight:
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• If it is a registered part of your course that is mandatory
• Your master's degree by research or doctorate degree has started
  
  

Another reason for working over 40 hours a fortnight is if your course is not in session. A course is not in session: 

• During scheduled course breaks
• If your course was deferred or suspended in line with Standard 9 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students
• If you hold a valid visa and have completed your course as listed on your confirmation of enrolment
• If enrolment has been cancelled due to the default of your education provider and until you get a new enrolment and start the course.

Please refer to the Home Affairs website for the full list of conditions relevant to your visa.

You can find further information on work hours and how to get a job in Australia in our dedicated blog post. 

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Can secondary applicants work on a student visa in Australia?

Yes, secondary applicants (family members or de facto partners) can work in Australia but there are limitations depending upon your individual case. Always refer to your visa grant letter and the full list of visa conditions on Home Affairs.

​Please remember that every case is different so if you’re unsure of your visa work rights, seek legal advice or contact Home Affairs directly. 

What documents do I need to provide to my employer?

As a student holder, you will need to provide evidence of:
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• Commencement of your course; this can be shown on your Confirmation of Enrolment or on your Letter of offer which is issued by your education provider.
• Visa Grant Letter.
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Employers, visa holders, education providers and other organisations can check visa conditions electronically by using Visa Entitlement Verification Online System (VEVO).

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What are my work rights as an international student in Australia?

The Fair Work Ombudsman works as a point of contact for free advice and information on Australian work rights. This is a really helpful corner of the internet when it comes to understanding National Employment Standards (NES) which covers public holidays, types of leave and notice periods if you are fired. 

If you're having an issue at work, you can report an issue anonymously to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

If you have any questions about your work rights, please contact our expert team for free support and advice.