A Bridging Visa allows individuals to legally stay in Australia while they await the processing of a substantive visa application, prepare to depart, or finalize their immigration status. Bridging visas are temporary visas that “bridge” the gap between the expiration of a previous visa and the grant of a new visa or departure from Australia. There are several types of bridging visas, each serving a specific purpose depending on the visa applicant’s circumstances.
Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
There are several types of Bridging Visas, with the most common being:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010
- Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020
- Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030
- Bridging Visa D (BVD) – Subclass 041 & 042
- Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 050 & 051
Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and conditions, depending on the applicant's current situation.
Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010
Bridging Visa A (BVA) is the most common bridging visa granted to individuals who apply for a substantive visa while they are in Australia on a valid visa.
Key Features:
- Stay in Australia Legally: Allows you to stay in Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed.
- Work Rights: Generally, you won’t have work rights unless you can demonstrate financial hardship. In some cases, you may apply for work rights separately.
- Travel Restrictions: A BVA does not allow you to leave Australia and return. If you want to travel overseas, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).
Eligibility:
- You must hold a valid visa at the time of your substantive visa application.
- You must have applied for a new substantive visa before your current visa expires.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020
Bridging Visa B (BVB) is for individuals who are waiting for their visa application to be processed and need to travel outside of Australia temporarily.
Key Features:
- Travel Rights: Allows you to leave and return to Australia while waiting for a decision on your substantive visa application.
- Work Rights: If you had work rights on your previous visa, those rights are generally maintained. Otherwise, you may need to apply for work rights if needed.
- Duration: The travel facility is valid for a specified period, typically for a few months.
Eligibility:
- You must already hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or another valid visa.
- You need to provide reasons for why you need to travel overseas, and you must return to Australia before the specified period ends.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030
Bridging Visa C (BVC) is granted to individuals who are apply for substantive visa while holding a Bridging visa in Australia. It allows them to stay in Australia while their visa application is being processed.
Key Features:
- Stay in Australia Legally: Enables you to remain in Australia while waiting for a decision on your substantive visa application.
- No Travel Rights: The BVC does not allow you to leave and return to Australia.
- Work Rights: You typically do not have automatic work rights. However, you can apply for work rights if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Eligibility:
- You must have applied for a substantive visa while unlawfully in Australia (after your previous visa expired).
- You cannot have held a Bridging Visa E (BVE) when applying for the substantive visa.
Bridging Visa D (BVD) – Subclass 041 & 042
The Bridging Visa D (BVD) is granted to individuals who are unlawfully in Australia but intend to apply for a substantive visa. This visa provides temporary lawful status while they prepare to leave Australia or apply for a new visa.
Key Features:
- Stay in Australia Temporarily: It provides short-term lawful status, usually for a few days, while the individual prepares to lodge a new visa application or departs Australia.
- No Work Rights: BVD does not allow you to work or leave and return to Australia.
Subtypes:
- Subclass 041: If you need more time to lodge a substantive visa.
- Subclass 042: If you cannot leave Australia immediately.
Eligibility:
- You must be unlawfully in Australia and unable to leave or apply for another visa immediately.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 050 & 051
Bridging Visa E (BVE) allows individuals to remain in Australia lawfully after their previous visa has expired, or if they are making arrangements to depart Australia or awaiting the outcome of an immigration decision.
Key Features:
- Stay in Australia Legally: The BVE allows you to stay in Australia while you resolve your immigration status or make arrangements to depart.
- Work Rights: In most cases, you can apply for work rights if you can show financial hardship.
- Travel Restrictions: The BVE does not permit you to travel overseas. If you leave Australia on a BVE, you may not be able to return.
Subtypes:
- Subclass 050: For individuals unlawfully in Australia but awaiting a visa outcome or departure.
- Subclass 051: For individuals unlawfully in Australia and needing to apply for a substantive visa.
Eligibility:
- You must be unlawful in Australia or holding another bridging visa.
- You must be awaiting the outcome of a substantive visa application, judicial review, or making arrangements to depart Australia.
How Bridging Visas Work
A Bridging Visa is usually issued automatically when you lodge a new substantive visa application while holding a valid visa. Bridging visas come into effect once your current visa expires, ensuring you remain lawful in Australia.
If you are granted a Bridging Visa while your substantive visa application is being processed, you must comply with the conditions of the Bridging Visa, including any work or travel restrictions.
Bridging Visa Conditions
Depending on the type of Bridging Visa you hold, certain conditions may apply:
- Work Rights: Most Bridging Visas do not provide automatic work rights unless you demonstrate financial hardship.
- Travel Restrictions: Many Bridging Visas do not allow you to travel outside Australia. If you need to travel, you will need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) with travel rights.
- Obligation to Report: You may be required to report regularly to the Department of Home Affairs or comply with certain health conditions.
Required Documentation for a Bridging Visa
When applying for a Bridging Visa, you will generally need to provide the following documents:
-
Proof of Identity:
- Passport or national ID card (certified copies).
-
Proof of Substantive Visa Application:
- Evidence of the substantive visa application, such as a visa application receipt.
-
Financial Hardship Evidence (for work rights):
- Bank statements, employment records, and other evidence showing financial hardship if applying for work rights.
-
Travel Justification (for Bridging Visa B):
- Proof of the need for temporary overseas travel, such as medical reasons or family emergencies.
How We Can Help
At A Square Migration Services, we provide expert assistance in applying for Bridging Visas to ensure you remain legally in Australia while waiting for your substantive visa decision. Our services include:
- Visa Application Support: We assist in applying for the correct Bridging Visa based on your circumstances.
- Work Rights Applications: We help you apply for work rights if you face financial hardship.
- Visa Condition Compliance: We provide guidance to ensure you comply with all Bridging Visa conditions, including travel and work restrictions.
- Ongoing Support: We offer continuous support throughout the visa process, ensuring that you maintain lawful status in Australia.
Stay Lawfully in Australia with a Bridging Visa
A Bridging Visa allows you to remain in Australia legally while waiting for the outcome of your substantive visa or making arrangements to depart. At A Square Migration Services, we ensure that your visa process is smooth and compliant, so you can focus on your future plans.
Contact us today for expert guidance on your Bridging Visa application!