2023 New Guide Of Australian Bridging Visa

Mon, 25/09/2023

Do you have knowledge of a bridging visa? Is it valid for work or travel? No worries if you're not familiar!

Bridging visas in Australia serves various purposes, with the primary one being to fill the gap between your previous visa and the processing of your substantive visa. These visas are issued for several reasons:

• When your original visa has expired.
• While waiting for approval of your substantive visa.
• During a visa appeal in court.
• When the Administrative Appeals Tribunal considers your visa refusal or cancellation.
• While waiting for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the type of Bridging Visa.

There are five types of Bridging Visas, each with its own functions and entitlements, typically granted based on your migration circumstances:

Bridging Visa A (BVA):

• Allows you to stay in Australia legally when your substantive visa has expired and your new visa application is pending.
• Travel outside Australia is not allowed, and you need to apply for reinstatement if your visa expires before returning.
• Work rights may be granted if you apply for a BVA without work restrictions or if sponsored for a substantive visa.

Bridging Visa B (BVB):

• Permits you to leave and reenter Australia while awaiting the processing of your substantive visa application.
• Generally valid for three months, requiring return within that timeframe.
• Requires application submission well in advance of travel.
• You can hold both a BVA and a BVB simultaneously.

Bridging Visa C (BVC):

• Necessary for non-citizens seeking permanent residency in Australia to remain lawfully.
• Travel outside Australia is not allowed unless an automatic BVC is granted during the substantive visa application.
• Work rights may not be included, except for Skill Select visa applications.

Bridging Visa Type D (BVD):

• Extends your stay in Australia if your primary visa has expired.
• No work rights, and leaving the country is not permitted.
• Has a short validity period, expiring five days after grant or five days after your previous visa's expiry.

Bridging Visa Type D (BVD):

• Extends your stay in Australia if your primary visa has expired.
• No work rights, and leaving the country is not permitted.
• Has a short validity period, expiring five days after grant or five days after your previous visa's expiry.

Bridging Visa E (BVE):

• Allows legal stay in Australia after the expiration of your substantive visa while awaiting an immigration decision.
• Returning to Australia is only possible with another substantive visa.
• Work rights depend on your grant letter and may lead to visa revocation if violated.

To stay in Australia for an extended period, it's essential to obtain a visa and adhere to its conditions. Non-compliance, such as working without permission or overstaying, can lead to expulsion. For more information or visa applications, you can contact our SIEC Migration Team.

FAQS ON BRIDGING VISAS: