Bridging Visa A Work Rights: Can you work in 2025?

Visa expiration in a foreign country can be a nightmare for any international individual because it can lead to legal penalties and even deportation.

But thanks to a bridging visa, which allows you to not only stay but also work in Australia, you need to know what working rights your bridging visa offers.

In this blog post, I will share insights into what work rights a bridging visa offers. But before moving forward, what is a bridging visa?

 

What is A Bridging Visa?

A bridging is a temporary visa granted to those living in Australia lawfully while waiting for a decision on another visa application. It works as a bridge between your current visa and the new one you are applying for. 

 

Which Bridging Visas That Offer Work Rights?

In Australia, several Bridging Visas offer work rights, depending on the conditions of your previous visa and current circumstances. Here are some of the most common Bridging Visas that typically allow work.

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

This type of bridging visa usually allows you to work if you had work rights on your previous visa.  It is valid while your substantive visa application is being processed.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

This visa also offers you work rights on your previous visa because this visa is only valid for three months so after it is granted you will need to be come back in Australia before the three months ends.

 

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

You can apply for this bridging visa if you are experiencing financial hardship and need to work. You need to provide evidence of a compelling need to work.

Bridging Visa E (BVE)

This visa type is for those waiting for judicial review or ministerial intervention. With bridging visa E, work rights are granted in limited circumstances, such as  if you had work rights on your previous visa and applied for judicial review within the statutory time limit.

 

How to Check Your Bridging Visa Conditions?

Your bridging visa grant letter states certain conditions applied to your bridging visa. You can check out your bridging visa conditions by doing a VEVO check through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.  

 

Here is how you can check your visa conditions:

Create an ImmiAccount

 First, you need to create an ImmIAccount if you don’t already have any. For this purpose, you must register on the Department of Home Affairs website. 

Log in to VEVO

 Once you have created an ImmiAccount,  you can log in to VEVO using your credentials.

Enter Your Details

In the next step, you must provide relevant information, such as your visa grant number and passport details.

 

View Your Visa Conditions

 VEVO will display your current visa conditions, such as what you can and can’t do while holding the Bridging Visa.

 

Note: If your visa grant notice or VEVO checks showcase conditions 8101-No Works, you cannot work in Australia. If you don’t have any conditions, you can work in Australia.

Understand Bridging Visa A (BVA) Work Rights

Before you get this visa, make sure you know more about the Bridging Visa A work rights.

 

1. Work Rights on Bridging Visa A

Bridging Visa A work rights typically allow you to work in Australia without restrictive conditions. This means you have the freedom to pursue employment opportunities and financially support yourself while your new substantive visa application is in progress. However, it’s essential to note that the specific work rights attached to your BVA can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the conditions of your previous visa. You can learn more about these conditions on Department of Home Affairs Website.

 

2. Eligibility for Bridging Visa A Work Rights

To enjoy the work rights granted by a Bridging Visa A, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• Holding a valid Bridging Visa A.
• Having applied for a new substantive visa before your previous visa expired.
• Complying with any specific work-related conditions outlined in your BVA grant letter.

 

3. Work Limitations

While bridging Visa A often comes with generous work rights, there might be specific limitations or conditions that apply to your situation. These restrictions could include restrictions on specific job sectors, such as healthcare or childcare, or limitations on the number of hours you can work each week. It’s crucial to review the conditions of your BVA carefully to ensure compliance.

 

4. Work Rights for Dependents

If you are the primary visa holder, your dependents included in your BVA application typically receive the same work rights as you do. However, it’s essential to confirm this with the Department of Home Affairs to avoid any potential issues related to their employment.

 

5. Changing Visa Categories

If you plan to switch to a different visa category while on a Bridging Visa A, your work rights may change accordingly. It’s crucial to stay informed about any changes in your visa status and associated work rights during this transition.

 

6. Seek Professional Guidance

Understanding and navigating the intricacies of Bridging Visa A work rights can be challenging. Therefore, it’s highly advisable to seek professional guidance from a migration agent or legal expert who specializes in Australian immigration law. They can provide you with personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

Wait – there is more. Next, I am going to tell you about the different conditions you need to know about the Bridging Visa A.

 

Bridging Visa A (BVA) Conditions: What You Need to Know

A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that plays a crucial role in the Australian immigration system. With Bridging Visa A (BVA) work rights, you can work in Australia without restriction or strict conditions. This visa allows you to pursue employment opportunities and financial support in Australia while waiting for your new substantive visa approval.

