Working in Australia

As an international student, you can usually work in Australia. From 26 April 2008, your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week on a casual basis. Take note, however, that all paid, volunteer or unpaid work will count toward the 20 hours per week limit. Also, be aware that if you were granted a visa before this time, you may receive permission to work in Australia by applying directly to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

So, while this new student visa allowance automatically gives you permission to work, your visa will require you to meet certain obligations and conditions including:

• You are not permitted to work in Australia until you have started your course.
• A maximum of 20 hours per week of paid, volunteer and unpaid work is allowable whilst your course is in session. This does not include any work experience you undertake as part of your education coursework.
• During holidays, you may work unlimited hours when your course is not in session.

Types of work for international students

The types of jobs on offer for most international students are often found work in retail, hospitality and administration. Depending on the job title and your age, you should receive a minimum wage at least or above. You also could be entitled for more pay if you work on Sundays or public holidays.

Another way of earning money is by tutoring younger students in the field you are studying (or in your native language). You could earn up to $40 an hour. However, remember that your first priority in Australia should be your studies. So, if you do choose to work while you study, test to see how may hours you can comfortably balance with your studies.


Tax returns

If you decide to work in Australia, you’ll need to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This number often required to open a bank account in Australia too. To apply, simply follow the instructions on the TFN form available from the ATO website or an Australia Post office. Should your visa allow you to work in Australia, you can also use the ATO’s online registration system.

You will need to supply the following items to ATO:

• Your name
• Current address
• Date of birth.
• Date of arrival in Australia
• Current overseas passport (with current entry permit)
• Proof of enrolment (such as a student card or the Confirmation of Enrolment issued by your institution.

Also, if you do work in Australia, you’ll be expected to lodge an income tax return, (either through a registered tax agent or by completing it yourself). If you decide to complete your own income tax return, you could use the e-tax system. This is an online service which usually delivers a refund within 14 days of lodgment. You can download e-tax from the ATO website directly or call the ATO on 13 2861 for more information.


Superannuation

If you are paid more than $450 per calendar month as an international student, you may be entitled to superannuation. This is a requirement by law. It is called the Superannuation Guarantee. Your employer is legally responsible for paying money into a superannuation or retirement savings account for you.

Usually, your employer will have an existing superannuation provider. You can use their provider or choose a different superannuation fund. Lastly, you may be entitled to receive your superannuation in a lump sum when you permanently leave Australia. This payment is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). To apply for this, simply call contact the ATO for information.


Sourcing work in Australia

It may take some time before you find employment in Australia. The more proactive you are in searching for work, the better your chances are of finding something. Here is a checklist for finding employment in Australia:

