For individuals who wish to extend their stay in Australia or transition from one visa to another, a bridging visa might be the perfect solution. Bridging visas are temporary visas designed to maintain the legal status of non-citizens while they await the outcome of a visa application or address issues with their current visa. In this post, we will discuss the different types of bridging visas in Australia, what they allow and don't allow, and when they might be used.
Bridging Visa Classes
There are five main classes of bridging visas in Australia, labelled Bridging Visa A (BVA) to Bridging Visa E (BVE). Each visa class serves a different purpose and has unique eligibility requirements and conditions.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
A BVA is granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa (e.g., a work or student visa) while they are in Australia. This visa allows them to remain in the country lawfully while their application is being processed.
What it allows:
BVA holders can work, study, and travel within Australia during the processing period.
If the substantive visa application includes work rights, the BVA will also have work rights.
What it doesn't allow:
BVA holders cannot return to Australia if they leave the country, unless they have applied for and been granted a Bridging Visa B (BVB) with travel rights.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
The BVB is for BVA holders who need to leave Australia temporarily and return before their substantive visa application is finalised.
What it allows:
BVB holders can travel outside Australia and return within a specified period (usually three months).
Work and study rights are carried over from the BVA.
What it doesn't allow:
BVB holders cannot extend their travel period beyond the specified return date.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
A BVC is granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia but did not hold a substantive visa at the time of application.
What it allows:
BVC holders can remain lawfully in Australia during the processing of their substantive visa application.
If the substantive visa application includes work rights, the BVC will also have work rights.
What it doesn't allow:
BVC holders cannot leave and re-enter Australia. If they leave, they will need to apply for another visa to return.
Bridging Visa D (BVD)
The BVD is a short-term visa for individuals whose substantive visa has expired, and they are making arrangements to either depart Australia or apply for a new visa.
What it allows:
BVD holders can remain in Australia for a short period (usually five days) while they prepare to leave or apply for a new visa.
What it doesn't allow:
BVD holders cannot work or study in Australia.
BVD holders cannot leave and re-enter Australia.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
A BVE is granted to individuals who are in Australia unlawfully or have had their substantive visa cancelled, and they are either applying for a new visa, making arrangements to leave, or resolving an immigration matter.
What it allows:
BVE holders can remain in Australia lawfully while their immigration matter is being resolved.
Work and study rights depend on individual circumstances and may be granted at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs.
What it doesn't allow:
BVE holders cannot leave and re-enter Australia. If they leave, they will need to apply for another visa to return.
When to Use a Bridging Visa
Bridging visas are commonly used in the following situations:
You have applied for a substantive visa while in Australia, and your current visa is about to expire before the new visa is granted.
You need to travel overseas temporarily while your substantive visa application is being processed.
Your current visa has expired, and you need a short-term solution while you make arrangements to leave Australia or apply for a new visa.
You are in Australia unlawfully or have had your visa cancelled, and you need a temporary visa to resolve your immigration matter or apply for a new visa.
Bridging visas provide a crucial legal pathway for non-citizens in Australia to maintain their lawful status during visa transitions, travel, or resolving immigration matters. Understanding the different types of bridging visas, their respective allowances and restrictions, and when they might be used is essential for a smooth immigration experience.
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