Work Rights Permit

If Condition 8101 is listed on your visa which means you will not be able to work in Australia unless you apply for permission to work. Applications for a permit to work can only be made in Australia after you have commenced your studies. Once your permit is approved you will be granted one of these conditions:

Condition 8105 – allows you to work 20 hours a week (other than work that is a registered requirement of your program) when your program is in semester. During semester break, you can work an unrestricted number of hours.

Note: You also need to apply for a Tax File Number
It is important to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) when you arrive in Australia. If you intend to work, you will require a Tax File Number, and you will also need to provide it to your bank when opening an account.

Change the conditions of your student visa
To change the conditions of your student visa with the Australian Immigration. A fee will apply. You can only apply for a work rights permit after you have commenced your course.
Online application for work permit (credit card required)
  1. Students must be enrolled and have commenced their course
  2. Students can apply online with a credit card from 28 February 2005.
  3. Application costs apply
  4. Please ask our administrtion to notify Australian Immigration electronically of your course commencement
  5. The next day complete your internet application. Go to www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/students.htm
  6. In most cases you will be issued with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) which confirms that your online application has been received by Australian Immigration
  7. Once you have received confirmation that your Permission to Work has been granted (allow up to 10 working days) visit a Australian Immigration office to have your 'work rights' visa label printed and placed in your passport. No appointment is necessary for this service.
Application by mail
  1. Download Form 157P – Application for a student visa with permission to work
    at: www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/157P.pdf
  2. Fill in the form and attach a money order from the post office or cheque made payable to Australian Immigration
  3. Post to Australian Immigration at one of the addresses below (it is recommended to use registered mail as applications will not be acknowledged on receipt)
Applying for a Tax File Number (TFN)
To obtain a TFN you will need to supply information relating to your name, current address, date of birth and date of arrival in Australia.
You can apply for a TFN online or in person to the Australia Taxation Office. The online procedure is much quicker.

Online procedure
  1. Go to the Australian Taxation Office website http://www.ato.gov.au/
  2. Go to 'For individuals' on the left hand side of the menu
  3. Click on 'apply for a tax file number' option from the option list
  4. Click on 'On-line individual tax file number (TFN) registration (Nat4157)'
  5. Read through the information
  6. Scroll down, then you can apply for it online
  7. Click on 'apply for a tax file number'
  8. There is no charge for Tax File Numbers
  9. If you have a problem the contact number is 13 28 61
  10. Once you have a Tax File Number (TFN) it stays with you for life