What is a Bridging Visa?
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows a person to remain lawfully in Australia while a substantive visa application is being processed. It is typically issued when:
- Your current substantive visa has expired, and you’ve applied for a new one.
- You’re challenging a visa refusal or cancellation.
- You’re requesting Ministerial Intervention on a visa matter.
- You’re preparing to leave Australia voluntarily.
A Bridging Visa typically has more restrictions than a substantive visa, including limitations on work and travel.
There are five different types of Bridging Visas in Australia:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA) Subclass 010;
- Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020;
- Bridging Visa C (BVC) Subclass 030;
- Bridging Visa D (BVD) Subclass 040 and 041; and
- Bridging Visa E (BVE) Subclass 050 and 051.
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA) Subclass 010
The Bridging Visa A (BVA) allows you to stay lawfully in Australia after your current substantive visa expires while the Department of Home Affairs (‘Department’) processes your new substantive visa application.
Key features include:
- Automatically granted when you apply for a new visa while holding a valid visa.
- You cannot work. You may apply for permission to work, but approval usually requires proof that you are experiencing financial hardship.
- You cannot travel. If you leave Australia, the BVA will lapse, and you will need to obtain a Bridging Visa B to re-enter the country.
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is suitable for individuals who need to travel overseas briefly while their substantive visa application is being processed.
Key features include:
- You must currently hold a BVA or BVC and have an active substantive visa application under assessment.
- Permits you to leave and re-enter Australia during an approved travel period.
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC) Subclass 030
The Bridging Visa C (BVC) is intended for people who do not hold a current substantive visa but wish to apply for one while remaining in Australia.
Key features include:
- You may apply after your previous visa expires.
- No work rights. Approval requires demonstrating financial hardship.
- No travel rights.
4. Bridging Visa D (BVD) Subclass 040 & 041
The Bridging Visa D (BVD) is a short-term visa for individuals whose substantive visa has expired, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia while resolving their visa matter.
- You may apply if your presence in Australia is unlawful.
- No work rights.
- No travel rights.
5. Bridging Visa E (BVE) Subclass 050 & 051
The Bridging Visa E (BVE) is for individuals who are unlawfully in Australia or are in immigration detention but are working to resolve their immigration status.
Key features include:
- Work may be allowed in specific circumstances, such as financial hardship or compelling personal reasons.
- No travel rights.
Conditions
Your Bridging Visa may include specific conditions, such as:
- No work permitted (Condition 8101).
- No study allowed (Condition 8201).
- Regular reporting to the Department.
- Residing at a specified address.
- Restrictions on travel.
Failure to comply with any of these conditions may result in visa cancellation or being considered unlawful in Australia.
What if a Bridging Visa Is Cancelled or Refused?
You may have a right to appeal a cancellation or a refusal decision, but there are time limits.
If you fail to resolve your immigration status, you may become unlawful and subject to detention.
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Related Blog – Can I apply for a Partner Visa while on a Bridging Visa?