A Bridging Visa is a migration visa that is given in Australia for a lawful resident presence in that country in sod circumstances such as in the following:-where one is awaiting a substantive visa decision, appealing for a visa refusal, or dealing with immigration matters. These visas are a ‘midpoint,’ or ‘intermediate,’ for people’s presence in Australia as they go through the rough nasty of immigration.
What is a Bridging Visa?
A Bridging Visa is a limited visa which permits you to continue residing in the country after your current visa expires, but before your new substantive visa is granted.
There are many subcategories of Bridging Visas and each of these Bridging Visas has its purpose and it also accompanies the different new rights as sometimes it allows work, study or even travel. For instance, the Bridging Visa A (BVA) permits an individual to hold a substantive visa and stay in Australia as he or she waits for another substantive visa to be processed.
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows a person with a substantive visa to be refused or cancelled to temporarily leave Australia to wait for a decision to be made. Some are temporary for legal residency before reporting, leaving or reapplication for instance the Bridging Visa D (BVD).
Who is Eligible for a Bridging Visa in Australia?
Eligibility for a Bridging Visa in Australia generally applies to individuals in transition, those needing to maintain lawful status, and those awaiting a substantive visa decision. Common eligibility criteria include:
- Application Pending: Individuals who have applied for a substantive visa but are awaiting a decision.
- Visa Expiry: Individuals whose previous visa has expired, need lawful status while making new visa arrangements.
- Appeal Pending: Those undergoing an appeal or review of their previous visa decision.
- Other Visa Conditions: Individuals needing to stay for a short time while resolving immigration matters.
Each Bridging Visa type has specific eligibility criteria, which will be detailed in the sections below.
Types of Bridging Visas
Australia offers several types of Bridging Visas, designated Bridging Visa A (BVA) through Bridging Visa E (BVE), each tailored to different circumstances. BVA and BVB are among the most commonly issued Bridging Visas, with BVC to BVE designed for specific situations like unlawful status or specific immigration needs. The Bridging Visa F (BVF) and Bridging Visa R (BVR) are less common and intended for individuals needing protection or support in unique circumstances.
Let us explore each type, eligibility, associated rights, and other conditions.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
The Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) is the most common type and is issued automatically when a substantive visa application is lodged while the applicant holds a valid visa.
Eligibility:
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Current Visa Holders
Applicants must already hold a valid substantive visa when applying for a new substantive visa onshore.
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Lawful Stay Required
This visa is typically granted to individuals needing lawful status while awaiting a visa outcome.
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Automatic Grant
BVA is generally granted automatically upon lodging a valid substantive visa application.
Rights:
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Work
Work rights vary based on the substantive visa. In certain cases, applicants may apply to have work restrictions lifted if they demonstrate a significant need for employment.
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Study
Study is generally permitted; however, some applicants may face restrictions, depending on their circumstances.
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Travel
BVA holders are typically restricted from travelling outside Australia. If they exit the country, their BVA may be cancelled, and they would need to apply for a BVB to reenter.
Conditions and Validity:
The Bridging Visa A remains valid until the substantive visa application is finalised. Holders must comply with all conditions tied to their visa or risk cancellation.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
The BVB (Subclass 020) is for the person who has to travel internationally for some time while waiting for their substantive visa permission to be granted.
Eligibility:
The applicant must also have a valid/more substantial visa application accompanied by submission of an application with consideration being given to the fact that the applicant is in Australia.
There is a strong need to show that the purpose of the journey is essential in the sort of activities that are associated with the family like emergencies or business needs.
Rights:
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Work
The work rights to be granted under any BVB are based on the substance of the visa application category.
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Study
Students are allowed to study unless conditions provide otherwise.
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Travel
The main privilege of this visa is the right to travel, that is, come to Australia, and then leave the country and come back during the validity of the visa.
Conditions and Validity:
An applicant must apply for a BVB at least two to three weeks before the intended travel date. The visa is given for three months, and its validity may be altered depending on circumstances.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
The Bridging Visa C (Subclass 030) is available where a person seeks a substantive visa while in breach of their visa, for instance, where their visa has ceased. The BVC grants some legitimate stay but is limited compared to work and freedom of movement.
Eligibility:
The applicant must make the substantive visa application while in Australia in breach of the Migration Act.
However, it may only apply to those clients who previously had no visa at all but are now blacklisted.
Rights:
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Work
It is unlawful to work unless the applicant can show the court that he/she has specific reasons amounting to extreme financial need that was not met by his/her employer.
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Study
While operating under a BVC, studying is allowed.
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Travel
Under normal circumstances, one cannot get travel rights under a BVC.
Conditions and Validity:
The BVC is valid for as long as the determination of the substantive visa application has not been made. Applicants who apply for the visa must strictly maintain the conditions that are as stated by the government if they are to apply for other conditions such as work rights, they must be able to justify their request.
Bridging Visa D (BVD)
The Bridging Visa D (Subclass 040/041) is a limited visa, which allows persons whose visas have expired to legally remain in Australia for a short period while applying for another visa, or making other necessary plans. This visa normally spans just 5 working days.
Eligibility:
Open for people who do not have a visa, but need some time to attend to their immigration matters.
Rights and Conditions:
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Work and Study
Under the BVD, it is expressly forbidden to have the right to work and study.
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Travel
Unlike civil and political rights, travel rights are not offered to people.
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Validity
This kind of visa takes five working days to be processed and is considered a temporary one.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050/051) is given to people who have immigration problems; for example, holding an unlawful visa, or if they are waiting for the determination of a visa while appealing against a decision.
Eligibility:
In general for people who are on an expired visa or those who need some more time to sort out their immigration issues.
Rights:
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Work
Limited only if certain proof of the hardship is not met.
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Travel
Not permitted.
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Validity
Still holds up to when immigration issues are sorted or an individual is sent on their way.
Bridging Visa F (BVF) & Bridging Visa R (BVR)
The Bridging Visa F (subclass 060) is granted exclusively to suspected victims of human trafficking, slavery, and similar forms of abuse.
The Bridging Visa R (subclass 070) is granted to those in immigration detention who are facing pending removal from Australia by the Australian Government. It acts as a temporary release from detention when their removal from Australia is not currently possible.
Application Process for a Bridging Visa
Once you have met the basic requirements for applying for a Bridging Visa the process can only be done online through Australia’s ImmiAccount. The process is not quite different for all, but it differs according to the type of visa to be obtained.
Step 1: Determine the appropriate visa type
Select the correct Bridging Visa based on your needs, such as travel requirements or financial circumstances. For example, if you need to travel, apply for a BVB. Applications are usually submitted online via ImmiAccount, though paper forms may be required in specific situations.
Step 2: Submit the Bridging Visa application
Applications are generally submitted through ImmiAccount. For most Bridging Visas, this process involves filling out an online form and providing personal details. Some visas, like the BVA, are automatically granted when a substantive visa application is lodged.
Step 3: Provide necessary documentation
Required documents may include:
- Passport bio-data page.
- Proof of identity, such as a national identity card.
- Evidence of financial hardship (if requesting work rights).
- Supporting documents for travel (if applying for a BVB).
Step 4: Pay application fees
Fees vary by visa type. For example, BVB costs AUD 180, while most other Bridging Visas are free. Payment is made through ImmiAccount.
Step 5: Await Processing and Follow up as needed
Processing times depend on the visa type. BVA is often automatic, while BVB can take 1 to 14 days. The costs and processing times are:
- Bridging Visa A: Free; typically issued automatically.
- Bridging Visa B: AUD 180; processing time 1 to 14 days.
- Bridging Visa C, D, E: Free; processing times vary based on individual circumstances.
Processing Time
The processing time for Bridging Visas also depends on the type of visa being claimed and the situation that has led to the grant of a Bridging Visa, the physical and documentary complexity of the case and or circumstances of the applicant. Here’s an overview:
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
The processing is generally automatic whenever a valid substantive visa application has been made. It underlines that legal status preservation goes on without interruptions resulting from such seamed issuance.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
The time taken for processing varies from 1 to 14 days depending on the nature of the travel and the efficiency of the application. To avoid delays:
Your applications should reach your intended destinations at least 2-3 weeks before travelling.
Make sure to photocopy all your documents that were deemed necessary for travel including your travel schedule/itinerary and purpose for travelling.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
BVC is generally issued as of right when a substantive visa application is made. The processing time in exceptional cases requiring a separate application is different depending on the workload of the Department of Home Affairs (e.g., to remove work restrictions).
