Last reviewed
Visas and work rights
Work rights sit on the visa, not in a group chat. Most subclass 500 holders can work 48 hours a fortnight while the course is in session, and unlimited hours in a scheduled break. Skilled visas 189, 190 and 491 are points-tested, and meeting the 65-point threshold lets you lodge an expression of interest without meaning you will be invited.
Student visa
How many hours can a student visa holder work?
Most subclass 500 holders can work 48 hours a fortnight while the course is in session, and unlimited hours in a scheduled break. Research degrees differ, and VEVO is the check that matches your passport.
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Student visa (subclass 500)The Department of Home Affairs page for the student visa itself: who can apply, and the conditions attached to it. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Student visa work restrictionsHome Affairs explains the 48-hour fortnight, how a fortnight is counted, and when the cap does not apply. Check your own visa in VEVO. (opens in a new tab)
- Study AustraliaChecked 24 Oct 2026Student visa, explained for studentsStudy Australia’s plain-language page on the subclass 500 visa, including work hours while the course is in session. (opens in a new tab)
- Study AustraliaChecked 24 Oct 2026Working while you studyWhen you can start work, the fortnightly cap, and the reminder to read the conditions on your own visa. (opens in a new tab)
Skilled visas
Does a score of 65 points mean you will be invited?
Home Affairs publishes the points tables and a calculator for visas 189, 190 and 491. Meeting the 65-point threshold lets you lodge an expression of interest, and it does not mean you will be invited.
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Points table for the subclass 189 visaThe official points table for the Skilled Independent visa. This is the table, not a prediction of an invitation. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Points table for the subclass 190 visaPoints for the Skilled Nominated visa, including nomination by a state or territory. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)The regional points-tested visa. Read the eligibility page before assuming city work rights. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Points calculatorHome Affairs’ own calculator for points-tested skilled visas. This site does not duplicate it. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026SkillSelect expression of interestHow an expression of interest works, the 65-point threshold, and why a score is not an invitation. (opens in a new tab)
Check the visa you hold
How do you check the visa you already hold?
VEVO shows the conditions on the visa that matches your passport, including work. For advice on your own application, use a registered migration agent and check them on the OMARA register.
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Check visa conditions online (VEVO)See the conditions on the visa you actually hold, including work. You need your passport and a visa grant or transaction number. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Visa finderHome Affairs’ tool for exploring visa options. It is not an assessment of your case. (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home AffairsChecked 24 Oct 2026Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)The post-study visa. Streams, stay periods, and eligibility change — use this page, not a blog summary. (opens in a new tab)
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration AuthorityChecked 24 Oct 2026Register of migration agentsSearch the OMARA register before you pay someone for visa advice. Unregistered immigration assistance is unlawful. (opens in a new tab)
Sources
The answers above use these official pages. If a page and Life in Australia disagree, follow the official page.
- Student visa (subclass 500) (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Student visa work restrictions (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Student visa, explained for students (opens in a new tab) — Study Australia
- Working while you study (opens in a new tab) — Study Australia
- Points table for the subclass 189 visa (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Points table for the subclass 190 visa (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Points calculator (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- SkillSelect expression of interest (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Check visa conditions online (VEVO) (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Visa finder (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (opens in a new tab) — Department of Home Affairs
- Register of migration agents (opens in a new tab) — Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority