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New permission to work arrangement for student visa holders

What is the new arrangement? Why was it introduced?

People granted student visas on or after 26 April 2008 will receive permission to work with their student visa. This will apply to both the primary student and any family members travelling with them on their student visa. As a result, most student visa holders will no longer need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work. The new arrangement will save student visa holders time and money.

Does it change when I can work, and the hours I can work?

No. Work rights for student visa holders haven’t changed. Students are still not allowed to work until they have started their course and the hours they can work have not changed. They can work up to 20 hours a week while their course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of their course of study or training) and they can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Family members of students are not allowed to work until the student begins their course. They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week at all times. Family members of students who have started a masters or doctorate course may work unlimited hours.

Have student visa application charges changed?

Yes. Previously most student visa holders paid a total of $490 – an initial $430 for their visa application and $60 in Australia for the separate permission to work. Now student visa holders will pay only one charge of $450 for the combined visa application and permission to work.

I need to lodge a new student visa application but already have work rights. Will I have to pay the new $450 visa application charge?

Yes. All people who apply for a student visa on or after 26 April 2008 will pay the new $450 charge.

I was granted my student visa before 26 April 2008 and haven’t yet applied for work rights. How can I get permission to work?

People granted student visas before 26 April 2008 can still apply separately for permission to work. Please click here on how to obtain your work permit.

To find out more go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/working_while_studying/how-to-apply.htm.

Do I need a visa label to show my employer my work entitlements?

No. Your visa information is held electronically and you can access it at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. Employers, banks and government services can also check details about your visa entitlements on VEVO once they have your consent to do so. For information on how to access VEVO go to www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/evo.htm.

Do I need an Australian visa label?

Australia’s modern electronic visa system does not require you to have a visa label placed in your passport to confirm your immigration status and entitlements in Australia. Your visa information is held electronically and you can access it at any time using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. Employers, banks and government services can also check details about your visa entitlements on VEVO once they have your consent to do so.

What is VEVO? What information do I see when using VEVO?

VEVO is a free internet service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It allows you to view your visa details online and provides even greater information about your visa than on a label. You will be able to see all the details of your current visa, including subclass, visa description, grant date, period of stay, grant number, entries allowed and any conditions that apply to your visa.

What organisations use VEVO?

More than 9000 organisations are registered to use VEVO and check information such as work entitlements, study entitlements, residency status and Medicare eligibility. Registered organisations include recruitment agents, universities, supermarket chains, banks and government departments.

How do I access VEVO? What happens if I forget my VEVO password?

If you have recorded a password in your eVisa application then go to www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/evo.htm , select the ‘VEVO for visa holders’ link and log on. If you haven’t yet recorded one, or have forgotten your password, phone 131 881 in Australia and ask to have a password recorded or reset.

My employer doesn’t have internet access. How else can they check work rights?

If your employer does not have internet access, they can submit a fax request for details about your work rights. To do this, they need to phone the Employers’ Immigration Hotline on 1800 040 070.

Why did I still get a label in my passport if I don’t need one?

Your government may require a label in your passport to facilitate your travel. The letter or confirmation you receive once your visa has been granted will tell you if you need to obtain a visa label.

Where can I find more information about VEVO?

For more information visit www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/evo.htm.