Australia Tightens Student Visa Regulations Amid Record Migration

International students in Australia now face stricter visa checks due to work-hour violations. Reports of visa cancellations and deportations have raised serious concerns. Here’s what students need to know about these new regulations.

Increased Monitoring of Work Hours

Australian authorities have stepped up their scrutiny of international students exceeding permitted work hours. Many students working beyond the 48-hour fortnightly limit are now under official investigation. This intensified monitoring has resulted in visa cancellations and heightened anxiety within the student community.

Crackdown on Overtime Work

Student associations report a significant uptick in checks on businesses employing international students. Recent inspections have targeted around 40 establishments in Melbourne and nearby areas. This crackdown has put students who work extended hours on high alert.

Visa Cancellations Cause Alarm

A letter regarding a visa cancellation has circulated widely on social media, amplifying fears among Indian students. The letter details the deportation of a student who worked 50-60 hours per week while enrolled in a graduate diploma program. This incident has sparked widespread discussion and concern in the community.

Confusion Over Employment Categories

Many students remain uncertain about the classification of various job roles. Some believe that positions as cab drivers or delivery personnel, classified as “self-employed” under an Australian Business Number (ABN), are exempt from the 48-hour limit. This misunderstanding has led to unintentional breaches of visa regulations.

Conversely, students working in grocery stores or fuel stations under a Tax File Number (TFN) are generally more aware of the restrictions. This discrepancy highlights the need for clearer communication about job classifications.

Student Associations Urge Compliance

Student associations are actively advising members to adhere to visa regulations. They stress the importance of prioritizing studies while limiting work hours to the stipulated maximum. During term time, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. However, they can work unlimited hours during vacation periods.

Associations also emphasize the long-term benefits of completing education. This includes eligibility for temporary residency visas, which can lead to higher earning potential.

Counselling Services Available

Community leaders and student associations are providing counseling to help students manage their finances responsibly. They urge students to avoid jeopardizing their visa status for short-term financial gain. Excessive work hours can have serious consequences, including visa cancellation and deportation.

Work Rules for Students in Australia

International students must follow strict regulations to maintain their visa status:

• Work Hours: Up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms; unlimited during breaks.
• Visa Requirement: Must hold a subclass 500 Student Visa with work rights.
• Employment Types: Jobs under TFN (stores, offices) are regulated; ABN (gig work) may still be monitored.
• Dependents: Spouses of master’s and PhD students can work full-time; others are limited to 48 hours per fortnight.
• Violations: Exceeding work limits can result in visa cancellations and deportation.

Looking Ahead

These stricter work-hour checks underscore the importance of compliance for Indian students in Australia. Clear communication between student associations and authorities is crucial. It will help clarify job classifications and ensure fair treatment as students navigate complex visa regulations.