Permission to Work
If you or members of your family wish to work while you are studying, you must hold a visa with Permission to Work. Student visas that were granted on or after 26 April 2008 automatically include permission to work.
See: New permission to work arrangements for students (57KB)
If your student visa was granted before 26 April 2008 and you have not applied for permission to work, you and your family members can lodge an application as soon as you have commenced your studies. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) prefers on-line applications.
Visa conditions
It is essential that you check your visa to ensure that condition 8105 is included before you starts working.
When can I start work?
You and your family members can only work when you have commenced your course of study.
How many hours can I work?
You can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week when your course is in session and unlimited hours during periods of vacation. A week is defined as the seven-day period starting on a Monday. You course is in session during standard semesters or trimesters (including examination periods) and Summer Term if you are enrolled in subjects that counts towards your course. Please refer to the University's Academic Calendar for principal dates.
Work restrictions may vary for family members of international students.
See DIAC: Conditions for work while studying.
Applying for permission to work
The following information is only applicable to students who were granted student visa before 26 April 2008 and have not yet applied for permission to work:
On-line application
| Step 1: | Submit an on-line request to International Student Services (ISS) to notify DIAC that you have commenced your studies. |
| Step 2: | After you have received email confirmation from ISS, submit the online application on the DIAC website. |
| Step 3: | After you have received confirmation from DIAC that your Permission to Work has been granted, visit the nearest DIAC office to receive a new visa label with Permission to Work. |
Paper application
| Step 1: | Download and complete Form 157P Application for Permission to Work. |
| Step 2: | Hand in Form 157P at the International Centre and ask International Student Services to confirm your study commencement. This will take approximately 3 days to process. |
| Step 3a: | After you have received an email from ISS, collect your form and make an appointment to see a DIAC officer by calling 131 881; or |
| Step 3b: | Send the application by registered mail to: DIAC Client Services, PTW Application Please include with your application a money order from Australia Post or bank cheque made payable to “DIAC”, or complete the credit card details on Form 157P to pay the application fee. DIAC will send a letter advising you of a time and date to visit a DIAC office and receive a new visa label with Permission to Work. |