Student Visa Work Hours Boost During COVID-19 Period
Student Visa work hours have temporarily been relaxed for international students that are currently employed in the aged care sector or supermarkets.
In usual circumstances, visa conditions prevent Student Visa holders from working more than 40 hours a fortnight during a study term. However, these conditions have been relaxed so that international students can help reduce pressure on essential services throughout the COVID-19 period.
Student visa work hours at aged care providers
Student Visa holders that currently work for an aged care provider will be able to work more hours to help fill critical staff shortages in the sector.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Tudge, believes the changes to student visa work hours will provide greater workforce continuity for aged care.
“As more workers take leave to quarantine or because of health concerns, we need to make sure there are enough staff to look after our older Australians who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.”
“Many international students already work in the aged care sector but are restricted to 40 hours a fortnight. We’re relaxing those limits to help fill the temporary staff shortages,” Mr Tudge said.
It’s important to note, the change in student visa work hours is only available to Student Visa holders that are existing employees of an approved residential or home-based aged care provider or a Commonwealth-funded aged care provider with a RACSID or a NAPS ID from the Department of Health.
Student Visa work hours at supermarkets
Similarly, Student Visa holders that are employees of major supermarkets, can also temporarily access more work hours to keep shelves stocked over the Covid-19 period.
Eligible supermarkets include Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, however other supermarkets can also take part in the initiative by registering with the Department of Home Affairs.
Student visa work hours for nursing students
In addition, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that Student Visa holders enrolled in nursing can undertake work to support COVID-19 relief under the direction of health officials.
How many hours can you usually work on a student visa? | Student Visa work hours
The amount of hours you can work as a Student Visa holder in Australia depends on whether your course is currently in session:
-If your course is considered ‘out of session’, you can work unlimited hours;
-If you are studying a Masters by Research or a Doctorate course, you may work unlimited hours;
-If your course is currently ‘in session’ you cannot work more than 40 hours a fortnight, unless the current provisions for aged care and supermarket workers apply to you;
-If your course has been deferred, you can work more than 40 hours a fortnight.
As with all Temporary Visa holders, it is important to continue to hold a valid Student Visa and apply for a new visa if it is due to expire.
Should you require professional advice on your visa requirements, please contact Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents on hello@immigracious.com.au or +61 8 6263 4406.
Source:
Media Release | Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs
Media Release | Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs
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