Work Visa Students - Working While Studying

How to get a work permission while studying

When to file your application
You can apply for a work permission while studying only after the student visa holder has commenced study in Australia.

Proof of study commencement – online applications
If you apply online for a student visa with permission to work, you must first ask your education provider to notify the department electronically that you have commenced your studies.

Please allow at least one hour for the data-transfer from the educations provider to the department to occur before you lodge your application on the Internet. The department system will not allow you to lodge your application until this information has been received.

Proof of study commencement – other applications
If you do not apply online, you will require either:

• a letter from your education provider stating that you have commenced your studies, or
• the front of a form 157P signed and stamped by your education provider.
  See: Form 157P, Application for a student visa with permission to work

A Confirmation of Enrolment certificate (CoE) shows that you have enrolled in your studies. It is not evidence that you have actually commenced the studies.

Important: If you are the family member of a student who has commenced a masters or doctorate course, you must bring evidence from the education provider that the student has started these studies.

Procedure for online applications
A student applicant or a member of their family can apply online for a student visa with work permission. Follow this procedure to apply for permission to work on a student visa online.

You can also check the progress of your application online.
See: eVisa status enquiry

Summary: All Steps in A Student/Work Visa Application

1. Ask your education provider to notify the department electronically to confirm that you have commenced your course.
   Important: Please allow at least one hour for the transfer of this information into the department's system before going to Step 2.
2. Complete the online application on the department's website.
   See: Online Services - Students
3. Follow the prompts to complete and pay for your online application for permission to work.
   Note: You will need a credit card to apply online
4. Attend or contact the nearest Immigration office to receive evidence of your visa.
   Note: Many Immigration offices have express lanes for students who have lodged their work permission applications online.

Procedure for other applications
To apply in person for a Student visa with permission to work:

• obtain and then complete form 157P
  See: Form 157P, application for a student visa with permission to work, then
• mail or attend your nearest Immigration office to submit your application form and required documentation, and to pay the charge.

Current charges

• Student Visa: A$ 410
• Student Guardian: A$ 410
• Work Permission: A$ 55

Processing time – online applications
If you apply online, your application may be finalised immediately and you will be notified by e-mail by the next business day.

Note: If you are granted work permission, you must get a new visa label showing your new work condition. Please attend or contact the nearest Immigration office to arrange this.

Processing time – other applications
If you apply in person using the paper form 157P, you may experience delays (especially during peak processing periods).

Documentation requirements
When you come to an Immigration office, you will need to bring your current passport.

If you have not applied online, you will also need to bring

• a completed form 157P, application for a student visa with permission to work, and
• proof of study commencement.
  See: Proof of study commencement – other applications