A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals to stay in Australia under certain circumstances legally. As the name indicates, a bridging visa bridges a former passport and another visa you are applying for. In short, this Visa allows you to remain in Australia while awaiting the visa application's outcome. Having a correct bridging visa type is essential in Australia while studying, working, PR, citizenship, etc.

 

“One can not grant a bridging visa outside Australia”.

The time in bridging is according to the time it takes to grant or refuse a new visa application. Eligible family members give the same bridging Visa with the same conditions. Moreover, a bridging permit has almost the same conditions as your previous status in Australia. E.g., if you have work rights on your last Visa, you can also work on a bridging visa in Australia. If you do not have work rights in your previous Visa, your bridging Permit will also not permit you to perform. Read below to learn more about the types, requirements, and processes to apply for a bridging visa in Australia.

 

What are the Types and Requirements of Bridging Visa Australia?

There are five to six types of bridging Visas in Australia, all with little different entitlements. It can be easy and complex, so if you have any further inquiries, you can contact us directly or visit our nearby branches in India, Canada, and Australia.

 

1. Bridging visa A (BVA) – subclass 010

 

The bridging visa A is a very common type and granted automatically once you file a valid application for a new visa.  It allows you an opportunity to stay in Australia lawfully even if your current visa ceases.

 

Working Rights - You may be allowed to work on this visa depending upon applicable conditions. You can apply for a new visa if you have restrictions to work on this bridging Visa in Australia. 

 

Travel Rights - In this bridging visa, you are not allowed to travel, and your visa will cease, which prohibits your return to the country.

Also, your BVA ends automatically if you leave Australia while a bridging visa is in effect. Also, if you are granted a visa you have applied for, BVA ends immediately.

 

General Requirements - To apply for bridging visa A, you must be in Australia and have held a substantive visa. You also meet character requirements.

 

2. Bridging visa B (BVB) – subclass 020

 

Departure and return to Australia is the main advantage of this bridging visa Australia B category while waiting for the result of a substantive visa application.

Work Rights - If you hold work rights in the BVA and substantive Visa, you can work.

Requirements - Have a substantial reason for leaving and returning to Australia. Also, you already have a BVA and meet character requirements. This visa costs around AUD 155.

 

3. Bridging visa C (BVC) – subclass 030

 

You can grant BVC if you have made a genuine application in Australia for a substantive visa, but you still need to hold a substantive Visa. If your Bridging visa C restricts working, you can apply for another BVC that lets you work.

 

Work and Travel Rights

You are not allowed to travel outside Australia with this visa type. And, if you want work rights on this visa consider applying to a BVC that allows you to work or state that you are facing financial hardship.

 

4. Bridging visa D (BVD) – subclass 041

 

This visa is for people in Australia without a valid visa and needs to make arrangements to leave the country. It's a short-term visa that allows you to stay lawfully while you make these arrangements. The validity for BVD is for 5 days.

 

5. Bridging visa E (BVE) – subclass 051

 

This visa is granted if you are in Australia and do not hold a substantive visa. It can be granted in specific circumstances, such as if you have applied for a protection visa or if you are waiting for an immigration decision and you would otherwise be at risk of becoming unlawful.

 

6. Bridging Visa F (BVF) - subclass 060

A Bridging Visa F can be granted to a person of interest to police in Australia in relation to serious commonwealth offenses involving trafficking, sexual servitude, or deceptive recruiting

 

How to Apply for Bridging Visa Australia?

The Bridging Visa Australia is a temporary visa permit to stay in Australia while you are waiting for a decision on your substantive visa application or while making arrangements to depart the country. We discussed different types of Bridging Visas, and the specific steps to apply for one may vary depending on your situation. Here's a general outline of the process of how to apply for this visa.

 

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Bridging Visa you intend to apply for. The eligibility criteria can differ based on the type of substantive visa application you've already submitted or intend to submit.

 

2. Submit Your Substantive Visa Application: Before applying for a Bridging Visa, you generally need to have already submitted a substantive visa application (e.g., a student visa, partner visa, skilled visa, etc.). The Bridging Visa is often automatically granted when you submit a valid application for another visa while you are in Australia.

 

3. Wait for the Bridging Visa Grant: If you're eligible and your substantive visa application meets the criteria, the Bridging Visa may be granted automatically. This means you don't need to submit a separate application for the Bridging Visa in some cases. However, knowing the conditions and limitations of the Bridging Visa you're granted is important.

 

4. If Required, Apply Separately: In some cases, you might need to apply for a Bridging Visa separately. This could be the case if you are applying for a Bridging Visa related to a visa cancellation or if you need a Bridging Visa with specific conditions that aren't automatically granted.

 

5. Provide Necessary Documentation: If you must apply for a Bridging Visa separately, you must provide relevant documentation, such as your current visa details, reasons for needing the Bridging Visa, and any other supporting documents required by the Department of Home Affairs.

 

6. Pay the Application Fee: If there's an application fee for the Bridging Visa you're applying for, you must pay it as part of the application process. The fee can vary based on the type of Bridging Visa and your circumstances.

 

7. Wait for a Decision: You must decide after submitting your Bridging Visa application. The processing times can vary, so applying well in advance is advisable if you anticipate needing a Bridging Visa.

 

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