Volunteers and Visas

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.  The VEVO portal can be accessed at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/overview. 

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. 

DISCLAIMER: The material provided in the resources contained herein provides general information only and it is not intended to be a substitute for particularised legal or other professional advice and while The Centre makes reasonable efforts to make sure that the information on this website is up-to-date and accurate it cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability of the information.  You should rely on your own inquiries in relation to any specific matter.