The following information will assist visa holders and employers to understand the work rights of visa holders.
The information is intended as a guide only and you are advised to refer to the visa grant letter to understand the full visa conditions.
Visa holders and employers can also check visa details and conditions through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.
| Visa | Work rights | Visa length |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | Must work in a designated regional area of Australia (includes all of Northern Territory) | 5 years |
| Subclass 489 - Skilled Regional Provisional | Must work in a regional or low-population growth metropolitan area (includes all of Northern Territory) | 4 years |
| Subclass 494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) | Must work in a designated regional area of Australia (includes all of Northern Territory) | 5 years |
| Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated | Full work rights | Permanent |
| Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent | Full work rights | Permanent |
| Subclass 462 - Work and Holiday | Maximum period of six months work with any one employer, unless given permission | 12 to 36 months |
| Subclass 417 - Working Holiday | Maximum period of six months work with any one employer, unless given permission | 12 to 36 months |
| Subclass 485 - Temporary Graduate | Full work rights | 18 months to 5 years |
| Subclass 500 - Student | 40 hours per fortnightly (unlimited during course break) | Duration of course |
| Subclass 887 - Skilled Regional | Full work rights | Permanent |
| Subclass 444 - Special Category | Full work rights | Unlimited as long as you remain a New Zealand citizen |
Fair Work Commission
The Fair Work Commission is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal.
It sets employment conditions such as minimum wages and helps in workplace disputes.
The commission also monitors the employment terms and conditions of temporary visa holders.
Find out more on the Fair Work Commission website.
Understand your tax obligations
When you start working as an employee you have specific rights and obligations. While you’re working, you must pay income tax on payments you receive from your employer. Your employer will deduct tax from your pay and send it to Australian taxation office.
All workers in Australia must have a tax file number (TFN). A TFN is free and identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. You can apply for a TFN on the Australian Tax Office website.
For more information about taxes and duties, go to the Australian Tax Office website.