Australian Bridging Visas
Bridging visas are crucial for ensuring that you remain legally in Australia while your immigration matters are resolved. Understanding the different types of bridging visas and their specific conditions can help you make informed decisions about your stay in Australia.
Australia offers several types of Bridging Visas that allow individuals to remain legally in the country while their immigration status is being resolved. Each type of Bridging Visa serves a different purpose and comes with its own set of conditions and eligibility requirements.
For personalised advice and assistance, Book an appointment with Marion Le Consultancy.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of Australian Bridging Visas:
Bridging Visa A (BVA) - Subclass 010
Purpose: Allows you to stay in Australia while your application for a substantive visa is being processed.
Eligibility: You must be in Australia and hold a valid substantive visa when you apply for a new substantive visa.
Travel: Does not allow you to leave and re-enter Australia. If you leave, you will need another visa to return.
Work Rights: Work rights may be granted depending on your situation, such as demonstrating financial hardship.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) - Subclass 020
Purpose: Allows you to leave and return to Australia while waiting for a decision on your substantive visa application.
Eligibility: You must hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) and need to travel temporarily.
Travel: Permits travel outside Australia and re-entry within a specified period.
Work Rights: Generally carries the same work rights as your Bridging Visa A.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) - Subclass 030
Purpose: Allows you to stay in Australia while your application for a substantive visa is processed.
Eligibility: You are eligible if you are in Australia but do not hold a substantive visa when applying for a new substantive visa.
Travel: Does not permit travel outside Australia.
Work Rights: Work rights are generally not granted unless you can prove financial hardship.
Bridging Visa D (BVD) - Subclass 041 and Subclass 042
Purpose: Provides a short-term legal status while you make arrangements for another substantive visa application or prepare to leave Australia.
Eligibility: Granted if you do not currently hold a valid visa and are making arrangements to lodge a substantive visa application.
Travel: Does not allow travel outside Australia.
Work Rights: No work rights attached.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) - Subclass 050 and Subclass 051
Purpose: Allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while you make arrangements to depart Australia, finalize your immigration matter, or wait for an immigration decision.
Eligibility: Typically granted to individuals who have overstayed their visa or are in immigration detention.
Travel: Does not allow travel outside Australia.
Work Rights: Work rights may be granted under specific conditions, usually related to financial hardship.
Bridging Visa F (BVF) - Subclass 060
Purpose: Provides lawful status to non-citizens who assist in the investigation of people trafficking, slavery, or slavery-like offenses.
Eligibility: Granted to individuals involved in law enforcement investigations.
Travel: Limited travel rights, subject to specific conditions.
Work Rights: Work rights may be granted.
Bridging Visa R (BVR) - Subclass 070
Purpose: Allows the holder to stay in Australia temporarily while arrangements are made for removal or departure from the country.
Eligibility: Typically granted in situations where an individual's removal from Australia is imminent.
Travel: No travel rights.
Work Rights: No work rights.
Key Considerations
Eligibility Requirements: Each bridging visa has specific criteria that must be met. It’s important to understand your current visa status and immigration circumstances when applying.
Travel Restrictions: Most bridging visas do not permit international travel. If you need to travel, ensure you apply for a Bridging Visa B.
Work Rights: Work rights vary depending on the type of bridging visa and individual circumstances. You may need to demonstrate financial hardship to obtain work rights on certain visas.
For personalised advice and assistance, Book an appointment with Marion Le Consultancy.