Rights and Obligations

Working in Australia as an International Student

Once they have commenced studies, international students wishing to work in Australia no longer need to apply separately for a ‘student visa with permission to work’ under Australia’s new visa arrangements. Under the new processing arrangements, which came into effect 26th April 2008, all student visas will be granted with work rights attached. This removes the need for you as an international student to make a separate application; thus, enabling you to commence part-time work as soon as the commencement of your course.

Under this new arrangement, students’ visa information will be stored electronically for access through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service, which will allow you to view your visa details online. Employers, government agencies and education providers are also allowed to check your details with your consent.

To access your visa details, you will need to go to http//www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/vevo.htm, and then select ‘VEVO for visa holders’ link. You will be asked to supply your VEVO password in order to access your visa details. If you have not obtained or wish to reset your VEVO password, you will need to call 131 881 in Australia.

For more information about Australia’s new student visa arrangements, go to:

 http//www.immi.gov.au/students/whats_new.htm.

Please note that there are conditions that apply with the automatic student visa work permit, which students MUST abide by. Students MUST be aware that 20 hours per week is the MAXIMUM permitted working hours during their semester studies, while vacation period holds no restrictions, unless the student is enrolled in summer institute. For more information please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website at http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/working_while_studying/conditions.htm

Employment Rights

There are a number of external agencies where students can obtain assistance with employment related issues. Here is a list of agencies where students can get help:

• Work Cover Authority and Occupational Health

Manages Victoria’s workplace safety and provides information on WorkCover and workplace occupational health and safety issues.

Level 24, 222 Exhibition Street,

Melbourne, VIC 3000

Tel:  03 9641 1555 

Toll free:  1800 136 089 

Fax: 03 9641 1222

Website: www.workcover.vic.gov.au 

• Equal Opportunity Commission

Receive complaints from people who feel they have been treated unfairly; have been discriminated against; or are experiencing sexual harassment.

Level 3, 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Enquiries:  03 9281 7100 

Toll free:  1800 134 142 

Tel:  03 9281 7111 

Fax: 03 9281 7171

Email: eoc@vicnet.au

Website: www.eoc.vic.gov.au

• Australian Taxation Office

Provides information on taxation and superannuation issues.

Tel: 132861

Website: www.ato.gov.au 

• Wageline

Provides information on rates of pay and conditions of employment, award information, and employee entitlements regarding annual leave, sick leave, redundancy pay, superannuation and related issues.

The Office of Workplace Services – Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business:

Melbourne Branch

8th Floor Customs House

414 Latrobe Street, Melbourne 3000

Tel:  1300 363 264 

Website: www.wagenet.gov.au 

• Job Watch

Investigates exploitation in employment and training, and handles complaints and enquiries from the general public regarding public annual leave, notice pay, sick leave, redundancy pay and related issues.

53 Drummond street, Calton 3053

Tel:  03 9662 1933  03 9662 1933

Toll Free:  1800 331617 

Email: jobwatch@vicnet.au

Website: www.hom.vicnet.au/jobwatch 

• Legal Aid Commission
  

Offers a free legal telephone advice service, and can assist with applications for legal assistance.

Victorian Legal Aid Office

Melbourne Branch

350 Queen Street

Melbourne 3000

Tel:  03 9269 0234 

Website: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au 

• Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC)

Facilitates agreement between employers and employees or organizations of employees about wages and conditions of employment, and helps to ensure that a safety net of fair minimum wages and conditions is maintained.

Level 42 Nauru House

80 Collins Street, Melbourne

Tel  03 8661 7777 

Fax: 03 9654 6812