If your spouse wishes to seek employment in Australia, they will first need a visa with Permission to Work. This application can only be made after their arrival in Australia and after your formal degree program has commenced. Please note DIAC's definition of family members, which includes your spouse, and you and your spouse's dependent children.
Your spouse will also need to apply for A Tax File Number.
After obtaining their Visa with Permission to Work and a Tax File Number, they can begin Searching for jobs.
See: How many hours can your spouse work? (DIAC website)
Voluntary work
If your spouse tries to find paid work and is unsuccessful, or if they just want to stay busy for a few hours or a few days a week, they may wish to consider voluntary work. Often, churches or health facilities such as homes for the elderly and hospitals highly value the services of volunteers, and they would appreciate your offer to assist (in a non-professional capacity). Volunteering Queensland helps volunteers in a variety of non-profit associations such as health, cultural and environmental groups.
Please note: Your spouse will still need to apply for a visa with Permission to Work Visa if they are planning to undertake any voluntary work. They will also need to apply for a Blue Card if they wish to work (paid or voluntary) with children under 18 years of age. Read more information about Volunteering.
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