1. What is a Bridging Visa C (BVC)?

A Bridging Visa C (BVC) is a type of temporary visa that allows an individual to remain lawfully in Australia while they are waiting for a decision on their substantive visa application or while they make necessary arrangements to leave the country.

2. Who is eligible for a Bridging Visa C?

You may be eligible for a Bridging Visa C if you:

– Have applied for a substantive visa while you are in Australia
– Your previous substantive visa has expired or will soon expire
– You meet health and character requirements
– You have complied with all previous visa conditions
– You are able to support yourself financially during your stay in Australia
– You have made arrangements to depart Australia if your BVC is cancelled or expires.

3. Can I work on a Bridging Visa C?

Yes, holders of a Bridging Visa C can work in Australia as long as they have permission to work attached to their visa. This permission can be obtained by filling out Form 1005 – Application for bridging A, B, C, D and E visas – Permission to work, which can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

4. How long does a Bridging Visa C last?

The length of time that a Bridging Visa C lasts depends on the processing time of your substantive visa application. Once your substantive visa application is decided upon, your BVC will cease and you will either be granted another type of visa or be required to leave the country.

5. Can I travel outside of Australia on a Bridging Visa C?

In most cases, holders of a Bridging Visa C are not able to travel outside of Australia. However, you may apply for permission to travel through Form 1008 – Request for permission to travel whilst holding an Australian Bridging visa A,B,C or E (subclass 020) – which can also be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

6. What happens if my Bridging Visa C expires while I am still waiting for a decision on my substantive visa application?

If your BVC expires while you are still in Australia, you become unlawful and may face detention or removal from the country. It is important to keep track of your visa expiry date and ensure that you have made necessary arrangements to either leave the country or apply for another visa before your BVC expires.

7. Can I include family members on my Bridging Visa C application?

Yes, you can include eligible family members (spouse, de facto partner, dependent children) on your Bridging Visa C application. They must also meet all the eligibility requirements and be listed on your substantive visa application.

8. Are there any restrictions on a Bridging Visa C?

Holders of a Bridging Visa C are subject to the same conditions as their previous substantive visa, unless otherwise specified. This means that if your previous visa had work restrictions or a “no further stay” condition, those conditions will also apply to your BVC.

9. How do I apply for a Bridging Visa C?

You can apply for a bridging visa C by submitting Form 1006 – Application for bridging A (subclass 020), B (subclass 030) and D (subclass 035). You can submit this form online through your ImmiAccount or by mailing it to the nearest Department of Home Affairs office in Australia.

10. Is there an application fee for a Bridging Visa C?

There is no separate fee for applying for a bridging visa C. The cost is included in the application fee for your substantive visa. However, if you need permission to work or travel outside of Australia on your BVC, you may need to pay an additional fee.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a BVC?

The requirements for obtaining a BVC (Bar Vocational Course) vary depending on the specific program and institution. However, some common requirements may include:

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a qualifying law degree (LLB) or have completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), with a minimum specified grade.

2. English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language through an approved test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

3. Professional Experience: Some institutions may require applicants to have relevant work experience in the legal field before enrolling in the BVC.

4. Application and Interview: Students are required to submit an application form along with any necessary documents, such as academic transcripts and references. They may also be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.

5. Character and Suitability Assessment: Aspiring barristers must pass a character and suitability assessment by the Bar Standards Board, which includes a Disclosure and Barring Service check for criminal records.

6. Membership with an Inn of Court: Before commencing their BVC, students must become members of one of the four Inns of Court – Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn, Inner Temple, or Middle Temple. This is typically done through an application process.

It is important to note that these requirements are general guidelines and may vary between institutions and programs. It is advised to check with specific institutions for their exact requirements before applying for a BVC.

3. Who can apply for a BVC?

To apply for a BVC (Bar Vocational Course), you must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in law or another subject, or hold an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary academic and practical skills to become a barrister. Additionally, you must be of good character and meet certain financial requirements set by the Bar Standards Board.

4. How long does it take to get a BVC?

The length of time it takes to obtain a BVC varies depending on the individual’s circumstances and their ability to complete the necessary steps in the process. On average, it can take between 6 months to 2 years to obtain a BVC. This timeframe includes completion of education and training requirements, submitting applications and supporting documents, and waiting for processing and approval from relevant authorities.

5. What is the purpose of a BVC?

A BVC, or Bar Vocational Course, is a postgraduate course that prepares individuals for a career as a barrister in the legal profession. The purpose of a BVC is to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in their future legal career, including advocacy, legal research and writing, case analysis and presentation, and ethical principles. It also provides practical experience through simulated courtroom exercises and assists students in developing crucial professional networks. Completing a BVC is an essential step towards qualifying as a barrister in England and Wales.

6. Can I travel outside of Australia with a BVC?

BVC holders who wish to travel outside of Australia need to apply for a Bridging visa B (BVB) before leaving the country. This visa allows holders to temporarily leave and re-enter Australia while their BVC is still valid. Without a BVB, a BVC will cease once the holder leaves Australia and they may not be allowed back into the country.

7. Is there a fee for applying for a BVC?

Yes, there is a fee for applying for a BVC. The fee varies depending on the provider and can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. It is important to research different providers and compare fees before applying.

