Understanding Australia’s Bridging Visa System
This article explains the concept of Bridging Visa’s in Australia, how they work, the different types, and when you might need one.
What are Bridging Visa’s?
Bridging Visas are temporary Visas granted to applicants that are waiting for an outcome for a substantive visa application. As the term suggests they act as a bridge from one visa to the next. Bridging Visas are very important as they allow non-citizens to remain in Australia lawfully until a decision is made on their substantive visa application.
There are five Bridging Visas, all of which have different purposes and different criteria. It is important to understand the differences between them to know which is the best one for you.
What are the different types of Bridging Visa’s?
- Bridging Visa A (BVA) / Subclass 010
- Bridging Visa B (BVB) / Subclass 020
- Bridging Visa C (BVC) / Subclass 030
- Bridging Visa D (BVD) / Subclass 040 and 041
- Bridging Visa E (BVE) / Subclass 050 and 051
Bridging Visa A (BVA) / Subclass 010
A BVA is the most common bridging visa. These are typically granted automatically when an applicant has a substantive visa application in process, and they are currently waiting in Australia. The BVA will cease to exist when there is an outcome of the substantive visa application.
BVA holders can apply for work rights, if they meet the work eligibility criteria.
BVA holders cannot travel outside of Australia. The BVA will cease to exist if the non-citizen travels outside of Australia. BVA holders who wish to travel outside of Australia, will need to apply for a BVB.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) / Subclass 020
A BVB allows the visa holder to travel overseas for a limited amount of time. BVB’s are commonly applied for when a non-citizen holds a bridging visa and they wish to travel overseas. The BVB will allow the visa holder to travel overseas for a short period of time, and then will cease to exist.
Applicants must apply for a BVB and pay the lodgment fee.
BVB holders can apply for work rights, if they meet the work eligibility criteria.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) / Subclass 030
A BVC is designed for non-citizens, who have overstayed their current visa, and want to continue to stay in Australia lawfully. A BVC allows non-citizens to apply for another substantive visa and maintain their lawful status.
Applicants must apply for a BVC. There is no fee for this application.
BVC holders can apply for work rights, if they meet the work eligibility criteria.
BVC holders cannot travel outside of Australia. The BVC will cease to exist if the applicant travels outside of Australia. BVC holders who wish to travel outside of Australia, will need to apply for a BVB.
Bridging Visa D (BVD) / Subclass 040 and 041
A BVD is designed for non-Australian citizens, who have been unable to lodge an application for a substantive visa and want to either apply for a substantive visa to stay in Australia lawfully or make preparations to leave Australia indefinitely.
Applicants must apply for a BVD. There is no fee for this application.
BVD holders have no work rights and cannot work.
BVD holders will not be allowed to re-enter Australia if they leave.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) / Subclass 050 and 051
A BVE allows a non-citizen to stay in Australia for a short amount of time, while they make arrangements to leave the country. This Bridging Visa is generally for unlawful non-citizens who are in immigration detention who are either waiting for an outcome on their visa status, or are making arrangements to leave.
Applicants must apply for a BVE. There is no fee for this application.
BVE holders have no work rights and cannot work.
BVE holders will not be allowed to re-enter Australia if they leave.
Potts Lawyers Immigration Services
At Potts Lawyers our immigration team is here to assist you with all visa and bridging visa enquiries. If you need assistance with an Australian Bridging Visa application, contact our team today to book in for a free 20-minute consultation!