Australia to re-introduce work restrictions for student visa holders from July 1

NEW DELHI: The Australian government has announced some changes to its rules for student visa holders. According to the new rules, the working hours for foreign students have been capped at 48 hours from 40 hours per fortnight.

According to a statement issued by the Australian home ministry, the new rules for the student visa holders will be made effective from July 1, 2023. It also said that the duration of the post-study stay for student visa holders will be extended. The present arrangement, the home ministry statement added, will continue till June 30 to ensure that the students support themselves financially and they have sufficient time to concentrate on their degrees.

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“Student visa work restrictions were relaxed throughout the pandemic, and completely removed in January 2022 to allow primary and secondary student visa holders to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight to address workforce shortages. This will end on 30 June 2023,” the ministry said.

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It further added: “From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for student visa holders will be re-introduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight. This ensures that student visa holders are able to focus on obtaining a quality Australian education and qualification while remaining able to support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs.”

Those with student visas who cancel their enrolment and stop attending classes, or fail to meet satisfactory course progress, may be in breach of their visa conditions, the Australian government statement said.

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