Your Work Rights
Employment Rights for International Students
As an international student in Australia, you're entitled to the same employment protections as Australian workers. Key points include:
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Minimum Wage: You must be paid at least the minimum wage as per Australian law.
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Paying Tax: You may need to pay taxes depending on your earnings. Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) before starting work and provide it to your employer to avoid overpaying taxes. You only need to apply for a TFN once.
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Payslips: You should receive a payslip within one working day of payment, detailing your wages and any deductions. Payment frequencies can be weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
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Working Hours: International students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic term and unlimited hours during holidays. Adhering to this limit is crucial for visa compliance.
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Casual Work: Many jobs in Australia are casual, offering flexible hours without a guaranteed number of weekly hours, allowing for better personal time management.