• Check job advertisements in local newspapers and job websites.  I
• Contact your institution’s careers office or student centre. They might have local businesses that actively hire international students.
• Look at your school notice boards.
• Check the windows or notice boards of businesses.
• Ask friends about possible jobs. They might know of a friend’s business has a vacant position.
• Place together a professional looking résumé (also known as a Curriculum Vitae or CV)
• Ensure your résumé adequately sells your skills to the employer. (i.e. It should outline your work history, skills and experience, and detail your performance in these jobs).
• Also, take time to polish your résumé it so stands out and is easily readable. Employers will only spend a few seconds scanning it before deciding whether to read on or not.
• Organise your résumé in a sequential order. There are many free templates online so use these to help you. Basically, you should place your personal details and contact information first, your work history second, then your education and skills. You could also include a section on your interests. Also list if you speak a language in addition to English.
• Try to use helpful headings for each section (so that the employer can quickly scan and locate essential information).
• Try to be brief in your CV details. You can go into greater detail at the interview.
• Submit your résumé by the advertised deadline.
• While not always necessary, it is good practice to attach a cover letter that details how you are a suitable candidate for the advertised position. However, please ensure your English writing skills are excellent before sending the letter with your CV. Otherwise, have a trusted friend or colleague (that’s good with English grammar) edit your cover letter.
• Ensure you have referee contact details available for your employer if required.
• If you are submitting a hard copy application, be sure it’s neat and tidy and printed on simple white paper.
• Stick to easily readable font such as Arial or Times.  
• Don’t include details like your height, weight, marital status or religion.
• You don’t need to include your age/ birth date, (although many people still do).
• You don’t need to include a photo of yourself.
• Refrain from discussing how much you would like to be paid (or other benefits you would like to receive).
• Don’t make false statements about your work history or skills.
• If called for an interview, be punctual, confident, professional and friendly at the interview.
• Dress neat and professionally for the interview and actively engage with the interviewer by looking at them in the interview in a relaxed manner.
• Research the company and position and ensure you are prepared for all sorts of questions about you and the role.
• Stay calm and but try to stay calm and relaxed. If you’re not quite sure you understand the question, politely ask them to repeat it again or rephrase it.
• Promote yourself. Discuss your skills in more detail. Show the employer why they should hire you and what you will bring to their business as an employee.
• Be polite to all people you meet and greet at the interview.
• If you get the job, congratulations! If not, don’t be discouraged. Try asking the employer for feedback so you can improve your interview skills for next time. And remember, everyone gets knocked back for jobs. You can use the interviews as an opportunity to grow and learn from.
• Keep active while you search for employment so you keep yourself healthy and motivated. And whatever you do, don’t give-up! Stay positive! All good things may take time!

Your rights and responsibilities in the workplace

Student visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia. This is a great way to supplement your income for entertainment or unexpected bills. It should not become the main source of your money. So, don’t rely on part-time work to support your life in Australia as a student. To further help you understand your rights and responsibilities in the Australian workplace, you can call the Workplace Ombudsman on1300 363 264 for information. And remember:

• Be aware of your legal rights as an employee and your responsibilities to your employer.
• You do have rights in the Australian workplace as an international student. Familiarise yourself with them. Don’t automatically believe any employer who tells you that workplace rights do not apply to you!

Pay

Wages are usually paid according to your age and job classification. Most employers will pay you at a rate above the basic rate. Ensure you are paid at least the minimum legal rate.

Also, keep in mind the following useful pay tips:

• The correct rate of pay for all the hours you attend work must be paid by your employer.
• You must be paid on a regular basis (i.e. casual and part-time workers are usually paid either weekly or fortnightly for work they have already undertaken). Note also that you are paid in arrears, not in advance.
• You must receive a pay slip with your wage. It should detail your employer’s information (including their Australian Business Number, or ABN), your wage, the number of hours you are being paid, income tax, and superannuation payment.
• You should not be made to pay for work-related incidents or expenses (like a customer leaving without paying).
• “Trial work” should always be paid to you by the employer.
• Public holidays and weekend work usually attracts a higher rate. Find out what your legal pay rate is for these days.
• The time and day(s) of your paid work is called a ‘shift’.
• You are entitled to receive an unpaid break if you work more than five consecutive hours.
• Check your roster. You should start and finish your shift at the prearranged time.
• Get a managers approval before you work extra hours. You should be paid in return.

Starting a new job

There are many exciting and challenging aspects to working. It is a good idea to prepare yourself well in advance of starting your new job by understanding:

• what your duties are
• what is expected of you
• how to complete time sheets (a record of the hours you work)
• what to do if you can’t make it to work
• any training you will have to complete before you start work
• how much you will be paid
• meal break times

Call the Workplace Ombudsman on 1300 363 264 for more information or the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 for translation help.


Ending your employment

You must give your employer appropriate and formal notice of your intention to leave. The timeframe is usually outlined your employment contract. However, your employer may terminate your employment for a lawful reason. You cannot be fired on account of the following:

• Temporary absence from work due to injury or illness
• Making a complaint against your employer
• Your gender, race, country of origin, marital status, physical or religious or political beliefs, a mental disability.

Remember to check that you have been paid correctly for all the work you have done when you finally leave. If you need additional help, contact the Workplace Ombudsman on 1300 363 264.