Australia is a popular destination for international students who are seeking quality education. Many students choose to bring their parents or guardians with them to Australia, but can these guardians work while they are in the country? In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not student guardians are allowed to work in Australia.
What is a Student Guardian Visa?
A Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is a visa that allows a parent or guardian to accompany a child who is studying in Australia on a student visa. The primary purpose of this visa is to provide care and support for the child while they study. The visa is valid for the same duration as the child’s student visa, and the guardian can enter and leave Australia multiple times during this period.
Can Student Guardians Work in Australia?
The short answer is no, student guardians are generally not allowed to work in Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs, holders of a Student Guardian Visa are not permitted to engage in any work, paid or unpaid, during their stay in Australia, unless they are granted permission to do so by the department. This means that student guardians cannot apply for a job, start a business, or even participate in volunteer work.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If a student guardian wishes to work in Australia, they must apply for permission from the Department of Home Affairs. There are two types of permission that student guardians can apply for: work rights and full work rights.
Work Rights
Work rights allow a student guardian to work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and unlimited hours during school holidays. To be eligible for work rights, the student guardian must meet certain requirements, such as:
- They have been in Australia for at least six months
- They have a child under 18 years old who holds a student visa
- They have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
- They have not breached the conditions of their visa
Full Work Rights
Full work rights allow a student guardian to work without any restrictions on the number of hours they can work. To be eligible for full work rights, the student guardian must meet additional requirements, such as:
- They have been in Australia for at least two years
- Their child’s primary school education is complete, or their child is 16 years old and has completed Year 10
- They have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
- They have not breached the conditions of their visa
If a student guardian is granted work rights or full work rights, they are only allowed to work in certain industries, such as hospitality, tourism, or agriculture. They cannot work in industries that require specific skills or qualifications, such as healthcare or engineering.
Conclusion
In general, student guardians are not allowed to work in Australia unless they are granted permission by the Department of Home Affairs. If you are a student guardian who wishes to work in Australia, it’s important to research the eligibility requirements and apply for permission before seeking employment. It’s also important to remember that your primary role as a student guardian is to provide care and support for your child while they study, so any work you take on should not interfere with this responsibility.
