Work Permission and Tax File Numbers
Many international students choose to work in Australia to support their studies. Before you start working in Australia, you need to organise a Work Permit and a Tax File Number.
Work permission information for:
Information about:
Work Permission for Student Visas Granted BEFORE 26 April 2008
If you received your student visa before 26 April 2008, you still need to apply for a work permit. The application fee for permission to work is AUD$60.
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Permission to Work Application
Download our step-by-step guide and application for permission to work. You can apply online via the DIAC website or by mail.
Please note:
- You must have a current valid Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). If you have recently changed your course or changed your institution you will need to obtain a new eCoE before you can apply for permission to work.
- You must have commenced classes in your current course.
- You must have a current Swinburne Student ID card (and you must bring this to Swinburne International and DIAC when you are applying).
- Your current residential address must be the same on your application form as it is on the Swinburne system.
Work Permission for Student Visas Granted AFTER 26 April 2008
Students who apply for a student visa on or after 26 April 2008 will automatically receive permission to work. This means you do not need to make a separate application for a work permit.
Visa conditions specify that:
- Students and their dependants are restricted from undertaking work until the student has commenced their course in Australia.
- Students are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week while their course is in session (excluding work undertaken as a registered component of the course).
- Dependants are also restricted to 20 hours of work per week, except for dependants of students who have commenced a Masters or Doctorate course whose work hours are unlimited.
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Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) Fact Sheet
View more information about the VEVO system.
Tax File Numbers
A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number issued to individuals and organisations to help the Tax Office administer tax and other Australian Government systems. It’s one of your most important forms of identification in Australia. It’s yours for life and keeping it secure is a good defence against identity theft.
While it is not compulsory to quote a TFN, without one you may:
- Pay more tax than necessary
- Not be able to get government benefits you are entitled to receive
A TFN will also help you:
- Lodge a tax return
- Make Tax Office enquiries easier
- Start or change jobs
- Limit the amount of tax you pay on interest or dividends earned if you have savings accounts or investments that earn income
Your TFN is valuable. Don’t share it with friends and don’t provide it on the internet when applying for work. Keep it secure.
Applying for a TFN
If you are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor to Australia you can apply for a TFN online after you arrive in Australia if you have a:
- Visa that allows work rights
- Visa that allows permanent migration
- Valid overseas student visa
- Valid visa to stay in Australia indefinitely
To apply, complete the Online Individual Tax File Number (TFN) Registration. When applying online, you do not have to physically provide proof of your identity.
Applying for a TFN using false or other peoples’ identity details, or misusing your TFN, can lead to heavy fines or jail.
If you need more information about TFNs, you can visit the Tax Office website or phone 13 28 61 between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.