Electronic Work Visas for Overseas Students at Australian Universities 

Senator Kay Patterson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, today announced the expansion of the electronic on-campus 'permission to work' application program for student visa holders, after a successful trial. 

Known as the Student Internet Project (SIP), the technology allows overseas students to lodge and pay for their work visa applications electronically via the Internet through their university without having to go in to an office of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). 

The technology will be extended to all interested Australian universities. 

Speaking at Deakin University in Warrnambool, which has decided to take up the technology, Senator Patterson said that "technical infrastructure for the SIP now forms the backbone for the Department's future e-commerce strategy." 

The technology has particular interest for campuses located outside the major cities. 

Speaking with local MP David Hawker, Senator Patterson said that "many people think that all overseas students are located at the city universities. But our rural and regional campuses are increasingly enrolling overseas students attracted to the academic and lifestyle benefits these institutions have to offer." 

"Before this technology the students would have to travel to the nearest office of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs - often a considerable distance away - to apply for their visa with permission to work. Now it can be done conveniently on-campus with a few clicks of a mouse." 

Computer Science Corporation collaborated on the project and gave technical assistance to establish the payment gateway for secure credit card transactions. 

International Students are only able to apply for work rights after they arrive in Australia and have began their course of study. They are limited to 20 hours work per week while their Australian education provider is in session; they may work full-time during holiday periods. 

"Importantly, the SIP satisfies Government Online requirements for protecting the privacy of its clients as well as ensuring the integrity and security of data transmitted," Senator Patterson said. 

Electronic Work Visas for Overseas Students at Australian Universities  

Senator Kay Patterson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, today announced the expansion of the electronic on-campus 'permission to work' application program for student visa holders, after a successful trial. 

Known as the Student Internet Project (SIP), the technology allows overseas students to lodge and pay for their work visa applications electronically via the Internet through their university without having to go in to an office of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). 

The technology will be extended to all interested Australian universities. 

Speaking at Deakin University in Warrnambool, which has decided to take up the technology, Senator Patterson said that "technical infrastructure for the SIP now forms the backbone for the Department's future e-commerce strategy." 

The technology has particular interest for campuses located outside the major cities. 

Speaking with local MP David Hawker, Senator Patterson said that "many people think that all overseas students are located at the city universities. But our rural and regional campuses are increasingly enrolling overseas students attracted to the academic and lifestyle benefits these institutions have to offer." 

"Before this technology the students would have to travel to the nearest office of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs - often a considerable distance away - to apply for their visa with permission to work. Now it can be done conveniently on-campus with a few clicks of a mouse." 

Computer Science Corporation collaborated on the project and gave technical assistance to establish the payment gateway for secure credit card transactions. 

International Students are only able to apply for work rights after they arrive in Australia and have began their course of study. They are limited to 20 hours work per week while their Australian education provider is in session; they may work full-time during holiday periods. 

"Importantly, the SIP satisfies Government Online requirements for protecting the privacy of its clients as well as ensuring the integrity and security of data transmitted," Senator Patterson said.