Verify work rights via VEVO before employment
Employers must verify visa work rights via VEVO before hiring non-citizens.
Who must comply
All Australian employers (and labour hire intermediaries).
What triggers it
Considering or employing a non-citizen.
When due
Before commencement; periodic re-checks for fixed-term visas.
Evidence required
VEVO check records, copies of visa grant notices, employer-arranged checks logs.
Max penalty
Up to 5 years imprisonment + fines; sponsor sanctions; civil penalties
Summary
Section 245AK of the Migration Act 1958 makes it an offence for an employer to allow a non-citizen to work in breach of work-related visa conditions. VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) provides real-time verification. From 1 July 2024, employer sponsor offences include strengthened protections for sponsored workers and DAMA-style accountability.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHDocument VEVO checks + retain employer records (s 245AYL Migration Act)Employers should document VEVO checks at hire; statutory defence for compliant employers.
- CWLTHComply with Standard Business Sponsor obligations (482 + 494)Business sponsors of 482 / 494 visas must meet labour market testing, equivalent terms + record-keeping.
- CWLTHSkills in Demand visa (subclass 482) — 3 streams from 7 December 2024482 visa replaced by 3 streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, Essential Skills.
- CWLTHPay Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levySponsors of 482 visa applicants pay SAF levy at nomination time.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with work rights via VEVO before employment?
- All Australian employers (and labour hire intermediaries).
- What triggers work rights via VEVO before employment?
- Considering or employing a non-citizen.
- When is work rights via VEVO before employment due?
- Before commencement; periodic re-checks for fixed-term visas.
- What is the maximum penalty for work rights via VEVO before employment?
- Up to 5 years imprisonment + fines; sponsor sanctions; civil penalties
- What evidence is required for work rights via VEVO before employment?
- VEVO check records, copies of visa grant notices, employer-arranged checks logs.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-foreign-workers/vevo. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.