25/08/2026
⚠️ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WORKING UBER / TAXI — KNOW YOUR VISA CONDITIONS
If you are studying in Australia and driving Uber, DiDi, taxi or doing other paid work, exceeding your permitted working hours can put your Student visa at serious risk.
Recent and past Australian cases show how seriously Immigration can treat excessive working hours:
🚗 2025 reported Uber case: An international student reportedly admitted working up to 60 hours per week driving Uber. His Student visa was cancelled and he was removed from Australia.
🚕 Verma v Minister [2017] FCCA 69: A student taxi driver argued that time spent waiting for passengers should not count as work. The Court did not accept that argument. Waiting for passengers while logged in and available for work was treated as part of the taxi-driving work.
🚖 Arora v Minister [2014] FCCA 2091: Taxi records showed the student working approximately 43–59 hours per week when the permitted limit at that time was much lower. His Student visa cancellation was upheld.
📌 Current general rule: Most Subclass 500 Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to certain exceptions.
⚠️ For rideshare drivers, don't assume that only the minutes when a passenger is inside your car count as work. Your online/logged-in time and availability for passengers may also become important evidence.
Watch the video for the full explanation of these cases.
This post is for general educational information only and is not immigration or legal advice.
