Working in Australia

Visa Conditions

We understand that students need to work while studying in Australia. However, you need to make sure that you are complying with your Visa Conditions when you are working in Australia.

Work Restrictions

40 hours a fortnight is the maximum number of hours you will be allowed to work when your training/course is ‘in session’, this includes exam and assessment periods. However, if your training/course is not ‘in session’ the number of hours that you are allowed to work will not be limited.

Note: The Australian Government has temporarily lifted the restrictions for Students to work, allowing you to work unrestricted hours. Make sure that you are staying up to date with the working restrictions on your Visa on the DOHA website.

Tax

Tax File Number

If you plan on working in Australia, you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). To apply for a TFN, you must fill out and complete the Tax File Number application or Enquiry for an individual form (NAT 1432). Check out and review the forms at:

ATO Website (www.ato.gov.au)

Phone Number (13 28 61)

Some information will be asked in the application form such as your name, date of birth, current Australian address, date of arrival in Australia and proof of identity. All documents that you provide will be reviewed by a Tax Officer for approval.

Tax payment in Australia

International students have to pay their taxes the same way that Australian residents pay theirs. Staying in Australia for more than six months will give the government rights to consider you as ‘a resident for tax purposes’. This means that you are required to pay tax on your work earnings as well as earnings from bank interests.