Volunteering on a Visa

Disclaimer: This article is general information only. If you are unsure, you should consult with the Department of Home Affairs regarding your specific situation. 

Volunteering can be a great way to meet local people and learn more about local life. People who are in Australia temporarily, as a tourist, student or even asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their application, you may have the right to volunteer under your visa conditions.

What is meant by volunteering?

All visas that include the right to volunteer require the work to be genuinely voluntary.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection considers genuine volunteering to be:

• Undertaken through a community organisation.
• Not a replacement for a paid role.
• Unpaid (but reimbursements are acceptable).

The Department of Home Affairs defines volunteer work as work that:

• Is unpaid (you can be provided with meals, accommodation or out-of-pocket living expenses).
• Would not otherwise be done by an Australian for pay.
• Is short term.
• Is incidental to your visit to Australia.
• Is done for a not-for-profit organisation.
• Benefits the community.

Volunteer conditions for visa holders

We advise people on visas wishing to volunteer to use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check on the government website. This allows visa holders, employers, education providers and other organisations to check their particular visa details and conditions.  

For more information, visit the VEVO Portal. 

The VEVO page details the conditions of work/volunteering which always apply, and which may apply depending on a range of criteria such as the country of origin of the visa holder.