Temporary Relaxation of Working Hours for Australian Student Visa

To address workforce shortages in Australia due to pandemic, student visa work hours restrictions have been temporarily relaxed till 30 June 2023.

Unrestricted Work Rights for Student Visa Holders

All ongoing international students in Australia as well as new international student arrivals along with their dependent family members are able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy, and can start work before their​ course of study commences. This relaxation has been provided till 30 June 2023.

After the 30 June 2023, the number of hours international Students are allowed to work in Australia will be capped again. The number of hours a Student visa holder can work, ensures that Students primary focus is on obtaining a quality Australian education and qualification. International students are granted Australian student visa with condition that they must make sure that they are aware of any changes to their visa conditions, including work rights.

Information for Students

You as an International student must continue to balance your study and work commitments even though there is flexibility in the number of hours you can work. Students must still:

• Maintain their course enrolment, and
• Ensure satisfactory course attendance, and
• Ensure satisfactory course progress.

Student visa holders who cancel their enrolment and stop attending classes, or fail to meet satisfactory course progress, may be in breach of their visa conditions.

​Information for Employers

Overseas workers in Australia, including international students, have the same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees. Therefore employers must continue to follow Australian workplace laws. While these temporary measures are in place, the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force will:

• Exercise their discretion under s116(1)(b) of the Migration Act 1958. This is to not cancel the visas of students who work  more than 40 hours each fortnight to support your organisation, and
• Not refer student visa holders for investigation of any potential offence under s235 of the Migration Act 1958. This might relate to the hours worked by a student visa holder in breach of their visa conditions, and
• Not refer you or relevant third-party labour hire companies, as an employer, for investigation of any potential offence under s245AC of the Migration Act 1958. This  might relate to allowing a student visa holder to work in breach of their visa conditions.​

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Disclaimer: ‘Atlantis International Pty Ltd’ and its associates are independent consulting entities which are not associated in anyway with the Australian ‘Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA). Information on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For a customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and talk to one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our Associates.