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Work Rights on Student Visa

Understanding your work rights and obligations as an international student.

NN
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer · BBus(Accy) LLB MBA · Last updated March 2026
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Overview

As an international student in Australia, you have the right to work, but there are important rules and limitations you must follow. Understanding your work rights is crucial to ensure you remain compliant with your visa conditions. I provide clear and practical advice on your work rights, helping you to balance your studies and employment without jeopardizing your visa.

The primary purpose of your student visa is to study. However, the Australian government allows students to work to gain valuable experience and support themselves financially. The standard rule is that you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session. During scheduled course breaks, you can work unlimited hours. It is essential to keep accurate records of your work hours to demonstrate your compliance.

Condition 8105 of your student visa outlines your work limitations. Breaching this condition can have serious consequences, including the cancellation of your visa. I will explain the intricacies of this condition, including what constitutes a 'fortnight' and what happens if you work for multiple employers. I can also advise on situations where you may be able to work more than 48 hours per fortnight, such as if the work is a registered part of your course.

Key Facts

Work LimitUp to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session.
Vacation WorkUnlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Visa ConditionCondition 8105 - Work limitation.
Consequence of BreachPotential cancellation of your student visa.

How I Work — Step by Step

1

Work Rights Assessment

I will review your visa conditions and explain your specific work rights and limitations in plain English.

2

Compliance Guidance

I will provide you with practical tips and tools to help you track your work hours and maintain compliance with your visa conditions.

3

Troubleshooting

If you have any concerns or have encountered any issues related to your work rights, I will provide you with expert advice and assistance.

What I Do

  • Provide a clear explanation of your work rights and limitations under condition 8105.
  • Advise you on how to calculate your work hours to ensure you do not exceed the 48-hour per fortnight limit.
  • Explain the rules for working during scheduled course breaks.
  • Advise on situations where you may be able to work additional hours.
  • Assist you if you have been accused of breaching your work conditions.

Who Is This For?

  • International students who want to understand their work rights in Australia.
  • Students who are working or looking for work while studying.
  • Applicants who have questions about the work conditions on their student visa.
  • Anyone who needs clarification on condition 8105.

Common questions about

When does the 48-hour per fortnight limit start?+
The work limitation applies once your course of study commences. You cannot work until your course has started. I can help you determine the exact start date for your work rights.
What happens if I work more than 48 hours in a fortnight?+
Breaching your work conditions is a serious matter. The Department of Home Affairs can cancel your visa if you are found to be working more than the permitted hours. It is crucial to be compliant at all times.
Does volunteer work count towards the 48-hour limit?+
Generally, unpaid volunteer work does not count towards the 48-hour limit, as long as it meets the definition of genuine volunteering. I can provide advice on your specific situation to ensure you are compliant.

Your Visa Was Refused — What Now?

I wrote a free guide covering the 5 most common refusal reasons, your appeal options, and the deadlines you cannot miss. It is the same advice I give clients in their first meeting.

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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Thoughts only — not legal advice.

Important: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law in Australia is complex, fact-specific, and subject to frequent change under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), the Migration Regulations 1994, and departmental policy. You must seek independent, qualified legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any immigration decision or taking any action. Viewing this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Terms of Use | Full Disclaimer

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MyVisa Australia Pty Ltd ABN 65 092 524 359 (service entity for MyVisa Lawyers Pty Ltd ABN 54 607 960 547). Nilesh Nandan is an admitted solicitor and Australian legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Australia, authorised to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958. As a legal practitioner regulated by the New South Wales Law Society, Nilesh is not required to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Nilesh Nandan BBus(Accy), LLB, MBA, MMIA — Head of Practice. Member: Law Council of Australia · Migration Institute of Australia (MMIA) · MIA Character & Cancellation Advisory Board · MIA Disciplinary Committee 2026 · New South Wales Law Society · Australian Asian Lawyers Association · Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce. *Based on publicly available Google reviews. No other individual immigration lawyer in Australia has more reviews, across more locations, sustained over a longer period, with a comparable satisfaction rating.

Liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to be relied upon as, and should not be taken as, a substitute for specific legal advice relevant to your individual circumstances. Immigration law is complex and subject to frequent change; the information on this site may not reflect the most current legal developments and may not apply to your situation. You should seek independent, qualified legal advice before making any immigration decision or taking any action based on the content of this website. Viewing this website, using the tools provided, or contacting our office does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Parts of this website are enhanced through the use of artificial intelligence; despite best endeavours, AI-assisted content may not be suitable for your specific immigrati MyVisa® is a registered trademark used under licence. MyStudentVisa is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or any government agency. MyStudentVisa is a specialist brand of MyVisa Australia Pty Ltd.

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