Australia is suffering from significant workforce shortages in all industries. The Australian Government announced that International Students allowed extra hours in all sectors of the economy. This takes effect immediately for all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals. This means that international students are allowed to work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy. This also includes secondary applicants, e.g. partners.
New student visa arrivals are allowed to commence a job prior to course commencement. This means that international students and their dependents can work before their course commences and work more than 40 hours a fortnight in any sector of the economy.
This is a temporary arrangement and will be reviewed by the Australian Government in April 2022.
Good news also for Working Holiday Visa holders who will have no limit on the time they can work for the same employer. This is effective immediately until the end of 2022.
Furthermore, Student Visa holders may be eligible for a visa application charge (VAC) refund if they travel to Australia between 19 January to 19 March 2022. Further details on the refund policy are yet to be announced but it looks like it will only apply to applicants who applied whilst offshore.
Any Working Holiday Maker visa holder who is currently offshore and travels to Australia between 19 January and 19 April 2022 will be eligible for a refund of their visa application charge.
The current VAC for a Student visa is AUD630 and for a Working Holiday Maker it is AUD495. The VAC refund includes secondary visa holders, e.g. partners and children.
Want more information on the Student Visa? Click here
Want more information on the Working Holiday Visa? Click here
Looking for work? We publish jobs and sponsorship opportunities around Australia here
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