Relaxed work limitations – Student and Working Holiday Maker visas
The work limitations and restrictions on some common temporary visa were relaxed due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. These included:
- Student (500)
- Working Holiday (417) and
- Work and Holiday (462) visas.
This change in work limitations and restrictions currently allows the visa holder to work on an unlimited basis and this has helped to fill the chronic skill and labour shortage that Australia is experiencing.
However, from 1 July 2023 the work restrictions on these three visas will be reintroduced.
For Student visa holders, these work restrictions will allow the individual to work 48 hours per fortnight. This is an increase from 40 hours per fortnight prior to the current relaxation of the rules. Student visa holders who work in excess of the allowed number of hours face visa cancellation as they will be in breach of a condition which is attached to the visa.
For those holding a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday (WHM) visa, the 6-month work limitation will come back into effect on 1 July 2023. This work limitation means that a WHM can work for one employer for a period of up to 6 months. Any work that is completed before 1 July 2023 will not be counted towards the 6-month limitation period. This means that from 1 July, WHMs can work for any employer for up to an additional 6 months even if they worked for that same employer before 1 July 2023. As with the Student visa, it is important to abide by the conditions attached to the WHM visa to avoid cancellation or issues with any future visa applications.
If you would like to discuss your migration options or work limitations with our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents, contact us today.
