Students want to support themselves when they go to Australia to study, but student visa work restrictions keep on changing having the students utterly confused. During the pandemic, these restrictions were fully removed and were activated again in 2022.
Recently, the Government of Australia has relaxed these restrictions. They have increased the capacity of working hours for students from 40 hours per fortnight to 48 hours per fortnight. Additionally, students working for the aged sector can work uninterrupted and for unrestricted hours till the end of 2023.
To know more about student visa work restrictions and the intricacies of them, read ahead.
What Are The Current Student Visa Work Restrictions?
Starting from 1st of July, 2023, students can work for 48 per fortnight thus allowing them to support themselves while they study. An increased cap also helps students gain important work experience and prove to be useful members of the Australian society and workforce.
Why Were The Student Visa Work Restrictions Relaxed In 2023?
The Australian government believes that the untapped potential of the visitors should be utilized and thus they have relaxed the student visa work restrictions. This helps students practical work experiences while also carrying on their coursework.
According to the Minister of Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, these relaxations help students extend their stay in Australia and also add a valuable contribution to the Australian economy.
Additionally, she believes that skilled migrants can add to the value of the country. She also believes that by offering less exploitative programs to the students, the government can benefit greatly. Such statements by the Government is why Australia is one of the best places to study abroad.
What Are Your Work Commitments During The Study?
Students are not forced to work and working jobs is their own choice. However, should they choose to work, they are required to keep a work-study balance. Although there is some flexibility in conditions, the Australian Government compels students to fulfill the following commitments.
- Students should ensure they are enrolled in their respective courses.
- They should maintain satisfactory attendance for all their courses
- Ensure there is not a course where a student is lagging behind and underperforming.
Remember that you are not allowed to cancel your enrollment in any of the courses because of work commitments. Anyone who breaches these conditions and shows non-satisfactory study progress will be held liable.
What Are The Workplace Conditions For Student Visa Holders?
Under the laws of Australia, student visa holders enjoy the same rights and privileges as the rest of the employees working in a company. Employers need to abide by these conditions. The Department of Home Affairs ensures
- The Migration Act 1958, section s116 (1)(B) is followed and visas of students who work beyond 40 hours are not canceled.
- Employers do not carry out any investigation on students who exceed their work limit. They should not be charged for any potential offense.
- Not hold any student visa holder in breach of the offense under Migration Act 1958, subsection s245AC.
- You are eligible for minimum pay and minimum working conditions at work. You can know more about work conditions in the awards and agreements.
- Additionally, you have some obligations while you work in any Australian company. To know more, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Working In Australia Post Your Graduation
To work in Australia once you have graduated from an Australian institution, you need a separate visa. You may be granted a bridging visa in the meantime thus allowing you to stay in Australia legally. Extending your student visa is another option for you.
Most students try out their luck and look for work in Australia after they graduate. Luckily for them, this is not an issue as long as you take some timely measures.
Submit an application for a Post-Study workstream for Subcalss 485 Visa (Temporary Graduate Visa).
Work Restrictions For Family Members Of Student Visa Holders?
Any family member of the student visa holder can work the same hours as the student. Due to the student visa work restrictions relaxation, family members can now work up to 24 hours per week and 48 hours a fortnight.
However, if you are a student who is getting a master’s degree from Australia, your family is free to work for unlimited hours in Australia. However, remember that family workers can not start working until after the course begins.
Want To Study In Australia? We Can Help You
When deciding on a country for further studies, one has to consider work options as well. Working during your study helps students gain practical experience while also managing their finances. However, while working, be vary of the student visa work restrictions so you do not breach any laws.
If you want help getting into a recognized Australian university, Studywise.com can be a game-changer for you. From helping you chose courses to helping you submit a fool-proof application to the best Australian universities, there is a lot you can accomplish here.
In order to know more about your study and work options in Australia, contact us.
FAQs
Q1. Can I work for more than 40 hours while I am on my student Visa?
A1. Yes, With the changes in student visa work restrictions, you cannot work for up to 48 hours a fortnight on your student visa.
Q2. What is the average pay rate for students on Student VISAs?
A2. If you are a student working in Australia, the minimum pay for students is up to 21.38 Australian US Dollars. This means that your fortnight wage can equal around $855 US dollars.
Q3. Can my partner or my spouse work while I study in Australia?
A3. Yes, Your partner or your spouse can work while you are in Australia. However, the limit is the same as for the student enrolled.
Q4. Is there any age limit for student visas in Australia?
A4. No, There is no age limit for students working in Australia. However, if you are under the age of 18, you may be liable for special conditions.