Preparing to work in Australia
Things you need to know or do prior to seeking employment
Obtaining permission to work
Before you even start looking for a job, you must make sure that you have "permission to work" while in Australia on a student visa, from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). This applies even if you plan to do unpaid/voluntary work.
All new international students receiving Student Visas to Australia since 1 July 1998 will note an initial condition of the visa (condition 8101) stating "no work". You cannot apply for "permission to work" (condition 8105) until after you have commenced your studies in Australia.
To obtain a visa with "permission to work", you'll need to present the following items to DIAC once you have enrolled at University and have "current student" status:
Knowing your work time commitment
Even if permission to work is granted, you are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during Semester (or anytime your course is considered to be "in session"), however, during recognised periods of vacation no limit is imposed.
Voluntary/unpaid work does count towards the 20 hour limit, with the only real exemption being work undertaken as a registered requirement of your course.
From the University/DIAC standpoint, you have been accepted to Australia on a student visa and as such your primary obligation is to fulfil your full-time student commitment of four enrolled units per Semester (or 48 hours).
Tip: In order to manage the balance between study and work effectively, you must develop and practise good time management skills to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Monash University's Community Services Division can provide advice and resources to assist you.
Taxation for paid work
If you do paid work in Australia, you must be aware of and comply with all applicable regulations of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
If you are an overseas student enrolled in a course at an Australian institution that is more than six months long, you are generally considered to be an Australian resident for tax purposes , and therefore required to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) in order to submit annual declarations of income to the ATO for reconciliation.
Typically, you'll need to complete a "tax return" at the end of an Australian financial year if you were an Australian resident for tax purposes for the full financial year (1 July - June 30) and earned in excess of $6,000.00 for the same period. You may be proportionately liable if you earn a pro rata equivalent for part of that financial year, so it is important to check with the ATO on all tax matters.
Important It is the individual's responsibility to remain informed about policies, procedures and regulations regarding work permits, working in Australia, student visa and residency.
Australian immigration and taxation laws are complex and the implications of non-compliance can be serious, so, before undertaking any form of work in Australia, be sure to do your research!
The above information has been sought from the named providers' websites and is current at January 2006. Monash University Employment and Career Development does not claim to be the definitive authority on these matters.
Seek additional advice from:
- Monash's International Division, on visas (including Monash contacts if you need help)
- The Department of Immigration and Citizenship, about working and studying in Australia,
- The Australian Taxation Office, about taxation for individuals.
Monash University International Student Admissions can provide further help if required, or contact us for referral to an appropriate service.
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