8. How long is a BVC valid for?

A BVC (Bridging Visa C) is typically valid for 28 days, but it can vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important to check the specific conditions and expiration date listed on your BVC before traveling.

9. Can I work in Australia on a BVC?

No, a Bridging Visa C (BVC) does not allow you to work in Australia. BVCs are designed to let individuals remain in Australia while they await a decision on their permanent visa application or while waiting for an immigration-related matter to be resolved. However, if you have a valid and approved temporary visa that allows you to work in Australia, such as a working holiday visa or skilled migrant visa, then you can continue working on that visa while your BVC is active. It’s important to note that you must comply with the conditions of your BVC and other visas at all times while in Australia.

10. Can I study in Australia on a BVC?

No, a BVC (Bridging Visa C) is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed. It does not grant you the right to study in Australia. If you wish to study in Australia, you will need to apply for a Student Visa.

11. Do I have to have health insurance to be granted a BVC?

No, you do not have to have health insurance to be granted a BVC. However, it is highly recommended that you obtain health insurance to cover any medical expenses that may arise during your stay in Australia.

12. How do I apply for a BVC?

To apply for a BVC, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Check if you are eligible for a BVC: The first step is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a BVC. This includes being sponsored by an Australian business or organization, having relevant qualifications and experience, and being proficient in English.

2. Get nominated by an eligible sponsor: You must be nominated by an Australian business or organization that is registered as a Standard Business Sponsor to be eligible for a BVC.

3. Gather the required documents: You will need to gather all the necessary documents to support your application, such as your passport, educational qualifications, work experience certificates, and English language test results.

4. Create an ImmiAccount: You will need to create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website if you don’t already have one. This account will be used to submit your application and track its progress.

5. Complete the online application form: Once you have created an ImmiAccount, you can complete the online application form for the BVC. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

6. Pay the application fee: There is a fee associated with applying for a BVC. You can pay this fee using a credit or debit card through your ImmiAccount.

7. Submit your application: After completing all the necessary steps and ensuring that all information is accurate, you can submit your application through your ImmiAccount.

8. Wait for a decision: Processing times for BVC applications vary based on individual circumstances and volume of applications received. You can check the progress of your application through your ImmiAccount.

9. Attend any requested interviews or provide additional information: In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview or provide more information in order to assess your eligibility for a BVC.

10.Compile evidence of financial support (if applicable): If you are not sponsored for the BVC, you will need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.

11. Receive your BVC grant: If your application is successful, you will receive a BVC grant letter via your ImmiAccount. This letter will include important information such as your visa grant number and conditions of the visa.

12. Make arrangements for travel to Australia: Once you have been granted a BVC, you can make arrangements to travel to Australia within the validity period of your visa (usually 6 months from the date of grant).

13. Can I include my family members on my application for a BVC?

No, the BVC is only for applicants who are not accompanied by any family members. If you wish to include your family members on your application, you will need to submit a separate application for them.

14. Will my bridging visa automatically expire if my substantive visa expires or is canceled while I am in Australia?

Yes, if your substantive visa expires or is canceled while you are in Australia, your Bridging Visa will also expire. It is important to apply for another substantive visa before your current visa expires to avoid any potential immigration issues.

15. Will having a bridging visa affect my eligibility for permanent residency in the future?

No, having a bridging visa will not affect your eligibility for permanent residency in the future. However, your bridging visa may have conditions attached to it that could potentially impact your application for permanent residency, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent to understand how your bridging visa may affect your future application for permanent residency.

16. Can I change from one type of bridging visa to another while in Australia?

Yes, you may be able to change from one type of bridging visa to another while in Australia. This depends on your circumstances and the requirements for the visa you wish to change to. You can check with the Department of Home Affairs for more information on changing bridging visas.

17. What happens if my application for another type of visa is refused while I am on a BVC?

If your application for another type of visa is refused while you are on a BVC, you will have to leave the country by the date specified in your BVC or risk being deported. You will also not be able to apply for any other visas while in Australia unless you are granted permission from the Department of Home Affairs. It is important to carefully consider all visa options and ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying for any type of visa.

18. Am I allowed to work while on a BVC?

Yes, you are allowed to work while on a BVC as long as it does not interfere with your studies. The BVC is designed to prepare you for a career as a barrister and some students choose to gain work experience in law firms or other legal settings while studying. However, it is important to prioritize your studies and make sure that any work commitments do not affect your ability to successfully complete the course. You should also inform your course provider if you intend to work while studying.

19.O Does holding multiple bridging visas at the same time affect my immigration status?

Yes, holding multiple bridging visas at the same time can affect your immigration status. According to the Department of Home Affairs, you are only allowed to hold one valid visa at a time. Holding multiple bridging visas may indicate that you are in breach of the conditions of your original visa, and this could result in your visa being cancelled or your immigration status being affected. It is important to ensure that you apply for and hold the appropriate visa for your circumstances to avoid any potential issues. If you need assistance with navigating the Australian visa system, it is recommended to seek advice from a registered migration agent.

20.O What happens if I breach the conditions of my bridging visa?

If you breach the conditions of your bridging visa, you run the risk of having your visa cancelled and potentially being deported. The specific consequences will depend on the type of bridging visa you hold and the reason for the breach. In general, it is important to follow all conditions of your bridging visa to avoid any potential problems. If you have breached a condition unintentionally or due to unforeseen circumstances, it is best to inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible.