Working Holiday Visa: International Students' Work Hours Explained

can international students work unlimited hours during holidays

International students in Australia on a student visa are restricted to casual or part-time employment while studying, as full-time employment exceeds allowable work hours for visa holders. However, from 1 July 2023, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. This flexible arrangement allows students to earn while studying and applies to all international students regardless of their course start date.

Characteristics Values
Location Australia
Applicable to International students on a student visa
Work hours during term time 48 hours per fortnight
Work hours during holidays Unlimited hours
Work hours for PhD and Masters by Research students Unlimited hours
Work hours for students in the aged care sector Unlimited hours until 31 December 2023
Work rights Same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia
Work permit requirement No work permit required
Visa requirement Student visa required
Visa holder's dependent family members Eligible to work
Tax File Number (TFN) requirement Required for receiving payments and paying taxes
Bank account requirement Australian bank account required for receiving payments

shunstudent

Work hour restrictions for international students in Australia

International students in Australia have the same working rights and protections as other employees in the country. However, they must adhere to specific work hour restrictions as outlined in their student visa conditions.

From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. This includes semester breaks, mid-semester breaks, and other recognised vacation periods provided by the student's educational institution. It is important to note that the 48-hour cap applies across all paid employment and excludes work that is a requirement of the student's course of study or training.

For students obtaining a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, their dependants can work unlimited hours. Dependants, which include spouses and children, are generally restricted to 20 hours per week.

International students should be aware of their workplace rights, including pay, working conditions, health and safety, and entitlements. They can seek free advice and support from the Fair Work Ombudsman, who can assist with workplace issues without the risk of visa cancellation. Additionally, resources like the Pay and Conditions Tool on fairwork.gov.au can help students understand their pay and entitlements.

shunstudent

Work hour restrictions for international students in Canada

International students in Canada are permitted to work on and off-campus, with their work authorisation printed on their study permit. Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. However, working more than 24 hours per week is considered a violation of the study permit conditions.

During scheduled breaks, such as the summer and winter holidays, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours. This applies to both on and off-campus jobs, including self-employment roles. Additionally, international students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit.

To be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, international students must meet specific requirements. They must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in the last semester of their study program, not requiring a full course load to complete their program. Furthermore, they must be studying in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

International students should carefully adhere to the work hour restrictions as non-compliance can result in losing student status, facing difficulties in obtaining future study or work permits, and even having to leave the country.

shunstudent

Work hour restrictions for international students in the UK

International students in the UK on a student visa are allowed to work, but there are restrictions on the number of hours they can work during term time and holidays. The number of hours international students can work in the UK depends on their age, the type of course they are enrolled in, and the type of visa they hold.

For students under 18 years old, the maximum number of hours they can work per week is 10 during term time and up to 40 hours during official school holidays. Most international students in the UK, however, are over 18 and enrolled in university courses. For these students, the standard rule is that they can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays. It is important to note that voluntary work and unpaid work count towards the maximum weekly limit.

There are some exceptions to these rules. For example, students on a Tier 4 visa can take part in certain activities as amateurs, such as playing or coaching sports if their studies are funded by a sports scholarship. Additionally, students on certain degree programmes that require an authorised work placement can work full-time hours for that placement, and this does not count towards their term-time employment limit. Undergraduate students are allowed to work full-time outside their university term time, which includes the time before and after their course begins and ends, as long as their student visa is still valid. Taught postgraduate students can work full-time during official holidays, which usually include Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. However, the summer holidays may not count as an official holiday for postgraduate students writing dissertations. PhD students are considered to be in "term-time" throughout the year and can only work full-time during official annual leave, which is limited to 30 days per year.

It is important for international students to carefully check their visa conditions and the regulations surrounding work to avoid any visa violations, as this can affect their studies and result in fines or prosecution. Students can seek advice from their university's International Student Advice Service to clarify their work permissions and ensure they comply with the relevant regulations.

shunstudent

Work hour restrictions for PhD and Masters by Research students

The work hour restrictions for PhD and Masters by Research students vary depending on the country and the type of visa and institution.

In the UK, international students pursuing a full-time PhD are allowed to work alongside their programme as long as they do not exceed 20 hours of work per week. During vacations, internships, or work placements, there is no limit on the number of hours they can work. However, PhD students cannot work for more than 20 hours per week during term time. This restriction is in place for both the University's guidelines and visa restrictions for students on a student visa. It is important to note that students on a Tier 4/Student visa should refer to the full guidance on the working conditions associated with their visa.

In Germany, international students with a valid student visa can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. If they work as research assistants, there are no time restrictions, but they must inform the authorities. Similarly, in Russia, international students can work up to 20 hours per week outside the university without requiring an additional permit.

In New Zealand, there are no restrictions on the number of hours that PhD and Masters by Research students can work while studying. They have unlimited work rights.

It is important to note that work hour restrictions may vary depending on the specific country, institution, and visa type. Students are advised to consult official guidelines or their university's international office for detailed information regarding work permissions during their studies.

shunstudent

Work rights and protections for international students in Australia

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. This means that, as an international student, you may get a part-time or casual job to help pay your living expenses while you study.

From 1 July 2023, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time. This does not apply to PhD and Master's by research students, who can work unlimited hours during term time. All international students can work unlimited hours during their holiday breaks. If you were already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023, you can continue to work unrestricted hours in this sector until 31 December 2023.

It is important to be aware of the restrictions placed upon you as an international student. Student visa holders in Australia are now eligible to work for up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during holidays. Check your visa rules to ensure you are allowed to work before you start looking for a job. Family members (spouses and children) accompanying an international student under their student visa have the same work rights as the student—20 hours per week. Unlike students, family members may not exceed this limit, even during holidays. For those students obtaining a graduate degree, their family can work unlimited hours.

All employees in Australia have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. You continue to have the same entitlements and protections under the Fair Work Act as other employees, regardless of your migration status. If you believe you are not receiving your minimum rights and conditions at work or are having workplace issues, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free information and advice. They can help if you're having issues with, for example, not getting the right pay or other entitlements like leave or notice. The Fair Work Ombudsman can also help if you are experiencing bullying or sexual harassment in the workplace—everyone has the right not to be bullied, sexually harassed, or discriminated against at work. You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman without fear of your visa being cancelled.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, international students in Australia can work unlimited hours during semester breaks and holidays, including mid-semester breaks. This applies to all international students, regardless of when they started their studies.

International students in Australia are restricted to casual or part-time employment while studying, as full-time employment exceeds the allowable work hours for visa holders. From 1 July 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time.

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. They are entitled to the same minimum wage and should be aware of their rights under Australian law.

International students in Australia need a Tax File Number (TFN) so that their employer can pay them and they can pay the right amount of tax. They will also need an Australian bank account to receive payments.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment