1. What is ISEALP (ISEALS)?
The International Student Employment and Accommodation Legal Program is a collaborative service delivered by Westjustice, JobWatch, and Monash Law Clinics. It provides free, confidential, and independent legal advice to any international student in Victoria.
- Confidentiality: Your information is never shared with your university or the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration).
- The “Assurance Protocol”: In 2026, reporting exploitation will not result in your visa being cancelled, even if you have worked more than your permitted hours.
2. What Can They Help With?
The program focuses on the two biggest “stress points” for students:
At Work (Employment Law):
- Underpayment: If you are being paid less than the 2026 minimum wage (check current Fair Work rates).
- Unpaid Trials: Being asked to work for free to “prove your skills.”
- Bullying & Harassment: Including discrimination or unfair dismissal.
- Sham Contracting: Being forced to use an ABN when you should be an employee.
At Home (Accommodation Law):
- Bond Disputes: If a landlord refuses to return your bond without a valid reason.
- Illegal Evictions: If you are being pressured to leave without a proper VCAT order.
- Repairs: Getting urgent fixes for mold, broken heaters, or electrical issues.
- Sub-letting Issues: Rights when living in shared houses or “rooming” apartments.
3. How to Book an Appointment (2026)
The service is accessible via the Study Melbourne Hub in the CBD or through virtual consultations.
- Step 1: The Phone Line: Call the Study Melbourne support line at 1800 056 449 (free call).
- Step 2: The Referral: Mention that you need “Employment or Accommodation legal advice.” The Hub team will triage your case and book you in with an ISEALP lawyer.
- Step 3: The Location: Most in-person consultations happen at 17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, but phone and video appointments are standard in 2026 for students at regional campuses (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo).
4. Other 2026 Free Legal “Hotspots”
If your issue falls outside of work or housing (e.g., a traffic fine, a scam, or a visa query), the Hub can refer you to these specialist partners:
- Victoria Legal Aid (VLA): For criminal, family, and more complex civil matters.
- RMIT/UniMelb Student Legal Services: On-campus lawyers available specifically for their own students.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: For disputes involving faulty electronics, cars, or gym memberships.
5. 2026 “Lawyer-Ready” Checklist
To get the most out of your free session, have these ready:
- Your Visa Details: (To confirm your work rights).
- Your Contract: (Either your employment agreement or your lease).
- The Paper Trail: Screenshots of WhatsApp messages from your boss/landlord and your recent bank statements showing pay deposits.
