Visa change for Thais studying in Australia

Thai students previously had to apply separately for permission to work part-time.

"Under new processing arrangements which came into effect from April 26, all student visas will be granted with work rights attached, removing the need for people to make a separate application," said the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans.

Thai students can now apply for part-time jobs and work for up to 20 hours per week as soon as their courses start.

"It will reduce red-tape for students wanting to work in Australia and also allow more efficient use of department resources," added he.

The new arrangements will also cut the overall student visa fees for Thai citizens. The applicants will now be charged $AUD450 (Bt13,779) for the visa and work permission, a saving of $AUD40 (Bt1,224) on the previous arrangements.

Australia had granted 9,479 student visas to Thai citizens in the year to June 2007.

For more information, log onto www.immi.gov.au/students/whats_new.htm

Source: the Australia Embassy