Bridging Visa

One of the most important things to consider when staying in Australia is ensuring you have the correct visa. A Bridging visa can play a crucial role in maintaining your lawful status while awaiting a decision on another visa application. These temporary visas serve as a “bridge” between an expired visa and a new substantive visa, allowing you to remain legally in Australia during the processing period.

Bridging visas are temporary visas that allow individuals to lawfully stay in Australia while waiting for a decision on their substantive visa application. These visas help ensure compliance with immigration laws and prevent individuals from becoming unlawful non-citizens while their visa status is being resolved.

A Bridging Visa can be granted for several reasons, including:

If your original visa has expired and you are awaiting approval of a substantive visa.
If you are awaiting a court decision on an appeal regarding a visa.
If you are awaiting an Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision on a visa refusal or cancellation.
If you have requested Ministerial Intervention.
If you are unlawfully staying in Australia but are arranging to depart voluntarily.

If you are ready to begin your bridging visa process, contact us today for expert guidance.

Types of Bridging Visa

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

Purpose: The Bridging Visa A allows individuals to stay in Australia lawfully after their current substantive visa expires while awaiting the decision on another substantive visa application.

Key Details:

Travel Rights: Holders of a BVA do not have travel rights. If they leave Australia, they cannot re-enter unless they apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).
Work Rights: Generally, BVAs do not grant work rights unless you demonstrate financial hardship or have applied for certain partner visas or skilled visas where work rights are automatically granted.

Eligibility: You must hold a substantive visa and lodge a valid application for another substantive visa while still in Australia.

Bridging Visa B (bVB)

Purpose: The BVB is for individuals who wish to travel outside Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed and need to ensure their bridging visa does not get canceled during their absence. Read more here.

Key Details:

Validity: The BVB is typically valid for three months. It’s advisable to apply 2-3 weeks before your intended travel.
Application Process: A simple application form must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs, which processes the visa quickly.
Fees: Fees may apply for the BVB.

bridging Visa C (bVC)

Purpose: The Bridging Visa C is granted to individuals who have become unlawful non-citizens by overstaying their visa but have lodged a valid application for a substantive visa.

Key Details:

Travel Rights: Similar to the BVA, holders of a BVC cannot leave Australia and return on this visa.
Work Rights: Initial BVCs typically do not allow work. However, if you can prove financial hardship, you may apply for a BVC that includes work rights.

bridging Visa D (bVD)

Purpose: This visa is for individuals whose substantive visa has expired and who need lawful status to either apply for a new visa or make arrangements to leave Australia.

Key Details:

Time Limits: The BVD is valid for five working days, during which you must lodge a valid application for another visa or arrange to depart Australia.
Work Rights: BVDs do not grant work rights under any circumstances.

bridging Visa E (BVE)

Purpose: The BVE allows individuals to stay in Australia lawfully while they finalize their immigration matters or await a decision on an immigration application.

Key Details:

Work Rights: Work rights may be granted, and this will be specified in your grant letter. Engaging in work without permission may lead to cancellation of the visa.
Travel Rights: Like other bridging visas, leaving Australia on a BVE results in the visa ending, and you cannot return unless granted another substantive visa.

Final Thoughts

Bridging visas play a vital role in maintaining lawful immigration status while waiting for a decision on a substantive visa. Each type serves a specific purpose, whether it be to allow continued stay, enable travel, or grant work rights. Understanding the conditions and requirements is crucial to ensuring compliance with immigration laws and avoiding unlawful status in Australia.

Navigating the complexities of bridging visas and immigration laws can be overwhelming. At Aurelia Legal, we specialize in providing expert immigration advice and assistance to ensure a smooth visa application process. Whether you need help determining the right bridging visa, preparing your application, or addressing visa complications, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to secure your lawful stay in Australia with confidence.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is for general information only. Legislation may change from time to time. Please refer to the latest legislation for current details.