What is a Bridging Visa?

 

A bridging visa is a temporary visa that permits an individual to stay in Australia while their immigration status is being finalised. It is most commonly granted when a person has applied for a substantive visa within Australia and is awaiting the outcome of that application.

 

There are several types of bridging visas that may be issued by the Department of Home Affairs, depending on the individual’s circumstances

 

Different Types of Bridging Visas

 

The most common types of bridging visas are:

 

  1. Bridging Visa A (subclass 010) (BVA)1 – With this visa, an individual may stay lawfully in Australia until their substantive visa application is finally determined, or, where granted in association with judicial review, until it is completed. An individual may work under this visa if they meet the requirements for work.
  2. Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) (BVB)2 – With this visa, an individual may leave and return to Australia within a defined travel period while their application for a substantive visa is being processed.
  3. Bridging Visa C (subclass 030) (BVC)3 – With this visa, an individual may stay lawfully in Australia until their substantive visa application is finally determined, or, where granted in association with judicial review, until it is completed. An individual may work under this visa if they meet the requirements for work.
  4. Bridging Visa E (subclass 050 and subclass 051)4 – The Bridging Visa E (subclass 050) allows an individual to stay lawfully in Australia while making arrangements to leave, finalise an immigration matter, or wait for an immigration decision. On the other hand, Bridging Visa E (subclass 051) allows an individual to stay in Australia while their Protection Visa application is being processed.

 

Knowing the Conditions Attached to the Bridging Visa

 

The bridging visa grant letter sets out the conditions that apply to the issuance of the visa. In some instances, the Department of Home Affairs imposes “Condition 8101 – No work” on a bridging visa. This means the bridging visa holder must not work in Australia while holding the bridging visa.

 

An individual experiencing financial hardship while holding a bridging visa with a “no work condition” may be able to apply for another type of bridging visa without any work restrictions.

 

The “Compelling Need to Work”

 

The Department of Home Affairs may assess an application for a bridging visa without work restrictions if the individual can show a compelling need to work, specifically if they are unable to cover their reasonable living expenses.

 

Evidence of financial hardship might include the individual’s bank statements, utility bills, and proof of other income sources.

 

Visa Processing Times for Bridging Visas

 

There are no processing times for bridging visas, unlike substantive visas.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Before applying for a bridging visa without work restrictions, it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a qualified migration agent or migration lawyer. Navigating visa conditions and demonstrating a compelling need to work can be complex, and professional guidance will help ensure that your application is properly prepared and supported.