Can a spouse of a student visa in Australia work?

Yes, a spouse of an Australian student visa holder (Subclass 500) can work, but their hours depend on the student's course: up to 48 hours per fortnight for bachelor's degrees, and unlimited work rights for master's by research/doctorate degrees, with all spouses able to start work only after the student's course begins.

Can a spouse work in Australia on a student visa?

Family members of a Student visa holder

Family members can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while the course is in session. If the student is studying a Master's Degree by Research or Doctoral Degree, they and their family members can work more than 48 hours a fortnight.

Can my spouse work on my student visa?

Work authorization for those in F-2 and J-2 status (that is, spouses and children of F-1 and J-1 students) is extremely limited. F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work under any circumstances. J-2 visa holders must receive USCIS permission to work.

Can I work in Australia on a spouse visa?

The visa has full work rights, but only allows a stay of 9 months. The intention is that the parties will marry in Australia, then apply for a partner visa.

Are dependents allowed on a student visa in Australia?

The Department of Home Affairs allows most students to bring their immediate family members to Australia. Immediate family members are called dependents, and may include your spouse (or de facto partner) and children under the age of 18.

Applying for Partner Visa while on Student Visa

What is the new rule for student visa in Australia?

Australia tightens student visa rules for Indians, moves India to highest-risk category. Australia has elevated India to its highest-risk category for student visas, implementing stricter scrutiny for Indian applicants effective January 8, 2026.

Is wife allowed on student visa?

An Indian Student Dependent Visa is a legal permit that allows the family members—spouse or children—of Indian students studying abroad to stay with them during their course duration. This visa is issued by the host country, not India, and helps maintain family unity during extended academic programs.

What are the rules for a spouse visa in Australia?

Eligibility

• Must be outside Australia when going to apply.
• Must have an approved sponsor (usually spouse or partner)
• Must be under the right age (minimum 18 years old)
• Meet relationship (be a spouse or de factor partner of Australia PR holder or citizen), health, and character requirements.

How many hours can a spouse work in Australia?

Partners or spouses of all other student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight. It's important to remember partners or spouses of student visa holders cannot work before the student's course starts. You can learn more about visa conditions at the Department of Home Affairs.

Can my wife work on a spouse visa?

After you marry or become civil partners, you'll need to apply to extend your stay in the UK. If your application is approved, you'll have the right to work or study.

Which country is best for a student visa with a spouse?

Top 5 Countries Overview

1. Canada. Canada is one of the best student dependent visa countries. ...
2. Australia. Australia is another leader in spouse visa for international students. ...
3. New Zealand. New Zealand has very supportive spouse visa policies for international students. ...
4. Germany. ...
5. Ireland.

Which visa spouse can work?

H-4 spouses may be able to work by changing visa status.

H-4 spouses can apply for a status change to an H-1B or other work-authorized visa of their own if they meet the qualifications and find an employer to file the petition.

What is the new rule for spousal open work permit?

Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of certain foreign workers will be able to apply for an open work permit. These include occupations in the natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports and military sectors.

Can I work 40 hours a week as an international student in Australia?

Key Takeaways: International students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and have unlimited work hours during official study breaks.

Are dependents allowed to work in Australia?

Eligible family members can work in Australia, giving them the opportunity to build careers, gain international experience, and contribute to family income.

Can a person on a student visa work in Australia?

Working on a student visa

Student visa holders in Australia are now eligible to work for up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during holidays. It is important to check your visa rules to ensure you are allowed to work before you start looking for a job.

Can my spouse work in Australia while I study?

If the student is studying a bachelor degree, the dependent partner can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. If the student is studying a masters degree (coursework or research) or a doctorate degree the partner will have full and unlimited work rights.

What are the restrictions on student visa in Australia?

Student visa work rights and restrictions

Student visa holders have working rights while in Australia. The number of work hours allowed on a Student visa in Australia is a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. If you fail to comply with this visa condition, you may have your student visa cancelled.

What is the minimum wage for international students in Australia?

From 01 July 2025, the minimum wage in Australia is $24.95 per hour or $948.00 per 38-hour week. This rate is the same for all adult workers, regardless of the specific industry they work in.

Does Australia allow dependents on student visas?

You can include family members when you lodge your student visa application, including: your partner (spouse, de facto or same-sex partner) your dependent child/children under 18 years of age and, or. your partner's dependent child/children under 18 years of age.

Can I work in Australia on a spousal visa?

Partner visa holders in Australia enjoy full work rights, allowing them to work for any employer without restrictions.

How long does it take for a spouse to get PR in Australia?

Processing duration: A general estimate

The Department of Home Affairs currently estimates that onshore partner visa applications can take anywhere between 15 to 19 months to process, and offshore applications can take between 14 months to 24 months.

Which is faster, K-1 visa or spouse visa?

The K-1 Fiancé Visa is generally faster for initial entry into the U.S., often taking 6-10 months compared to the CR-1 Spouse Visa's 12-18 months, allowing for quicker reunification in the U.S. to marry and then apply for a green card; however, the CR-1 Spouse Visa is faster for obtaining a green card and work authorization, as the spouse arrives as a permanent resident with immediate work rights, avoiding the separate Adjustment of Status (AOS) and work permit (EAD) steps of the K-1 process. 

What happens if I marry someone on a student visa?

F1 Visa holders can marry while in school and apply for a Change of Status without seeking a waiver. Under such circumstances, the foreign student will most likely be able to remain in the United States.