Student Visa 500 Work Hours: Regulations and Flexibility Explained

Posted by admin on March 25, 2025

When it comes to studying in Australia, students are guaranteed to know the limitations of the work rights complexity applied in Subclass 500. This is due to working hours restrictions, one of the most important aspects of learning to balance studies and work. Irrespective of whether a student is accompanying an agent helping with migration in Adelaide or travelling alone, understanding the Student Visa 500 working hours is, thus, very important.

This blog sets forth a comprehensive analysis of subclass 500 regulations concerning working hours along with the latest set of rules, exemptions, and guidance on how students can leverage the work opportunities at their disposal within legitimate means.

What is the Student Visa 500?

The Student Visa 500 enables international students to remain in Australia for the entitlement of work and study throughout the course. Through this visa, students have a right to a number of benefits, such as the right to work but only for certain hours. The Subclass 500 working hours are, however, regulated with conditions. 

Hence, understanding such conditions is important, as noncompliance will lead to you being faced with severe visa complications later on. It would be best if you worked with a competent migration agent or a visa consultant in Adelaide to guarantee that you meet all the required procedures. 

Also Read: Chances of Getting an Australian Student Visa After Refusal

Standard Work Hour Limits for Subclass 500 Visa Holders

International students on a Student Visa 500 can work legally under the following conditions: 

During Study Periods: 

• During the study period of their course, they are allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. 
• This limit applies to both primary visa holders and their dependents (if any). 

During Official School Holidays: 

If their institution has a scheduled break, they will be allowed to work unlimited hours. 

Work Restrictions for Dependant Visa Holders

The work hour limitations of the 500 visa affect all family members (dependents) related to the primary visa holder: 

• Dependents work a maximum of 48 hours in a fortnight when the student is registered for a bachelor’s or a qualification of lesser importance. 
• Dependents are free to work unlimited hours while the student is studying for a master’s or doctoral degree. 

Recent Changes to Student Visa Working Hours

The visa 500 working hours in Australia have varied over time due to labour market conditions. 

Temporary Working Relaxations during COVID-19 (2020-2023): 

During the pandemic, the work hour restrictions were lifted to deal with labour shortages. This ensured that students could work full-time irrespective of the study period. 

Post-COVID Adjustments (2023- Present): 

After 1 July 2023, the general 48-hour limit per fortnight was reinstated to allow students to concentrate on their studies, all the while being able to earn some income. 

Also Read: Embarking on Educational Excellence: A Guide to the Australia Student Visa 500

Flexibility In 500 Visa Working Hours

Students on a Student Visa 500 can work in many different sectors, such as: 

• Retail and hospitality (restaurants, cafes, supermarkets);
• Healthcare and aged care (if appropriately qualified);
• Administrative and office jobs;
• Freelancing or gig economy jobs (Uber, food delivery, tutoring). 

Students should keep in mind that they have to work under the specific conditions of their visa and that it should not interfere with their studies. 

Exemptions for Specific Industries

In recent years, the Australian government has given various sector-specific exemptions. 

Aged Care Work (2023):

• In 2023, students active in aged care have temporarily been exempted from any restrictions on work hours until December 31, 2023. 
• This was to support workforce shortages in the restaurant sector. 

Critical Skills Occupation: 

• At other times, some occupations with critical skills may receive an exemption from the government where labour shortages exist. 
• Students should regularly check updates from immigration services Adelaide for any policy changes.  

Also Read: Australia Student Visa Processing Time

How to Legally Optimize on a Subclass 500 Visa

They were correct about the employer’s responsibilities, as they already follow the visa restrictions and cannot require students to work beyond their 500 visa working hours limit. Students must:

• Please keep track of their working hours so that they do not exceed the hours allowed.
• Be fairly paid under Australian employment laws.
• They should avoid getting into any jobs that would violate their visa conditions, as this could put their visa standing at risk for cancellation

Combining Multiple Part-time Jobs

Students tend to work part-time in two or more jobs in order to optimize their income while still abiding by the 48-hour work limit. The means make it easy to combine a number of jobs:

• Works up to 24 hours per week between two different jobs.
• A few shifts are shorter in terms of time spent in paying industries such as hospitality. 

Internships and Work Experience Opportunities 

In some specific study programs, integrated work learning or internship is part of the unfinished course. The internships carried out may be classified as: 

• Paid: Counted for work hours, or 
• Unpaid (for credit): This would not count as work within the 500 hours that may be done while on a visa. 

It would be good to consult with a migration agent in Adelaide to check if the internships would be counted toward official work hours. 

Consequences of Student Visa Works Hours

Working outside of the specified hours under a subclass 500 visa will result in the following: 

• Warnings or fines from the Department of Home Affairs, 
• In extreme cases, cancellation or refusal of visa, 
• Job termination if the employer comes to know that a breach of visa conditions has taken place. 

To avoid these pitfalls, students should keep track of their work hours using a work management app or consult an immigration expert. 

Recent Post: Temporary Graduate 485 Visa Checklist: All You Need To Know 

Seeking Help From the Best Migration Agent in Adelaide

Several students usually seek help from migration agents in Adelaide in order to: 

• Ensure they comply with work-hour restrictions. 
• Apply for work-hour exemptions when applicable. 
• Understand their visa rights and responsibilities. 
• Explore pathways to permanency on residency thereafter. 

Choosing the Right Migration Agent

When finally hiring a migration agent in Adelaide, consider: 

• MARA Registration: Make sure that the agent is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). 
• Experience with student visas: Try to find an agent who knows everything about 500 visa working hours.
• Client reviews and success rates: Look out for positive testimonials from international students. 

Latest Post: 887 Visa Processing Time: All You Need to Know

Wrapping Up

Working hours are crucial to international students attending Australia to abide by the rules of the Student Visa 500. Although the government encourages students to work part-time, special care must be taken to respect the limit of working no more than 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. We will look into the best migration agent Adelaide who can proficiently navigate the complicated waters of visa conditions for students. 

Working optimally within all rules and laws regarding their visa has not only been made easy but also legal by proper planning with the help of an immigration consultancy in Adelaide. For those unsure about subclass 500 visa working hours, all should definitely check with the best migration agents in Adelaide for good orientation, advice on compliance, and visa support for things they need during their stay in Australia.

If students remain informed and compliant, they can make the most of their study experience in Australia and, at the same time, gain valuable work experience for their future careers.