Is It Possible to work in Australia with a Tourist Visa?
No, you cannot legally work on a tourist visa in Australia. Whether you’re holding a Visitor visa (subclass 600), an eVisitor (subclass 651), or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), these visas are meant for short-term travel, sightseeing, or visiting family, not for working. Doing any kind of paid work, including remote work, on a tourist visa is a breach of visa conditions and could lead to visa cancellation or even deportation.
Key takeaway: A tourist visa does not allow work. There is no such thing as an “Australia tourist work visa.”
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): What It Really Means for You
You’re probably thinking: “I just want to stay a bit longer, maybe do a quick job, surely that’s okay?” Unfortunately not. The Visitor visa 600 (tourist stream) only allows tourism, visiting family or friends, and minimal business-related activities, not paid work. You might volunteer, but paid work remains off-limits.
Key takeaway: Although “tourist visa” might sound flexible, your visa conditions strictly prohibit working. Even volunteer roles must be unpaid.
Working Holiday Visas: When You CAN Work in Australia
If you want work rights, your best bet is a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). These allow you to stay up to 12 months, work (casually, full‑time, part‑time, or shift work) and study for up to four months. These visas are designed exactly for people like you who want to fund their travels.
Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa)
- Available if you’re 18–30 (or up to 35 for select countries), from eligible nations like the UK, Japan, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and more.
- Permits multiple entries, up to 12 months of combined travel and work, with no more than six months per employer (though recent tweaks allow longer with one employer).
Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa)
- Also for 18–30‑year‑olds from a different list of eligible countries, with similar conditions.
Key takeaway: These are the visas you should apply for if you intend to work. They’re purpose‑built, legal, and let you enjoy both work and travel.
Why You Can’t Simply Switch from Tourist to Work Visa
So you’re in Australia on a tourist visa and want to stay longer for work. Can you just change it while you’re here? The short answer is no.
- If your tourist visa carries a No Further Stay condition (8503), you’re blocked from applying for other visas while here.
- Even if that restriction isn’t in place, working without the correct visa is illegal and risks deportation.
- The safest route is to return home (or leave Australia) and apply for the correct visa from there, or consult a registered migration agent to explore your options.
Key takeaway: Switching visas in‑country is complex and often not possible; the safest approach is to apply for the right visa from outside Australia.
What About Remote Work?
You might be thinking: “What if I work online, for a company based in my home country?” That’s still considered “work,” even if it’s digital or remote. A tourist visa doesn’t allow that either. You’re still violating your visa conditions.
Key takeaway: Working online or even remotely is not permitted on a tourist visa.
Temporary Work Visas: If You Need Specific or Short-Term Work Rights
Maybe you’re not eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, or you’ve got a specific job offer. There are other options:
- Short‑stay work visas—for temporary, specified tasks
- Other temporary work visas—like employer sponsorship, skill‑based visas, etc.
These visas may let you work legally but usually require pre‑approved conditions, sponsorship, or specific skill sets.
Key takeaway: There are other legal pathways to work, but they’re visa‑specific and must be applied for properly.
Real Talk: Why You Shouldn’t Risk Working on a Tourist Visa
You might be tempted to sneak in some work to help fund your stay, but it’s not worth it. Working illegally can lead to:
- Visa cancellation or refusal
- Deportation or bans on returning
- Penalties for your employer and potential harm to your long‑term travel or work dreams
Plus, people often confuse volunteering with working. Only unpaid, voluntary work might be acceptable, but getting paid? That’s a hard no.
Key takeaway: The risks of illegal work far outweigh the short‑term benefits. Stick to legal paths.
Summary Table: Your Options at a Glance
| Your Goal | Can You Do It on a Tourist Visa? | What’s the Right Visa? |
|---|---|---|
| Work for pay (any type) | No | Working Holiday (417/462) or work visa |
| Remote work for overseas company | No | Working Holiday or appropriate visa |
| Volunteer (unpaid) | Possibly | Tourist visa may allow unpaid volunteer |
| Change visa while in Australia | Usually no | Must check conditions, often no |
You might’ve been searching for an “Australia tourist work visa” but the truth is, that type of visa doesn’t exist. If your goal is to work legally while exploring the country, your best option is a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462), depending on your nationality. These visas are designed for travellers like you, offering the chance to earn money while enjoying everything Australia has to offer.