How To Apply for Work Rights on a Bridging Visa C
Holders of a Bridging Visa C (BVC) often find themselves with no work rights. However, these individuals can apply for work rights if they meet the criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs (Department).
What is a Bridging Visa C?
A Bridging Visa C is generally granted to individuals who apply for a new substantive visa while they are in Australia but no longer hold a substantive visa at the time of lodgement. This often occurs when a previous visa has expired or when someone is transitioning between visa types without a current visa in effect. Because the Bridging Visa C is typically issued in circumstances where lawful status is restored rather than maintained, it is commonly granted without work rights unless the applicant can show financial hardship.
Financial Hardship Requirement
To obtain work rights, the Department requires Bridging Visa C holders to provide evidence that they are in, or are likely to face, financial hardship if they are unable to work while awaiting a visa grant. Applicants must therefore demonstrate that they require work rights to meet their living expenses.
Types of Supporting Evidence
Work rights may be obtained by providing substantive evidence of the individual’s financial situation and their need to support themselves and their families financially. For example, applicants need to demonstrate that they have monthly rental payments, motor vehicle, health insurance payments, and other general expenses.
In certain situations, it may be beneficial to provide evidence of recent employment with an Australian company, such as a letter of support from a current employer, a current employment contract, and recent payslips, as evidence that the applicant has been financially supporting themselves and their family while onshore.
It is also important to provide evidence of other living expenses, particularly where applicants need to provide financial support for dependents.
Finally, applicants can also provide a letter or statutory declaration explaining their financial situation to the Department and how not being able to work may lead to financial hardship while waiting for their visa application to be decided.
What Happens If Work Rights Are Granted?
If the application for work rights is approved, the Department will usually grant a new Bridging Visa C that carries a work condition setting out the level of permission given. In many cases, the “no work” condition may be removed and replaced with permission to work, but this is not guaranteed. Some applicants may receive limited work rights depending on their circumstances. It is important for individuals to review the conditions on their newly issued bridging visa to ensure they understand what level of work authorisation has been granted.
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Related Blog – Can I apply for a Partner Visa while on a Bridging Visa?