However, it is essential to note that the specific work rights are attached to your BVA. These work rights can differ based on your circumstances and specific conditions regarding your previous visa. While the BVA offers many benefits, it’s essential to understand the conditions that come with it to ensure compliance and a smooth immigration journey.

Here, we’ll delve into the key Bridging Visa A conditions you should be aware of.

1. No Work Restrictions

One of the primary advantages of a Bridging Visa A is that it typically allows you to work in Australia without restrictions. This means you can seek employment and support yourself financially during the processing of your new visa application. However, it’s essential to verify your work rights, as they may vary based on the conditions of your previous visa.

2. Travel Limitations

While a BVA grants you the freedom to remain in Australia, international travel can be more complex. If you plan to leave and re-enter the country, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to maintain your legal status. Without a BVB, your BVA might cease upon departure, potentially impacting your visa application.

3. Compliance with Visa Conditions

To ensure your BVA remains valid, it’s crucial to abide by the conditions outlined in your visa grant letter. Failing to do so can lead to visa cancellation and potential immigration complications.

4. Changes in Visa Status

If you decide to change your visa category while on a BVA, your conditions and work rights may be subject to change accordingly. It’s essential to stay informed about any adjustments and potential impacts on your employment eligibility.

5. Notification of Changes

To maintain compliance, you must promptly notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your contact details, including your address. This ensures you receive essential communications related to your visa application and status.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Bridging Visa A Work Rights

 If you want to enjoy the work rights  that are granted by a Bridging Visa A, you must meet the eligibility criteria of Bridging Visa A, such as:

• You must hold a valid Bridging Visa A.
• You must apply for a new substantive visa before your previous visa expires.
• You must comply with any specific work-related conditions outlined in your BVA grant letter.

Work Limitations

 No doubt, Bridging Visa A offers generous work rights, but specific limitations or conditions might apply to your situation. These restrictions could include:

• Restrictions on specific job sectors, such as healthcare or childcare.
• Limitations on the number of hours you can work each week.
• It’s crucial to review the conditions of your BVA carefully to ensure compliance.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Bridging Visa A

To be eligible for Bridging Visa A, you need to:

• Be inside Australia.
• Hold an active substantive visa OR have one; however, now you have another bridging visa.
• Not possess a “No further stay” condition attached to your current substantive visa
• Meet all the health and character requirements.

Why Should you Adhere to Bridging Visa A Work Conditions?

You need to adhere to Bridging Visa A (BVA) work conditions for several reasons, like: 

 

To Avoid Visa Cancellation

As you know, non-compliance with visa conditions can lead to the cancellation of your BVA. So, it is important to follow and meet all visa conditions. Your cancellation can result in losing your legal status in Australia and immediately subject you to detention or removal from the country. 

 

To Maintain Employment Eligibility

 When you follow the work conditions, you ensure that you can continue working legally in Australia. This will help you support yourself financially and gain valuable work experience.

 

To Smooth Visa Process

All this compliance with work conditions can help you maintain a positive record with the Department of Home Affairs. This will facilitate a smoother processing of your current and future Australian visa applications.

 

To Avoid Legal Consequences

Violating visa conditions can lead to many legal consequences, such as heavy fines and potential bans on your future visa applications. So, following the visa conditions can help you avoid these risks.

  

To Demonstrate Good Character

If you follow all the visa conditions, it shows that you are law-abiding and respectful of Australia’s immigration laws, which will positively impact your future interactions with immigration authorities in Australia.

 

The Migration: Your Pathway to getting new Employment Opportunities

Bridging Visa A work rights are a vital aspect of your stay in Australia while awaiting the processing of your new substantive visa application. By familiarizing yourself with these rights, adhering to any conditions, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can make the most of your time in Australia and ensure a smooth transition to your new visa category.

With The Migration backing you through every visa step, you can live and work in Australia without worrying about your substantive visa expiry. We have a registered team of agents who will cater to your every need and ensure you never have to worry about any working rights.

 

 

FAQs on Bridging Visa A work rights

Q1. Can I work on a Bridging Visa A (BVA)?

A1. Yes, in most cases, you can work on a BVA without restrictions.

Q2. Are there any limitations on the type of work I can do with a BVA?

A2. Generally, there are no specific job restrictions on a BVA. However, check your individual visa conditions for any limitations.

Q3. Do my dependents included in my BVA application have the same work rights as I do?

A3. Yes, dependents typically receive the same work rights as the primary visa holder.

Q4. Can my work rights change if I switch to a different visa category while on a BVA?

A4. Yes, your work rights may change if you transition to a different visa category. Always stay informed about any modifications to your visa conditions.