Australian Work Visa Information

Working in Australia

International students are required to gain a visa with permission to work in order to work legally in Australia. This is gained from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

All workers are also required to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN).

Working Visa Applications

You will need a student visa with condition 8105, which allows you to work full time in Australia during your industry placement and holidays and up to 20 hours a week during term time.

E-visa allows you to lodge your application electronically and have your application granted within 24 hours. You will only need to visit the DIAC office in the CBD to have a label printed in your passport.

Please note: You may only apply on-line if you have a credit card.

How do I lodge my application for work permission on the internet?

• First advise Student Administration via e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) that you intend to lodge an application for work permission.
• Log onto the internet (http://www.diac.gov.au/) or use the direct entry address http://www.diac.gov.au/allforms/index.htm and follow the instructions.
• You will need credit card details to make the payment. Application fee is $60.00
• You will be sent an e-mail to confirm that your application is complete.
• You will receive advice that your application is complete and instructions on how to obtain your new visa.
• When you go to the DIAC office select the “E-visa Evidencing” ticket. This is an express service to receive labels for visas lodged over the internet.

What if I can’t lodge my Application on the Internet?

• Advise Student Administration in person that you intend to lodge an application for work permission. You will be given a paper application form.
• When you have completed your details, you must have the form signed and stamped by Student Administration.
• Once the form is completed, post it to:
       Student Work Permission
       DIAC
       PO Box 9984
       Sydney, NSW, 2001
• You must ensure payment of the application fee is included. This may be by bank cheque, money order or by credit card details.
• Your application will be processed within 30 days of receipt and written advice of the decision will be sent to the address given on the application form. Do not contact DIAC regarding your application during this time.

Tax File Numbers

What is a Tax File Number?

Everyone who works in Australia needs to have a tax file number (TFN). The TFN identifies you to the Australian Tax Department and ensures that you are taxed in the appropriate income bracket.

How do I get a Tax File Number?

You must have an 8105 working visa before you can get a tax file number (see above).
You can obtain a TFN by completing an Application for Tax File Number and sending it to the Australian Taxation Office. These forms can be obtained from student affairs, any post office, or online at http://www.ato.gov.au/. The Australian Taxation Office is located at 100 Market St Sydney. Phone number:  13 28 61

What do I do with my TFN?

Upon gaining employment, your new employer will ask you to complete a Tax File Number Declaration. If you do not provide a TFN on this form, you will be charged maximum tax (48.5%), which will not be refunded.

If you need any further information regarding visas or TFNs, please contact Student Administration.