Jobs and Work Rights
Finding your first job in Australia can take time – but everyone working here has the same basic rights, whatever their visa.
This guide covers finding work, Australian-style applications, and protecting yourself at work.
Before you start
- Check your work rights and any hour limits on VEVO.
- Get a Tax File Number - you'll pay much more tax without one.
- If your job needs registration (nursing, teaching, trades), start skills recognition early - free help exists.
Finding work
- Major job sites: SEEK, Indeed, Jora, LinkedIn - plus community noticeboards and groups.
- An Australian resume is 2 - 3 pages: no photo, no date of birth, no marital status.
- Volunteering builds local experience and references.
- Free help: Workforce Australia providers and migrant employment programs - Find Services.
Your rights at work - everyone, every visa
- A national minimum wage applies; most jobs have a higher minimum under an "award". Check your pay on the Fair Work Ombudsman's free calculator.
- You must receive payslips. Cash-in-hand with no payslip usually means underpayment and no protection.
- Superannuation: your employer must pay extra into a retirement fund, on top of your wage.
- It's illegal for an employer to threaten your visa. The Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) helps all workers, with protections for visa holders who report exploitation.
Looking for answers?
Common questions
Find clear and detailed answers to all common questions about Migrants Hub Australia.