Do You Have the Right to Work in Australia? Here’s What You Need to Know

At Sunny Coast Jobs, we’re passionate about connecting great people with great opportunities. But before we can place candidates into roles, there’s one non-negotiable we need to address: your right to work in Australia.

Whether you’re a local job seeker or an international candidate, it’s critical that you understand what this means—not only for your job prospects, but also for staying on the right side of the law.

What Does “Right to Work” Actually Mean?

The right to work in Australia refers to your legal eligibility to be employed here, whether on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis. This right is determined by your citizenship, residency status, or visa conditions.

What Laws Do We Respond To?

As a recruitment agency, Sunny Coast Jobs must comply with several Australian laws and regulations, including:

Migration Act 1958
Fair Work Act 2009
Right to Work Checks (Department of Home Affairs)
Workplace Relations Act (as applicable)
Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity laws

We are legally required to verify every candidate’s right to work before placing them in a role. Failing to do so can result in heavy penalties for us and for the employer.

Who Does This Apply To?

This validation applies to everyone, including:

Australian citizens
Permanent residents
New Zealand citizens residing in Australia
Temporary visa holders (e.g. Working Holiday, Student, Skilled Worker)
Refugees and humanitarian entrants

Why Do We Need to Validate You?

Agencies like ours are under strict obligation to ensure no one is placed into employment unless their right to work is confirmed and documented. It’s not about bureaucracy—it’s about:

Protecting your rights
Ensuring you’re paid lawfully and fairly
Keeping employers and recruiters compliant with Australian law
Avoiding risk for all parties

How Can You Prove Your Right to Work?

Here are the most common ways candidates can demonstrate their work rights:

Australian Passport or Citizenship Certificate
Australian birth certificate (with proof of identity)
Visa Grant Notice or VEVO Check from the Department of Home Affairs
New Zealand passport (for NZ citizens living in Australia)
ImmiCard or other official identity documents for non-citizens

We’ll guide you through exactly what’s needed during the application process.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re unsure about your documentation or want guidance on your specific visa or status, reach out to us today. We’re more than happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.

The best part? When you apply through Sunny Coast Jobs, you only need to prove your right to work once—and you’ll gain access to multiple opportunities with top employers. We streamline the process, so you don’t have to repeat yourself with every new application.

Get in touch with us today to get started.