August 16, 2024

Things you must know about Bridging Visas

Bridging visas are important in the Australian immigration process, providing temporary legal status to those moving between visa categories or are in exceptional situations. Bridging visa offers temporary relief and certain rights to people while their immigration status is being decided. This blog covers different Bridging visas offered in Australia and Australian bridging visa work rights. In addition, we have also included potential benefits offered by bridging visas.

Bridging A Visa

The Bridging A Visa (BVA) offers temporary legal status to those individuals who are in Australia and have applied for a new substantive visa and still hold a valid substantive visa. A substantive visa is a visa that is different from a bridging visa. The BVA helps during the time between the current visa’s expiration and the final decision on the new visa application. In addition, the Australian Bridging Visa cost may vary depending on the requirements and the type of visa selected.

Bridging B Visa

Bridging B Visa is utilized to enable people to temporarily leave or return to the country while waiting for their substantive visa application to be processed. Generally, it is intended for individuals with an expired BVA or BVB who genuinely need to leave Australia for a period of time. However, the applicants need to request the BVB before leaving Australia.

Bridging C Visa

Bridging C Visa is a short-term visa available to foreigners wanting to submit a legitimate application for a substantive visa Australia. However, the Australian bridge visa processing time can vary depending on certain requirements. This could be useful for individuals are still in Australia even after the permitted time is over and want to legalize their stay in the country. So, if you have a BVC, you do not stand the right to travel and hence, leaving Australia may result in being denied re-entry.

Bridging D Visa

A Bridging Visa D or BVD permits staying in Australia if the previous Australian visa has expired. This timeframe is enough for anyone to lodge a detailed visa application, get ready to leave Australia, or acquire a Bridging Visa E (BVE). A Bridging Visa D does not allow to work or re-enter Australia once left.

Bridging Visa E

A Bridging Visa E or BVE permits individuals to remain in Australia legally if their main visa is not valid anymore or if they are waiting for an immigration resolution. Also, it lets individuals get ready to leave or resolve immigration issues. This visa does not allow re-entry upon leaving. Hence, it is crucial for international students staying in Australia to have a good understanding of eligibility for Australian Bridge Visa.

Benefits of Australian Bridging Visa

Stay in Australia Legally-

The bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals to stay in Australia legally. In addition, the bridging visa can fulfil various objectives. Generally, they connect the previous visa with the visa you are seeking.

Work Permission-

The work rights on a Bridging A Visa (BVA) can differ based on the individual’s situation and the visa they had when applying. Here are a few factors to consider-

BVA employment rights usually come into effect after the expiration of the previous visa.
The work rights associated with BVA may not be the same as the previous visa’s. To regulate if the BVA has job rights, it is suggested to check the visa which the individual has applied for. This is because some visas grant work rights automatically holding a BVA, while others may face restrictions.
Bridging Visa A and B generally have similar work rights.
Bridging Visas C and E usually do not allow work permits, but individuals may apply for work rights under specific circumstances.
Bridging Visa D allows individuals to stay in Australia for a short period of time if their current substantive visa has expired.
Bridge between Visas-

As mentioned earlier, Bridging visas are temporary visas in Australia that allows individuals to remain in the country for a set time while their main visa application is being considered. In addition, bridging visas acts as a connection between visas, allowing individuals to stay in Australia legally while waiting for the official visa status. Moreover, fulfilling the Australian bridge visa requirements is essential for a smooth process.

Last Few Words

It is crucial for individuals navigating the immigration system in Australia to comprehend the various types of bridging visas available. Bridging visas act as a temporary remedy for transitional phases. They grant individuals legal status and specific rights while their visa applications are being processed or exceptional circumstances are being addressed by the Department.