Australia Bridging Visa Process, Fees, Eligibility and Requirements

When you travel to Australia, you must apply for a visitor visa. You need to leave Australia before the visa expires, otherwise, you will face the problem of being removed from Australia. However, if you need to do something important in Australia and want to stay longer, Here you can apply for an Australian Bridging Visa, which allows you to stay legally in Australia while you wait for a substantive visa to be processed. In this blog, we will show you the process, fee, required documents, and eligibility to apply for an Australia bridging visa.

What are Australian Bridging Visas?

In Australia, bridging visas are temporary visas issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that allow individuals to be legally present in Australia for a certain period while awaiting another visa application. It’s like a bridge between your current visa and the new one you are applying for. When non-Australian citizens have these visas, they can stay in Australia under visa regulations while your substantive visa application is being processed.

Types of Australia Bridging Visa

Depending on your immigration status, there are many types of Australia bridging visas for you to apply for. Each visa has slightly different functions and entitlements. Here you can check the bridging visas below. 

Bridging visa A (BVA)

A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is issued to those whose substantive visa application is being processed while you are using a current substantive visa. You can apply online or through a paper application. If you have a BVA, you cannot travel outside Australia.

And you don’t have the right to work. If you demonstrate that you need to work,  you can re-apply for another BVA with some work limitations. 

Bridging visa B (BVB)

Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to leave and return to Australia while awaiting a substantive visa application. This visa is valid for three months, so you need to apply for the BVB 2-3 weeks before you plan to travel. If you have a BVA and want to travel outside of Australia, you can also get the BVB.

Bridging visa C (BVC)

A bridging visa C will be issued to those who do not have a valid substantive visa now, which means that you have overstayed your visa and become illegal. You file a valid application for a substantive visa, so you will be granted a BVC. When you have a BVC, you are not allowed to travel outside Australia or work.

 Bridging visa D (BVD)

Bridging Visa D (BVD) is for someone whose substantive visa has expired, allowing you to stay legally in Australia for a short period. This period is just enough to make a substantive visa application, prepare to leave Australia, or be granted a Bridging visa. If you have a BVD, you cannot work or leave Australia.

Bridging visa E (BVE)

Bridging Visa E (BVE) allows someone whose substantive visa has expired to stay in Australia legally while awaiting an immigration decision, preparing to leave or finalizing immigration concerns. When you have this visa, it will not allow you to re-enter Australia if you leave.

Difference Between Australia Bridging Visas

All of the bridging visas are temporary visas. However, there are some different parts of Australia’s bridging visas. Here you can check the form below:

Australia Bridging Visa Eligibility 

If you wish to apply for the Australia Bridging Visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements.

• Your original visa has expired and you are currently awaiting approval of your substantive visa or a court decision on an appeal against your visa.
• You are awaiting an Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision on a visa refusal or cancellation.
• You have overstayed in Australia and wish to leave Australia voluntarily.

Australia Bridging Visa Requirements

When applying for a bridging visa, you must be in Australia. Then you can choose the perfect bridging visa according to your needs.

Australia Bridging Visa Application Documents

No matter which bridging visa you are applying for, these are the general documents you need to prepare:

• A copy of your passport bio page or any other identification document.
• Proof that you are of good character.
• Fingerprintser you apply for a visa.
• Free Parental consent forms (for a BVB).
• Proof of compelling reasons for travel (for a BVB).
• All documents should be translated into English by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. 

How to Apply for Bridging Visas? 

When you want to apply for a bridging visa, you can complete it either on paper or online for your bridging visa. The Department prefers that you submit online applications through ImmiAccount. Here you can follow the steps below and apply for your visa.

Bridging visa A, B, C 

• Collect all required documents, such as identification and additional required evidence.
• Launch ImmiAccount and fill out the online application form accurately with personal details and planned travel dates. For a BVA or BVC, you must complete and attach Form 1005. If you are applying for a BVB, you must complete Form 1006.
• If you are applying for the BVB, you must pay the applicable visa fees using the secure online payment system.
• Submit the completed form with supporting documents.
• Wait for confirmation of your application and check the status with the reference number provided.

Bridging visa D (BVD)

You can apply online by uploading the Application Form 1008 and other required documents through the ImmiAccount platform. Alternatively, you can send your paper application by post to the nearest Australian Visa and Citizenship Office.

Bridging visa E (BVE)

If you wish to apply for a bridging visa E, you are only allowed to apply on paper. You can complete Form 1005 and mail it to the nearest Australian Visa and Citizenship Office, as you may need to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Bridging Visa Work Rights

Not every bridging visa allows you to work in Australia. When you apply for bridging visa A, you will generally not have work rights unless you apply to the Department for another BVA that has no work restrictions and you must show that you are experiencing financial hardship. However, if you have a BVD but you are working, the BVD will be canceled.

FAQ

🔸 Can I work full-time on bridging visa A?

It depends. If you apply for a bridging visa A that does not have work restrictions, you can get the right to work with bridging visa A. Unless you will generally not have work rights on a BVA. And you need to show that you are suffering financially.

🔸 Can I travel on bridging visa A?

No. You are not allowed to travel with a bridging visa A, meaning you cannot return to Australia, if you are traveling outside Australia. The BVA will stop once you leave Australia. However, you can apply for a BVB to obtain travel rights.

🔸 Can I apply for a partner visa while on a bridging visa?

Yes. This will depend on some factors, such as your previous visa history and the type of visa you hold at the time of application. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can hold a bridging visa A, B, C, D or E and apply for an onshore partner visa.

🔸 What happens if I leave the country on a bridging visa?

If you hold a bridging visa that allows you to leave the country, you can leave the country as you wish. But you also need to come back within limits. However, if your bridging visa does not have travel rights, such as BVD, you can not re-enter Australia on this visa when you leave.

🔸 Can a bridging visa be canceled?

Yes. Your visa may be canceled if you have been charged with a criminal offense or if you have violated visa regulations. If your bridging visa is rejected, you will become an unlawful citizen. And you will be invited to the Department to explain.

🔸 Is a bridging visa permanent?

No, bridging visas are only for a short period and for specific purposes. These visas can grant you legal status until you have a long-term Australian visa or leave the country. 

🔸 Does a bridging visa count toward citizenship?

Yes. According to Australian immigration rules, the days when you have a bridging visa and stay in Australia will be counted towards your citizenship. All temporary visas, such as visitor visas, student visas, and partner-sponsored visas, can be counted as citizenship. 

Conclusion

All in all, you can apply for a bridging visa according to your needs. You must be aware of some limitations on each bridging visa, otherwise, you may breach visa rules and face the problem of leaving Australia. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment below.