Australia's Work Restrictions for Student Visa Holders: What Changed

Australia's work rights for international student visa holders have been subject to significant changes in recent years. Understanding the current rules - and how they have evolved - is important for any international student planning to work alongside their studies.

A Brief History of the Changes

Prior to COVID-19, international students on a Subclass 500 Student Visa were limited to 40 hours of work per fortnight during the period their course was in session, with unlimited hours during breaks. This rule was temporarily relaxed during the pandemic and its aftermath, as Australia faced acute labour shortages and many students themselves faced financial hardship.

From January 2022, international students in certain sectors - particularly aged care and healthcare - were permitted to work unlimited hours to address critical workforce shortages. This was later extended to all student visa holders. However, from May 2023, the Government announced that this temporary measure would be wound back, and students would return to the previous restrictions - though with the fortnightly limit raised from 40 to 48 hours.

The Current Rules

As of the restoration of limits in 2023, the standard conditions for Subclass 500 Student Visa holders are:

• During session: Maximum 48 hours of work per fortnight
• Outside session (semester breaks and course holidays): Unlimited work hours
• Registered nurses and some other health professions: May have modified conditions - check your specific visa grant notice

Your individual visa conditions are stated on your visa grant notice. Always refer to your specific visa conditions rather than relying on general guidance, as individual circumstances can affect entitlements.

What Counts as Your Fortnight?

The 48-hour fortnightly limit is measured against a fixed two-week period, not a rolling fortnight from any random starting point. The specific fortnight measurement dates are published by the Department of Home Affairs and begin from your visa grant date or a standardised reference date. Understanding exactly how your fortnight is calculated ensures you do not inadvertently breach your conditions.

Some employers - particularly large hospitality and retail operators - track hours carefully and will not roster international students beyond their entitlement. Smaller employers may rely on the student to self-manage their hours. Regardless of your employer's systems, you are personally responsible for ensuring compliance.

Working During Semester Breaks

During official semester breaks and course holidays - periods not classified as "during session" by your education provider - there is no limit on the hours you can work. This is the period when many students take on full-time or extended hours employment to build savings for the following semester.

However, it is important to confirm with your education provider exactly when your "during session" period begins and ends for each semester. Different providers define this differently, and misunderstanding the boundaries can lead to inadvertent breaches.

Practical Compliance Tips

• Keep a personal log of your hours worked each week
• Obtain your semester timetable from your education provider and identify the official session periods
• Ensure your employers are aware of your visa conditions, particularly during session periods
• If in doubt, contact your institution's international student office for clarification