Lori Meadows
International students in Australia on a valid student visa can bring their spouse or partner as a secondary applicant. The spouse or partner may be permitted to work in Australia, but there are limitations on how much they can work. If the student is pursuing a bachelor's degree, the spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight or 20 hours per week. If the student is pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, the spouse will have full and unlimited work rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work rights | Depend on the course of study of the student |
| Work rights for spouse when student is studying for a bachelor's degree | Work up to 48 hours per fortnight |
| Work rights for spouse when student is studying for a master's or doctorate degree | Unlimited work rights |
| Work rights for spouse when student is obtaining a graduate degree | Unlimited work rights |
| Work rights for spouse when student is studying for a degree other than those mentioned above | Work up to 20 hours per week |
| Work commencement | Work can commence only after the student has started their course |
| Work commencement for international students | Work can commence only after the course has begun |
| Work during vacations | No limit on the number of hours |
| Work during school sessions | Work up to 20 hours per week |
| Work during school hours as a component of studies or training | Does not count towards the 20-hour limit |
| Work during the 90 days before the course begins | Not allowed |
| Visa application fee | A$535 |
| Visa application requirements | Confirmation of enrollment issued by the Australian educational institution, evidence of relationship with spouse, evidence of meeting health and character requirements, and proof of financial support |
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What You'll Learn
Spouse work rights depend on the student's course
Spouses of international students in Australia may be permitted to work, but their work rights depend on the student's course. Spouses can be added as secondary applicants to a student visa application, but they must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are genuine temporary entrants.
If the student is studying for a bachelor's degree, the spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If the student is studying for a master's degree or doctorate, the spouse will have full and unlimited work rights.
Family members of international students have the same work rights as the student, which is up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and no limit on the number of hours during recognised school vacations. However, unlike students, family members may not exceed 20 hours per week, even during holidays.
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Spouses can be secondary applicants on student visas
To include your spouse on your student visa, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of living together. You must also demonstrate that you can financially support your spouse during your stay in Australia.
It is important to note that the work rights of a spouse on a secondary applicant visa will depend on the course of study of the primary applicant (the student). If the student is pursuing a bachelor's degree, the spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. However, if the student is enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program, the spouse will have full and unlimited work rights.
In general, family members of international students in Australia on a valid student visa can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. There is no limit on the number of hours they can work during recognized school vacations. It is important to abide by these work restrictions, as violating them can result in the cancellation of the visa.
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Work limits for spouses on student visas
Spouses of international students are eligible to work in Australia, but there are specific visa requirements and work limitations. The spouse must be a secondary applicant on the student visa application and provide evidence of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation. They must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are genuine temporary entrants.
Spouses of international students have work rights similar to those of the student. They can work up to 20 hours per week while the student's course is in session and are not allowed to work more than this limit, even during holidays. However, if the student is pursuing a graduate degree, such as a master's or doctorate, the spouse will have full and unlimited work rights.
It is important to note that spouses cannot start working until after the student has commenced their course. Additionally, volunteer and unpaid work count towards the weekly work limit. Spouses must adhere to the work restrictions, as violating them could result in visa cancellation.
To clarify work rights and visa conditions, spouses can refer to the visa grant letter or use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. It is recommended that spouses research their specific visa conditions and stay updated with information provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
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Spouses must prove they're genuine temporary entrants
Spouses of international students can work in Australia, but they must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements. The GTE requirement is a common hurdle for those seeking a temporary visa to Australia. GTE is included in multiple visa requirements, such as the Visitor (subclass 600) visa.
The GTE requirement is designed to ensure that spouses of international students genuinely intend to return to their home country after their partner's studies are complete. GTE applicants must provide evidence of their connections to their home country, including evidence of living arrangements, family members, financial ties, and property. They must also demonstrate significant incentives for choosing Australia for their course of study.
Spouses must also provide evidence of their financial ability to return home after the student visa program ends. This includes providing financial documents such as bank statements. Additionally, spouses must explain their course selections and demonstrate how their time studying in Australia will impact their future viability in the job market.
The GTE requirement also considers the immigration history of the spouse, including any previous visa applications, refusals, or cancellations. While the GTE doesn't appear too difficult to satisfy, applicants should be careful not to be stingy with their personal information, as this is a common mistake.
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Spouses must provide evidence of their relationship
Spouses of international students are eligible to work in Australia, but they must be included in the student's visa application as a secondary applicant. They must also provide evidence of their relationship with the student, such as a marriage certificate or proof of living together. This is because spouses and other family members of international students are considered dependants and are only allowed to work in Australia if they are officially recognised as such.
The specific work rights granted to the spouse of an international student depend on the course of study of the student. If the student is studying for a bachelor's degree, the spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. This is because the Australian government considers bachelor's degree students to be full-time students, and their dependants are therefore subject to the same work restrictions as the student.
However, if the student is studying for a master's degree or a doctorate, the spouse will have full and unlimited work rights. This is because master's and doctoral degree students are considered part-time students, and their dependants are not subject to the same work restrictions as the student.
In addition to providing evidence of their relationship, spouses of international students must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are genuine temporary entrants. This may include providing evidence of their financial stability and ability to support themselves and the student during their stay in Australia. They may also be required to undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate to ensure they meet specific health and character requirements.
It is important to note that spouses of international students are not allowed to begin working until after the student has started their course. This is a requirement for all students and their dependants, regardless of the level of study.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the spouse of an international student can work in Australia. The spouse must be added as a secondary applicant to the student visa application.
The spouse has the same work rights as the student. They can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and there is no limit on the number of hours they can work during recognized school vacations. However, they cannot exceed 20 hours per week, even during holidays.
The spouse is only allowed to do paid work. Volunteer and unpaid work count towards the 20-hour limit.
Yes, the spouse must provide evidence to support the relationship, including a marriage certificate or proof of living together. They must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they are genuine temporary entrants and meet specific health and character requirements.
