Working in Australia

All student visa holders are automatically allowed to work for 20 hours a week (maximum). However, if your visa was granted before the 26th of April 2008, you will need to gain permission to work by applying to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

To obtain your student visa, you will have to meet the following conditions:

• You cannot work in Australia until you begin your course.
• You can work for a maximum number of 20 hours per week during your course. All volunteer, paid and unpaid work count towards your 20 hours, but work experience as part of your course does not.
• You can work without time limit during non-study periods.

Work types

International students can often find positions in areas such as retail, administration, hospitality and sometimes tutoring. The wages received depend on your age and the type of work you do. Extra pay may be received if you work on Sundays or public holidays. However, since your studies should be your first priority in Australia, it is recommended that you don't let any part-time work hinder your academic achievements. Remember, study and work balance is very important.


Tax

If you plan to work in Australia, you should get a Tax File Number (TFN). A TFN may also be useful when opening a bank account. You are able to apply for your TFN from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) either in person or via their website. Documents required when registering may include your current passport with your entry permit, your enrolment proof such as your student ID card or your enrolment confirmation letter.

You will be required to lodge for tax return if you work in Australia. E-tax is the quickest way to get a refund if you decide to lodge yourself, or alternatively, you can lodge your return through any approved tax agents. The tax return process usually takes around 14 days.

For further information on all things tax related, phone the ATO on 13 28 61, or visit www.ato.gov.au



Superannuation

All international students who work in Australia, receiving wages of $450+ in a calendar month may be granted superannuation. Your employer may already have arrangements with a superannuation provider but you choose a different provider if you wish. If you qualify for superannuation, you may be able to receive the Departing Australia Superannuation payment (DASP) when you leave  Australia. 

To find more information, visit www.ato.gov.au



Where to find work

Local newspapers and websites such as www.seek.com.au and www.mycareer.com are great places to start. You should also enquire at the career office and student centre situated in your school or university. You may also find opportunities posted on your schools' noticeboards. It's also a good idea to look out for job advertisements posted in the stores of local businesses. Finally, you should also let your friends know you are job hunting because you never know, they might know a business that's looking to hire someone!


Job application

Once you see a job you want, your next step will probably be submitting a CV. Your CV should serve to sell yourself to the potential employer. It should include information on your skills,  experiences and your work history.

It's important to keep in mind that employers usually only spend a few seconds scanning your CV to decide whether or not she or he would like to continue reading the rest, so it is very important to make your CV stand out from the crowd. To help you get started, we have compiled a few tips on the do's and dont's of CV writing:

The Do's:

• Organise it in logically by putting personal details and contact details first, after that, provide your employment history (with most recent job placed first), followed by your education qualifications and skills. If you speak other languages, you should also state so. Finally, you may include your hobbies or interests if they are relevant to the job applied for.
• Use headings so the information can be quickly located.
• Provide just enough information to outline your skills. Don't put in too much details.
• Address the skills and knowledge demanded by the employer.
• Provide referees' contact information when requested (referees in Australia are preferred but overseas referees may also be acceptable).
• Submit your CV before the advertised deadline. 


The Dont's:

• No photos unless asked.
• No need to include information about your height, your weight, marital status or religion.
• No need to include your age or date of birth, although some still do.
• Don't discuss working conditions, pays or other things you'd like to get from the job. You haven't got the job yet!
• Don't lie. If you don't have the skills or experiences, then don't put it in.
• When Submitting a hard copy CV, don't submit one with creases, dirt patches or marks.
• Don't use 'fancy looking' fonts. If it's not legible, the employer probably won't bother with it.

The interview


Getting an interview means you're halfway to your new job! So, what can you do to ensure that your interview goes well? Before the interview, you must be well prepared. This means you may need to re-read your application and double check that you can articulate the claims made in your CV. During the interview, you need to stay relaxed, listen carefully to each question and answer with confidence and relevance. If English is your second language and if you find yourself unable to understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question politely. 

Remember, you need to use the interview to promote your skills and to convince the interviewer to hire you. Dress well and be friendly and polite to the employer and other staff. Hopefully you'll get the job offer after your interview. If not, don't be discouraged, look at it as a experience and a practice for next time.

Responsibilities and rights 
With your student visa, you are legally allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during study periods in Australia. Before commencing work, you need to understand that as an international student, you have rights also. All workplace rights should apply to you.

To find more information regarding your workplace rights and responsibilities, visit the FairWork Ombudsman (www.fwo.gov.au)or telephone the information line 13 13 94.


Pay

You should at least be paid the basic pay rate calculated by your age and job classification, although many employers will pay an above average rate. However, you should note that:

• You should receive the correct rate of pay for all hours you work.
• You should receive pay regularly. Part-time and casual workers often are paid weekly or fortnightly after the completion of work.
• Certain information must be included in all pay slips. Information should include your employers' Australian Business Number (ABN), the working hours you're paid for, income tax you paid, your superannuation and finally the total amount paid to you.
• No money should be deducted from your pay as a result from things such as customers who left without paying.
• You should receive payment for “Trial work”.
• You may legally receive extra pay for working during public holidays. A higher pay rate may also apply should you work in the weekends.

Shifts

A 'shift' refers to the time spent at work and it involves you turning up at work on a predetermined day and time. You will be expected to work from a roster by starting and finishing your shift according to the roster. Any extra hours should be pre-approved by the manager or employer and you should receive pay in return. Also, If you work more than 5 consecutive hours, you should expect to receive an unpaid break.




Starting your new job

It is important to understand your allocated duties and your pay rate before you begin work for a new employer. Before you start work, you should also find out other information such as meal breaks and time sheets (recording your working hours), ways to report absence and extra training required. If you don't understand something, ask your employer or talk to the FairWork Ombudsman. You can contact them via www.fwo.gov.au or telephone 13 13 94.



Termination of employment

If you decide to terminate your employment, you are required to give your employer appropriate notice. You must inform them formally and in advance, of your intention to leave. How advanced your notice of leave will depend on your employment conditions. However, if it is your employer who decides to terminate your employment, the termination must be due to lawful reasons. They cannot terminate your employment based on things such as your gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, marital status, or your physical or mental disabilities. Finally, you need to ensure that you have received correct pay for all the work you have done when you leave your employment. For further information, contact the FairWork Ombudsman at www.fwo.gov.au or telephone them on 13 13 94.