Student visas and work
Student visa conditions
The conditions of your student visa include:
- Full time study
You must be enrolled in a full time course and study on a full time basis.
- Satisfactory attendance and progress
You must attend all classes (a minimum of 80% attendance) as a requirement of your student visa. If you fail to meet this requirement, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will be notified and your student visa may be cancelled.
The due date for the submission of assignments will be clearly set out in the competency/module outline/training plan, given to students on the first day of competency/module delivery. - Correct address
You must inform Brisbane North Institute of TAFE of your address in Australia when you first enrol, and at any time that you change your address. Your address is the point of contact for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship so it is important that we have your correct address at all times.
- Overseas student health Cover (OSHC)
When you first apply for a student visa, it is the responsibility of the educational institution to make sure that you take out OSHC (This does not apply to students from Sweden or Norway). Brisbane North Institute of TAFE insures new students through World Care Assist.
If you have held a student visa prior to enrolling at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, or if you extend your course of study, it is your responsibility to extend your Overseas Student Health Cover.
Visas for study in Australia are the responsibility of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship contact details:
Brisbane Regional Office
Level 13, 313 Adelaide Street Brisbane
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 4 pm
Website: www.immi.gov.au
National Enquiry number: 131 881
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450
If you need to apply for any changes to your student visa (for example, to extend your course of study), ring 131 881 for an appointment before you go to the office. When you ring, you will need to provide your passport number, as well as your full name and address in Australia.
Are you entitled to work in Australia
If you are on a student visa, you are not allowed to work without permission. You must apply for a work permit through your International Student Support Officer (ISSO) and then through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, before you begin working. If you try to work without a work permit, your visa will be cancelled, you will be deported and you may not be allowed back into Australia.
Applying for a work permit
You may not apply for a work permit until after your Brisbane North Institute of TAFE study program starts. Work permits can take from two weeks to six weeks to approve, so apply early. On a student visa with permission to work, you may work up to 20 hours at a paying job during the semester. During semester holidays, you can work as many hours as you like. Other types of visas have other rules and conditions about working. Phone Immigration on 13 18 81 or visit www.immi.gov.au for more information about working and your visa.
Work experience
Some of Brisbane North Institute of TAFE programs feature in-the-field work experience as part of the program. If work experience is required and assessed as part of your program, you are allowed to work more than 20 hours a week. However, you cannot be paid for more than 20 hours a week at any time. Contact your ISSO for more information.
Finding work
After you have permission to work, you will want to find a job. You can start by talking to the Student Support Officers in Student Services at each campus. They can help you write a resume or application, prepare for job interviews and find a job. You must make an appointment and register with Student Services to use their help.
There are many different ways to start your job search such as looking in the newspaper under the 'job vacancies' or 'positions vacant' section, especially on Saturday.
Taxes and Your pay
All Australians pay tax on their earnings. The amount of tax they pay varies from person to person. The government takes out tax before workers receive their pay.If you intend to work while living in Australia, you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN).
A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number issued to individuals and organisations to help the Tax Office administer tax and other Australian Government systems. It's one of your most important forms of identification in Australia. It's yours for life and keeping it secure is a good defence against identity theft.
Applying for a TFN
If you are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor to Australia you can apply for a TFN online after you arrive in Australia if you have a:
- visa that allows work rights
- visa that allows permanent migration
- valid overseas student visa, or
- valid visa to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Applying for a TFN using false or other peoples' identity details, or misusing your TFN, can mean heavy fines or jail.
If you need more information about TFNs, or applying for one, you can: visit the Tax Office website or phone 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Once you have a TFN, you don't ever have to apply again while working in Australia. Applying for a TFN is free.
Tax returns
The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June of the following year. Under Australian law, anyone who earns an income during the tax year must file a tax return by 31 October. To find out if you are required to file a tax return, contact the Australian Tax Office on 13 28 61 or go to the Tax Office website.
Tax Help is a free service available to people on low incomes, such as students, who need help with tax questions and tax returns. Phone 13 28 61 to find out your nearest Tax Help Centre.
Please Refer to the international student handbook [
PDF 1.3MB] for more information on student visas and work.
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