Do you know about a bridging visa? Is this visa valid for working or traveling? There are no worries if you don’t know!
These Australian visas have many uses. The most well-known aspect of this visa is to bridge the gap between your previous visa. You can legally stay in Australia with this temporary visa, while you wait for your substantive visa to be processed.
This visa was issued for a variety of reasons:
- If your original visa has expired
- Your substantive visa has yet to be approved
- When a court decides on your visa appeal
- The Administrative Appeals Tribunal will decide whether your visa should be refused or canceled
- Waiting for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs
Type of Bridging Visa
Bridging visas come in five types with different functions and entitlements. Bridging visas are usually granted according to migration circumstances.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
If your substantive visa has expired and your application for another visa is still pending. You can extend your stay in Australia using a Visa (BVA).
Your current substantive visa will expire when you leave Australia after completing a substantive visa application.
Travel Rights
- You cannot reenter Australia after leaving on this visa. It can’t allow legally leave the country.
- In this case, you must apply for reinstatement of your BVA when you return to Australia. It is illegal to remain without a BVA if your visa expires before reinstatement.
Work Rights
- This visa only grants the right to work if the individual applies to the department for a different BVA visa without work restrictions.
- An employer who nominates you or sponsors you for a substantive visa automatically grants you work rights.
- If you are applying for an onshore Partner visa (SC 820), you can also work legally while your application is being processed.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
You can leave and reenter Australia with a Visa B (BVB) while you wait for your substantive visa application to be processed. While processing your substantive visa, you can remain in Australia with a BVB.
The following are some crucial details to remember when dealing with a BVB:
- It is generally a three-month visa, which means you must return home within three months of receiving the visa.
- BVB applications must be submitted at least 2-3 weeks before travel due to the three-month time limit.
- The department will review your visa application. To help them, fill out a short form and send it in. You can have both a BVA and a BVB simultaneously.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
To apply for permanent residency in Australia, non-citizens must obtain a Visa C (BVC). A person who wants to stay lawful in Australia may be eligible for this option.
Travel Rights
- If you leave Australia on this visa, you cannot return because you have no travel rights.
- The department will inform you if you are eligible for an automatic BVC when applying for a substantive visa in Australia.
Work Rights
- Unless you are applying for a Skill Select visa, a BVC awarded as part of the substantive visa procedure will not allow you to work.
Bridge Visa Type D (BVD)
If your leading visa has expired, you can extend your stay in Australia with this visa for a limited time (BVD). You may apply for a permanent visa, and make travel plans out of Australia.
In the case of a BVD, you are not allowed to work in Australia or return if you leave the country.
Time Limits
- BVD Visa will expire five days after it was granted. It’s been five days since your valid visa expired.
- You have five days to submit a valid application or leave Australia.
Travel Rights
- You can’t go to Australia because this visa prevents you from returning.
Work Rights
- Work rights are not included in this visa, and your BVD may be revoked if you work.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
After your valid substantive visa expires, you may apply for a Visa E (BVE) to remain legally in Australia while awaiting an immigration decision.
In addition, it allows you to finalize your immigration concerns or prepare for your departure.
Travel Rights
- You can only return to Australia if you obtain another substantive visa once you leave.
Work Rights
- You will learn this in your grant letter if you are allowed to work.
- Working in a prohibited area could lead to the department detaining you and revoking your BVE.
What to do Next!
If you plan to stay in Australia for an extended period, it is essential to obtain a visa before leaving the country. If granted permission to reside in Australia, you must comply with all regulations and restrictions in your grant letter.
It is also essential to note that if you violate any of the conditions of your visa, including working without permission or overstaying your visa, Australia may expel you from the country. Therefore, you must understand and abide by all visa requirements and regulations in Australia.
You can contact our Migration Team for more information or to apply for a visa.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions) Related to bridging visa
Q1: Can I apply for a bridging visa if I am on a criminal justice visa?
A1: In most cases, if you are on a criminal justice visa, you may not be eligible for a bridging visa. Criminal justice visas are designed for individuals involved in immigration detention due to criminal charges, and the transition to a bridging visa may not be applicable.
Q2: Can I apply for a bridging visa if I have a no further stay condition on my visa?
A2: If your current visa has a “No Further Stay” condition, you may be restricted from applying for a bridging visa. The conditions of your current visa would need to be assessed to determine your eligibility for a bridging visa.
Q3: Can I withdraw my bridging visa application?
A3: It is possible to withdraw a bridging visa application. However, the process and implications of withdrawal can vary. Consulting with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent is advisable before making a decision.
Q4: Can I work for any employer on a bridging visa?
A4: Generally, bridging visas come with work rights that allow you to work for any employer in Australia. However, there can be exceptions and conditions depending on the type of bridging visa you hold, so it is essential to review the details of your specific visa.
