*Submissions for this callout have now closed*
Are you an international student living in Australia? Have you been impacted by the temporary easing of working hour restrictions for student visa holders? If so, we want to hear from you!
In January 2022, the Australian Government temporarily lifted the working hour restriction on student visa holders. While international students were previously limited to working 40 hours per fortnight, they are now (at the time of writing) allowed to work an unlimited number of hours until the decision is reviewed. While this review was originally meant to take place in April 2022, it’s now expected that the rule won’t be revisited until after the federal election, which is scheduled for 21 May 2022.
Many people have weighed in on the easing of working hour limitations, pointing out both the pros and cons of the decision. Some have welcomed the change, saying it gives international students more freedom to earn money and make professional connections. Others have said that it poses a risk to international students’ work-life balance and that many may struggle to keep up with their studies.
But we want to know – what do you think? Read on to find out if you’re eligible to participate in our upcoming article and how you can share your thoughts with us.
Eligibility criteria
We are hoping to hear from Student (subclass 500) visa holders currently living in Australia who fit either of the following criteria:
- Have worked more than 40 hours per fortnight while studying since the restriction was lifted (for a minimum of one week).
- Have had the opportunity to increase their working hours while studying since the restriction was lifted, but chose not to.
How to enter a submission
Submissions must be sent to content@insiderguides.com.au by 4 May 2022 with “READER CALLOUT” in the subject line.
In your entry, please include the following information:
Personal details: Indicate your name, education provider, course and country of origin
Category: Please tell us which of the above categories you fall into (i.e. whether you have worked more than 40 hours per fortnight, or have had the option to do so but chose not to)
Reasoning and effects: In 150 words or less, explain why you made the choice you did and how it has affected you (if applicable). For example, if you did decide to work more than 40 hours per fortnight, briefly summarise why and explain how it’s changed your life (e.g. Has the decision affected you positively or negatively? How so?)
Feedback on the eased restrictions: In 150 words or less, tell us what your overall opinion is on the eased working hour restriction. Do you think it’s mostly a good thing? Do you think there are risks involved? Do you think the government should extend the decision? Explain your perspective.
Selected respondees will be further interviewed for this piece and, if published, will receive a $50 gift card.
Next steps
We are incredibly grateful to any readers who take the time to share our thoughts with us. However, we are only able to include a select number of participants; with this in mind, please remember that we cannot guarantee that your responses will be included in the final article.
If you are selected to be featured in the piece, we will contact you with additional information.
To learn more about Student visa (subclass 500) conditions, visit the Department of Home Affairs website for regular updates.
