Learning Connection
As an International Student, you may be eligible to do paid or voluntary work while you are studying in Australia. If you are eligible, you must receive authorisation from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship before you can start work. This page provides answers to some frequently asked questions about work rights for International Students. Condition 8105 of your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours during teaching periods and full time in official holiday periods.
International Students entering Australia on a 573 Student Visa may be eligible for paid or voluntary work, but approval is not automatic. You must obtain authorisation from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship before you are allowed to start work. You do not need work rights if the work is an officially recognised part of your study.
For further information, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 55 Currie Street, Adelaide General enquiries: 131881
There are two ways that you can apply for work rights. You should choose one of the following options:
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 Learning Connection 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 Learning Connection and leave the form for Learning Connection staff 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 Learning Connection staff.
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.
Step 1: Obtain a 'Confirmation of Commencement of Studies' form and 'Application for a student visa with permission to work' (157P) form from Learning Connection 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 Learning Connection on your campus and ask to see an International Student Officer in a Drop-in session. 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 $60 (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 Learning Connection on your campus.
Once the Department of Immigration and Citizenship grants Work Rights, you may work up to 20 hours a week during teaching times and full-time during recognised 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.
If you 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 $60 fee will be required. In either case, the International Student Officer will need to confirm that you are actively studying.
Questions can be directed to Learning Connection on your 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:
To make an appointment online go to: www.utlc.org.au/ywls
Information about working while studying in Australia is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
For more information on part-time work while studying and working in Australia please visit the Careers Services website.
For information about obtaining a tax file number and filling out your income tax return please visit the tax file number online information resource.
