Right to Work Requirements for Delivery Drivers in NSW

Every person who works as a courier driver in Australia must have the legal right to do so. This applies regardless of whether you are an employee or an independent contractor. Courier operators are legally required to verify your right to work before you start, and to re-verify if there is any reason to doubt your status. This guide covers what documents are required and what visa holders need to know.

For Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you have an unrestricted right to work. You will typically provide:

• An Australian passport, or
• A birth certificate plus photo ID, or
• Evidence of permanent residency (PR visa grant letter, ImmiCard)

No VEVO check is required for citizens or PRs.

For New Zealand Citizens (Subclass 444)

New Zealand citizens who enter Australia are typically granted a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) on arrival, which allows unrestricted work. You can provide your New Zealand passport. VEVO can be used to verify the visa status.

For Visa Holders

If you are on a temporary visa, your right to work depends on your visa conditions. Most work-enabling visas have a condition number on them that specifies what work is allowed. The most common conditions relevant to delivery drivers:

• Condition 8105 (Student Visa Subclass 500) — limits work to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Unlimited during official course breaks. Delivery work counts toward this limit regardless of employer.
• Condition 8547 (Working Holiday Visa 417/462) — allows work in most industries. No significant restrictions for delivery work, but there are tenure limits with individual employers in some cases.
• Skilled and Employer-Sponsored Visas — generally allow full work rights. Confirm with your visa grant letter.
• Bridging Visas — work rights vary. A Bridging Visa A with work rights included is generally sufficient; a Bridging Visa B may or may not include them.

If you are unsure of your conditions, check your visa in the VEVO system at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/check-conditions-online.

What is VEVO?

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) is the Department of Home Affairs system that allows employers, contractors, and individuals to check visa status and work rights in real time. Most courier operators use VEVO to verify visa holders. You will be asked to provide consent for this check as part of your onboarding. VEVO consent is provided through the driver portal.

What Happens if Your Visa Expires?

If your visa expires or your work rights change, you must stop delivering immediately and notify your courier operator. Continuing to work after your visa expires — even accidentally — is a breach of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Operators can face significant penalties for employing or engaging workers without valid work rights.

Your driver portal will alert you as your visa expiry approaches. Keep this information current so you receive reminders in time to renew.