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Work Rights for International Students @ UOW

If you were granted a student visa on or after 26th April 2008 you will have automatically received permission to work.  This applies to both the primary student and any family members travelling with them on their student visa.  As a result, most student visa holders will no longer need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work. 

Working part-time is an avenue for earning extra spending money. However you must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses before you leave your home country. You cannot rely on working in Australia to cover all your course fees or living costs. The Workplace Ombudsman has created a fact sheet for International Students to ensure that students are aware of their rights in the workplace.  

A student visa issued on or after April 26, 2008 will give you the right to work automatically. The work conditions of the visa are:

• Students and their dependants cannot work until the student has started studying in Australia
• Students cannot work more than 20 hours a week while their course is in session (excluding work done as a registered component of the course)
• Dependants cannot work more than 20 hours a week, except dependants of students who have started a Masters or Doctorate course – they can work unlimited hours

If you work in Australia, you will need an Australian tax file number issued by the Australian Taxation Office.

Most student visas granted prior to 26th April 2008 have condition 8101 - No Work attached. This means that you cannot work whilst you are studying in Australia. You can apply for a student visa with permission to work once you have commenced your course.

How to Apply for Work Rights - Online Applications

Step 1

To apply for work rights you will need to request the University to confirm your commencement of study. To do this please email confirmstudy@uow.edu.au and include the following:

• Student Number
• eCOE number
• Full Name

Once your study has been confirmed you will be sent an email from the University.

PLEASE NOTE: Confirmation will only be sent to DIAC (formally DIMA) after the course start date. You may apply early but your application will only be processed when the course has started.

Step 2

After you have received an email advsing your course commencement has been confirmed with DIAC (formally DIMA) go to http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/students.htm and follow the prompts.

You can pay the Visa Application Charge by using a credit card or by Bpay. If you do not have a credit card you are able to use another person’s card with their permission. If you use Bpay you must allow 7 days for your payment to be processed. In most cases, you will be issued with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which will confirm that your online application has been received by DIAC (formally DIMA). Please note your TRN for use if you want to check the status of your application online in the future.

Step 3

Once you have received confirmation (confirmation will be sent by email) that your Permission to Work has been granted (allow up to 7 working days), you can obtain a new visa label (if you wish) by attending any DIAC (formally DIMA) office. Alternatively any employer wishing to confirm your right to work can do so online with DIAC (formally DIMA), utilising the Department’s Entitlements Verification Online (EVO) system to confirm your student visa conditions. http://www.immi.gov.au/managing-australias-borders/compliance/info-employers/evo-orgs.htm

How to Apply for Work Rights - Paper Applications

You can also send your application to DIAC (formally DIMA) by mail.

1. Fill in form 157P. This form can be downloaded from the DIAC website.
2. Attach the $60 application fee either by Credit Card (form 157P), Bank Cheque or Money Order (Made payable to DIMA or DIAC).
3. Mail your application to: DIAC - NSW Student Centre, GPO BOX 9984, SYDNEY NSW 2001
4. Letters will be sent to all applicants acknowledging that we have received your application within 7 working days. It is recommended that you post your application by registered mail.
5. There is a 30-day processing period for paper applications lodged this way.

More Information

For more information or if you are experiencing problems applying online please contact DIAC directly on 131 881 or visit their website.