Bridging visas are an integral part of Australia’s immigration system, designed to help individuals remain in the country legally during transitions between substantive visas or while resolving immigration matters. Whether you’re waiting for a visa decision, appealing a visa refusal, or preparing to leave Australia, a bridging visa ensures that your stay is lawful.
This guide explains the five types of bridging visas—Bridging Visa A (BVA), Bridging Visa B (BVB), Bridging Visa C (BVC), Bridging Visa D (BVD), and Bridging Visa E (BVE). It covers their purposes, eligibility, conditions, and restrictions, using official information sourced from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Table of Contents
- What Are Bridging Visas?
- Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
- Conditions and Restrictions of Bridging Visas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
What Are Bridging Visas?
Bridging visas are temporary visas granted to individuals who are in Australia to ensure they remain lawful while waiting for the outcome of an immigration process. They are typically issued when:
- Your current substantive visa has expired, and you’ve applied for a new one.
- You’re appealing a visa refusal or cancellation at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
- You’re seeking Ministerial Intervention on a visa matter.
- You’re preparing to leave Australia voluntarily.
Bridging visas maintain your lawful status but do not provide the same rights as substantive visas. They allow individuals to remain in the country legally but often have restrictions on work or travel.
Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA) Subclass 010
The Bridging Visa A (BVA) allows you to remain in Australia legally after your substantive visa expires while you await a decision on your new substantive visa application.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: You must apply for a substantive visa while holding a valid substantive visa.
- Work Rights: Not automatically granted. You can apply for work rights, but approval typically requires evidence of financial hardship.
- Travel: International travel is not permitted on a BVA. If you leave Australia, your BVA will cease, and you’ll need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to return.
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is ideal for those who need to temporarily leave Australia while waiting for their substantive visa decision.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: You must already hold a BVA or BVC and have a pending substantive visa application.
- Travel Rights: Allows travel outside Australia and re-entry within a specified period (travel rights are typically granted for a few months).
- Work Rights: The same work conditions as the BVA apply—work rights are not automatic and must be requested based on financial hardship.
- Application Fee: AUD $185 (as of December 2024).
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC) Subclass 030
The Bridging Visa C (BVC) is designed for individuals who do not currently hold a substantive visa but want to apply for a new substantive visa while remaining in Australia.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: You must have applied for a substantive visa after your substantive visa expired or while you were unlawful.
- Work Rights: Not automatic. You must demonstrate financial hardship to gain work rights.
- Travel: BVC does not allow international travel. If you leave, you will not be able to re-enter Australia.
4. Bridging Visa D (BVD) Subclass 040 and 041
The Bridging Visa D (BVD) is a short-term visa granted to individuals whose substantive visa has expired and who need a short-term visa to resolve their situation.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: You may apply if you are unlawful and need time to prepare a new substantive visa application, or if you intend to depart Australia.
- Validity: Usually issued for a very short duration (e.g., 5 days) to allow you to take action on your immigration status.
- Work Rights: Not permitted.
- Travel: No travel rights are granted under a BVD.
5. Bridging Visa E (BVE) Subclass 050 and 051
The Bridging Visa E (BVE) is granted to individuals who are unlawful in Australia or are in immigration detention but are working to resolve their immigration status.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Issued to individuals whose substantive visa has expired or who are preparing for voluntary departure from Australia.
- Work Rights: Work may be allowed in specific circumstances, such as financial hardship or compelling personal reasons.
- Travel: No travel rights are granted under a BVE. If you leave Australia, you will not be permitted to re-enter.
Conditions and Restrictions of Bridging Visas
Bridging visas come with specific conditions to ensure compliance with Australian immigration laws. Failure to adhere to these conditions can result in visa cancellation or refusal of future visa applications.
Common Conditions:
- Work Restrictions: Most bridging visas do not allow work unless you apply for work rights and demonstrate financial hardship.
- Travel Limitations: With the exception of BVB, bridging visas do not allow international travel. If you leave Australia, your bridging visa will cease.
- Regular Reporting: Some bridging visa holders may be required to report regularly to the Department of Home Affairs, particularly in cases involving a BVE.
- Good Behaviour: Bridging visa holders must comply with Australian laws and visa conditions at all times.
For details on visa conditions, see the Department of Home Affairs – Visa Conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I study in Australia while on a bridging visa?
Yes, in most cases, bridging visa holders are allowed to study in Australia. However, you should check the specific conditions of your bridging visa, as certain visas, such as BVE, may limit your activities, including study.
2. Can I hold more than one bridging visa at the same time?
No, you cannot hold more than one bridging visa at the same time. If you apply for a new visa, your current bridging visa will be replaced with a new one, depending on your circumstances.
3. What happens to my bridging visa if my substantive visa is refused?
If your substantive visa is refused, your bridging visa will generally remain valid while you apply for a review (e.g., through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal). If no action is taken within the allowed time frame, the bridging visa will expire, and you will become unlawful.
4. Can I apply for a different substantive visa while on a bridging visa?
Yes, you can apply for a new substantive visa while on a bridging visa, provided you meet the criteria. However, certain bridging visas, such as BVC and BVE, may limit the types of visas you can apply for.
5. Can my bridging visa be cancelled?
Yes, your bridging visa can be cancelled if you breach visa conditions, such as working without permission or failing to meet reporting obligations. Visa cancellation may result in being detained or becoming unlawful.
6. How long does it take to process a bridging visa application?
Processing times vary based on the visa type:
- BVA is often granted automatically when you apply for a substantive visa.
- BVB (involving travel rights) may take several days to weeks.
For updated processing times, visit the Department of Home Affairs Processing Times.
Summary
Bridging visas are essential for maintaining lawful status in Australia during visa transitions or immigration processes. With five types available—BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD, and BVE—each serves a specific purpose, from enabling lawful stay to permitting travel.
Understanding the conditions and limitations of your bridging visa is critical to compliance with Australian law. For official guidance and to apply, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Bridging Visas.
Leave a Reply