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Work rights

As an International Student, studying in Australia, your work rights are automatic. If you were issued with a student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you will have permission to work included in your visa. You do not need work rights if the work is an officially recognised part of your study. All new visas issued after 26 April 2008, include a permission to work. If you need to re-new your visa you will be issued with a visa which will include permission to work.

For further information, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 55 Currie Street, Adelaide General enquiries: 131881

For more information on the new permission to work arrangements for student visa holders, please refer to the Fact Sheet (PDF 63kb - opens in a new window. Download Adobe Acrobat) on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am eligible, how many hours may I work?

Once the Department of Immigration and Citizenship grants work rights, you may work in a paid or voluntary capacity for up to 40 hours per fortnight during teaching times (when your course is in session) and unlimited hours during scheduled university breaks. If you work more hours than this, you will be in breach of visa conditions and your visa may be cancelled. This rule applies to paid and voluntary work.

How many hours should I work if I am a Higher Degree Research (HDR) Student?

If you are a Higher Degree Research (HDR) student on a 574 visa, you will be able to work an unlimited amount of hours once your program of study or course has commenced. However, the University’s Research Degrees Committee recommends that full-time research degree students undertake paid employment for no more than 8 hours per week or for a total of the equivalent of 8 hours per week over a twelve month period. The hours of employment include marking and preparation associated with part-time teaching duties.

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Are my dependents eligible to work?

If you were issued with a student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you will have permission to work included in your visa which will apply to any family members travelling with you on your student visa.

If you were granted a student visa before 26 April 2008 and have dependents who also want to work, they can apply on the same 157P form as you. If they apply at a different time, another 157P form and a further $75 fee will be required. In either case, the International Student Officer will need to confirm that you are actively studying.

Dependents (or family members) are not allowed to work until you, as a student, have begun your program and course sessions. Your dependents may not work more than 40 hours per fortnight at all times. If you have started a masters or doctorate program, your dependent (or family member) may work unlimited hours.

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If my visa was granted before 26 April 2008, how do I apply for approval to work?

For students granted with a visa prior to 26 April 2008, you may still apply separately for permission to work. There are two ways that you can apply for work rights. You should choose one of the following options:

  1. Online application (approximately two days but may take up to one week)
  2. Paper-based application (approximately one week but may take up to three weeks)

Online application

Step 1: IMPORTANT - You need a credit card to apply online for work rights.
Please note: If you have changed your program since you arrived in Australia you will not be eligible to apply online. In these cases please use the paper-based application form.

Read information on how to apply to work while studying, at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Step 2: Come into the Learning and Teaching Unit on your campus to obtain a 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form.

Step 3: Ask your Program Director or authorised School representative to complete and sign the 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form. Make sure the start and finish dates of your program of study are recorded.

Step 4: You must bring back the 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form to the Learning and Teaching Unit on your campus and leave the form for an International Student Officer to complete.

Step 5: You will be notified by email once your 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form has been processed.

Step 6: You must then wait another 24 hours for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to process your details submitted by an International Student Officer.

Step 7: Only after you have waited this length of time can you apply online at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Step 8: Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office. You can do this online or go to the ATO office at 91 Waymouth Street, Adelaide.

Paper-based application

Step 1: Obtain a 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form and 'Application for a student visa with permission to work' (157P) form from the Learning and Teaching Unit on your campus.

Step 2: Complete the 'Application for a student visa with permission to work' (157P) form and have the 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form signed by your Program Director or authorised School representative such as a Course Coordinator, Head of School or Supervisor. This person should be in a position to confirm that you have commenced your studies.

Step 3: Return both forms to the Learning and Teaching Unit on your campus and ask to see an International Student Officer in a student appointment. The International Student Officer will complete, sign and stamp the 'Application for a student visa with permission to work' (157P) form.

Step 4: Take the 'Application for a student visa with permission to work' (157P) form, your passport and $75 (payable by cheque, credit card or FPOS only) to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at 55 Currie Street, Adelaide. The Department now accepts Postal Money Orders as the preferred mode of payment. This means that you can just drop off your 157P form in the Department's box and need not to queue up to make your payment.

Step 5: If you have not already done so, apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office. You can do this online or go to the ATO office at 91 Waymouth Street, Adelaide.

For further information, contact the Learning and Teaching Unit on your campus.

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Do I need to show my employer my work right entitlements?

No. Your visa information is held electronically by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and you can access it at any time using the Visa Entitlement verification (VEVO) system. Employers, banks and government services can also check details about your visa entitlements on VEVO once they have your consent to do so.

It is important that you advise any potential employer of your visa status so that they can complete a VEVO check and verify your visa entitlements before you commence work.

Information on how to access VEVO

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Where can I go for more information?

Questions can be directed to the the Learning and Teaching Unit on your home campus

If you have concerns about any employment related issues such as your rights and obligations in the workplace, please contact the Young Workers Legal Service.

The service is located at 46 Greenhill Road, Wayville SA 5034  ph: 8279 2233 email: ywls@saunions.org.au

The Young Workers Legal Service provides confidential and free advice to young workers in a range of areas including:

The following web resources may also be of interest:

For more information on part-time work while studying and working in Australia please visit the Careers Services website (internal UniSA access only).

For information about obtaining a tax file number and filling out your income tax return please visit the tax file number online information resource.

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