Bridging Visa D (BVD)
Since the BVD is only valid for a very short period, the permit is issued shortly after the application to avoid the lack of legal authorization.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
The time it takes to process BVE applications varies depending on the applicant’s situation, moreso whether he or she is applying for review or is planning to leave the country. It may take up to several days to weeks, provided that more data or documents are needed.
Cost
The cost of a Bridging Visa depends on the type that is sought by an applicant. While many Bridging Visas are free, some require payment based on their specific purpose and associated benefits.
- Bridging Visa A (BVA): No application fee.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB): The application fee is AUD 180. This fee is charged for the applicant and all the members that are included in the application.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC): No application fee.
- Bridging Visa D (BVD): No application fee.
- Bridging Visa E (BVE): No application fee.
The BVB is the only Bridging Visa accompanied by a fee because of this provision on travel. There may be other expenses if some papers are needed, for instance, police character certificates or medical reports.
While most Bridging Visas are free, applicants should consider potential additional expenses:
- Documentation Costs: Charges for notary or translation services, police check and health check if applicable.
- Professional Assistance: Hiring the help of a migration agent or lawyer for application support will be a little expensive but effective.
- Travel Arrangements: When applying for a BVB, expect expenditures that will be incurred while travelling whether it be in a plane, car or even while paying for a bed and breakfast.
Apply for the Right Bridging Visa Today with Grace International Education and Migration
It is important to have the right bridging visa to enable a person to continue being legally in Australia. However, in the case of doubt, it’s recommended to consult with migration professionals. Grace International Education and Migration provides professional consulting to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Contact Grace International or call us at +61 (03) 9662 9020 today to avoid compromising your shelter in Australia and immigration procedure.
FAQ
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Is a Bridging Visa granted automatically?
There are some circumstances in which a bridging visa will be issued without the application of the visa holder’s discretion. For instance, the BVA usually applies at the time when a visa applicant applies for a genuine and valid substantive visa while holding an existing and lawful visa. Nevertheless, some subclasses, including the Bridging Visa B (BVB), can be obtained only through a formal application.
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Can I apply for another visa while on a Bridging Visa?
Of course, an applicant can apply for another substantive visa while on a bridging visa. However, the entitlement for an extra visa differs with your situation, your type of bridging visa, and the proposed visa to be applied.
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Can I bring my partner to Australia on a Bridging Visa?
Whether you bring a partner on a bridging visa depends on your circumstances. People on bridging visas generally cannot be sponsored by family directly. Nonetheless, if you have included dependents in your substantive visa application then probably your partner may benefit from the same application.
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How to apply for medicare while on a Bridging Visa?
To apply, you must produce evidence of a substantive visa application and bridging visa grant to Medicare offices.
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Can I study on a Bridging Visa?
Indeed, most individuals holding bridging visas can study in Australia. However, limitations may be placed depending on the relevant substantive visa rules or as provided for under the bridging visa. For example, if due to your substantive visa, you have some study restrictions, a bridging visa will remain similar in terms of study.
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What happens if my substantive visa is denied while I am on a Bridging Visa?
If you have applied for a substantive visa and your application has been refused, your bridging visa may still be in force for a short time to appeal the refusal or make arrangements to leave Australia. You may also apply for a substantive visa again if you meet the qualifications needed for it.
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Can I extend my Bridging Visa?
For the most part, the bridging visa is granted automatically in case your substantive visa application is still pending. You only need to apply for a special sort of extension if your bridging visa includes a particular expiry date such as the Bridging Visa D (BVD) – it is valid for only five days.
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How do I check my visa status?
You can check on the status of your visa application including your bridging visa through ImmiAccount online application with the Department of Home Affairs. It provides an opportunity to monitor news, control the speed of work, and confirm that the necessary papers are provided.
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What are the consequences of breaching a visa condition?
Any infringement of the conditions of the bridging visa has severe implications in that your visa can be cancelled or you might be fined or even penalized. Common violations are work unauthorized by an employer sponsor, exceeding the period of allowed stay in a country, or not adhering to the set reporting dates. Always make sure that you know the different features of the visa you hold.
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Can you get a Bridging Visa on a tourist visa?
Yes, in some cases. For example, if a person wishes to travel to Australia to visit but they apply for a substantive visa he or she will be able to be issued with BVA. But depending on your case, the rights you have when on a bridging visa may sometimes be as limited as those on your tourist visa such as no right to work.