Why You’re Not Allowed to Work in Australia on a Tourist Visa
Written by Bindi Gethen
Life’s a funny thing, isn’t it? One moment you’re grinding away at your 9-to-5 job, and the next, you’re lost in a daydream about working in another business, maybe something exotic like Australia. You imagine the golden beaches, the barbies, and the thrill of building something from the ground up in a land down under.
So can I go to Australia on a tourist visa and find a job? No. You cannot go to Australia on a tourist visa and find a job to work legally. The tourist visa is strictly intended for visiting, sightseeing, recreation, or spending time with friends and family. It does not permit any kind of paid employment or participation in business activities.
You should instead apply for the appropriate work-related visa, such as a Working Holiday Visa or a skilled work visa, depending on your qualifications, occupation, and circumstances.
Can I go to Australia as tourist and find a job?
You can’t find a job on a tourist visa in Australia. Simply put, you can’t mix leisure with professional pursuits on this type of visa.
A tourist visa in Australia, like those found in most other countries, is intended strictly for tourism. You shouldn’t search for employment while on a tourist visa. If you’re caught, there could be significant consequences, including fines, deportation, or bans on future travel to the country.
The last thing you want is to find yourself on the next flight back home.
How can I convert my tourist visa into a work permit in Australia?
You cannot change a tourist visa to a work permit. Here’s why:
Legal boundaries
When you apply for a tourist visa, you’re making a promise that you’re there for vacation, not work.
Protection of local job market
Australia wants to make sure that its citizens and permanent residents have the first crack at available jobs. Simply converting tourist visas into work permits could flood the labour market with foreign workers, potentially putting Australians on a disadvantage.
Monitoring immigration flow
By keeping a strict division between tourist and work visas, the Australian government can control and monitor the flow of people coming in and out of the country. This helps maintain security, economic stability, and social harmony.
Preventing misuse and fraud
People could enter on a tourist visa with the intention of working, which would undermine the entire immigration process.
But don’t let this discourage you. If you’re serious about working in Australia, explore the proper channels. Whether it’s a Working Holiday Visa, a Skilled Worker Visa, or another option, there’s likely a legal and legitimate path for you. It might take a bit of patience, paperwork, and persistence, but it’s a lot better than finding yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Related articles:
How Foreigners Can Start a Small Business in Australia
Step-by-Step Guide on Starting a Small Business in Australia
Which visas allow foreigners to work in Australia?
Australia offers a variety of visas to accommodate different purposes, including studying, working holidays, and more specialised work opportunities:
1. Student visa (subclass 500)
The student visa is primarily designed for students who want to come to Australia to study at a recognised educational institution.
While the main purpose is study, the visa does allow students to work part-time, up to 40 hours per fortnight when their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This ensures that students can gain work experience in their field of study and earn some money to support themselves.
Who’s this for?
The dreamers, the thinkers, the young individuals thirsty for knowledge, and those who see education as a bridge to a brighter future.
Requirements
You’ll need to be enrolled in a course of study in Australia, have enough money to support yourself, and meet English language requirements.
2. Working holiday visa (417) and work and holiday visa (462)
These visas are designed for young people who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year. The main difference between the two is the eligible countries:
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
The working holiday visa is for young people, generally aged 18 to 30 (but 18 to 35 in some partner countries), from eligible countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and many European nations. The visa allows you to travel, work, and study in Australia, but you can only work with the same employer for up to 6 months.
Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
Similar to the 417, but this work and holiday visa is designed for people from a different set of eligible countries, including the United States, China, and more. The work restrictions are the same, limiting work with the same employer to 6 months.
Pro tip
Read more about work visas on the This is Australia website.
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Hey, my name’s Bindi Gethen! I’m the founder of The Bookkeeping Studio in Australia. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that small and medium-sized business owners face when it comes to managing their finances.
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