Can student visa dependents work in Australia?

Yes, student visa dependents can work in Australia. The spouses or partners of an Australia student visa holder listed as dependents can work for the specified time based on the international student's degree level. If the student is pursuing a Master's or Doctorate study program, the dependent can work full-time. For Bachelor's degrees, the dependent can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight.

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Work rights for Australian student visa dependents

Dependents of Australian student visa holders usually have limited working hours, allowing them to work for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight, but dependents of Master’s or Doctorate students can work full-time, meaning they have no restrictions on their working hours.

Detailed information about the working rights for the Australian student visa dependents is given below.

• Dependents can only start working in Australia after the primary candidate with a valid Australia student visa has started their study program.
• The 48-hour limited working hours per fortnight apply during the semester as well as semester break periods.
• After the primary student completes their Master's or doctoral study program, the dependent can still pursue full-time employment.
• If asked, dependents should provide proof of ties with the Australia student visa holder.
   

Read more…

Can an international student work in Australia?
 

Summary of work rights under Australian student visa

The working rights of the primary student visa holder, as well as the dependent, are given in the table below.

Work Condition	Masters or PhD By Research	Masters by coursework	Bachelors
Primary Australian student visa holder	The candidates can work full-time.	The candidates can work 48 hours per fortnight during the semester, but they can work full-time during breaks.	They can work for only 48 hours per fortnight during semesters as well as breaks.
Dependent	The candidates can work full-time.	The candidates can work full-time.

 

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Requirements to work in Australia as a student visa dependent

The documents required to work in Australia as a student visa dependent are given below.

• For Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders:
  • An Australia Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
  • A valid passport and student visa.
  • Proof of adequate funds to support yourself and accompany dependents.

 

• For Australian student visa dependents:
  • Nomination of Student Dependents Form 919
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of relationship with the primary candidate
  • A good character Certificate
  • A valid identification document
  • Proof of Overseas Health Cover
  • A duly filled Australia student visa Form 157A (if applicable)
     

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