Australia Visa – Bridging – Bridging Visa A 010

1. What is a Bridging Visa A 010?


A Bridging Visa A (subclass 010) is a temporary visa that allows a person to remain lawfully in Australia while they are waiting for a decision on their pending visa application, or while their immigration status is being resolved. It is usually granted to individuals who hold a substantive visa but have applied for another visa while in Australia. The Bridging Visa A 010 allows the holder to continue living and working in Australia until a decision is made on their new visa application.

2. Who is eligible for a Bridging Visa A 010?


A Bridging Visa A 010 is generally available to individuals who have a valid visa that is about to expire, or have lodged an application for a new visa. Eligibility may also depend on the specific circumstances of the individual and their current immigration status. Some common types of applicants who may be eligible for a Bridging Visa A 010 include students, temporary workers, or visitors whose visas are expiring soon and have applied for a new visa before their current one expires. As eligibility requirements can vary, it is best to consult with a licensed immigration agent or the Department of Home Affairs to determine if you are eligible for this type of bridging visa.

3. How do I apply for a Bridging Visa A 010?


To apply for a Bridging Visa A (BVA) 010, you must first submit a completed Form 1008 – Application for a Bridging visa to the Department of Home Affairs. This form can be found on the Department’s website.

Along with the completed application form, you will also need to provide supporting documents such as your passport, evidence of financial support or employment, and any other relevant documents.

If you are on a substantive visa (such as a student or working visa) and have applied for another substantive visa, you may be granted a BVA automatically. However, if you are on a bridging visa (such as BVB or BVC) or if your current visa has expired, you will need to apply for the BVA separately.

You can either submit your application online through your ImmiAccount or by post to the nearest Department of Home Affairs office.

Please note that there may be different application processes depending on your individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with a registered migration agent or visit the Department’s website for more detailed information and assistance with your specific case.

4. What is the validity period of a Bridging Visa A 010?


The validity period of a Bridging Visa A 010 in Australia is generally until a decision is made on your pending substantive visa application, or until your substantive visa application is withdrawn, refused or granted. However, the exact validity period may vary and can depend on individual circumstances. It is important to check the conditions and expiry date listed on your specific bridging visa.

5. Can I travel outside of Australia on a Bridging Visa A 010?


Yes, you can travel outside of Australia on a Bridging Visa A 010. However, you will need to apply for and obtain a Bridging Visa B 020 if you plan to leave and re-enter the country while your visa application is being processed. Without this additional visa, your Bridging Visa A may be cancelled when you leave Australia.

It is important to note that leaving and re-entering Australia on a Bridging Visa A may also affect the conditions of your visa and any work or study rights granted under it. It is best to consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for advice before traveling.

6. Can I work on a Bridging Visa A 010?


Yes, you can work on a Bridging Visa A (BVA) 010. As long as your BVA has work rights attached to it, you are allowed to work in Australia while waiting for a decision on your permanent residency application. You can check whether your BVA has work rights by looking at the conditions listed on your visa grant letter or by checking your visa details online through the Department of Home Affairs’ VEVO service. If you do not have work rights on your BVA, you can apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) with work rights until a decision is made on your permanent residency application.

7. Is there a fee for applying for a Bridging Visa A 010?


Yes, there is a fee for applying for a Bridging Visa A 010. The cost varies depending on the individual’s circumstances and can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. As of 2021, the application fee for most common types of Bridging Visas is $160 AUD.

8. How long does it take to process a Bridging Visa A 010 application?


The processing times for a Bridging Visa A 010 can vary depending on individual circumstances and the workload of the Department of Home Affairs. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to process an application. It is recommended to submit your application as early as possible to allow for enough processing time before your current visa expires.

9. Can I include my family members in my application for a Bridging Visa A 010?


Yes, you may include your family members in your application for a Bridging Visa A 010. Family members can include your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children under the age of 18.

You will need to provide evidence of your family relationship, such as marriage certificate or birth certificates, and also show that your family members meet the eligibility criteria for the Bridging Visa A 010.

If granted, all family members included in your application will receive their own Bridging Visa A with the same conditions as yours. They will also have the same expiry date as yours and will be allowed to work and study in Australia if you are eligible for these activities on your visa.

It is important to note that if any additional family members wish to join you after you have been granted the Bridging Visa A 010, they will need to submit their own separate visa applications.

10. Do I need to have health insurance while on a Bridging Visa A 010?

Yes, it is a requirement for all temporary visa holders in Australia to have health insurance while in the country. This includes individuals on a Bridging Visa A 010. The type and level of health insurance required may vary based on the individual’s circumstances and country of origin. It is important to research and obtain appropriate health insurance coverage before arriving in Australia on a Bridging Visa A 010. Failure to have adequate health insurance can result in fines and potential visa cancellation.

11. What happens if my visa application is refused while I am on a Bridging Visa A 010?


If your visa application is refused while you are on a Bridging Visa A 010, you will be notified by the Department of Home Affairs. You will also be given information on why your visa application was refused.

In most cases, if your Bridging Visa A 010 expires or is cancelled, you will not have any lawful immigration status in Australia. This means that you may need to leave Australia or apply for another visa in order to remain in the country legally.

If you wish to challenge the decision to refuse your visa application, you may be able to do so through various review mechanisms available through the Department of Home Affairs. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you wish to take this course of action.

Alternatively, if your original visa has expired and you are unable to obtain another visa or make another valid application, you may need to depart Australia immediately. If this is not possible due to reasons beyond your control, such as flight availability or border closures, you may need to apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) in order to lawfully remain in Australia temporarily until circumstances allow for departure.

12. Am I allowed to study in Australia on a Bridging Visa A 010?

Yes, you can study on a Bridging Visa A 010. This visa is issued to individuals who have applied for another visa in Australia, and allows them to remain lawfully in the country while their application is being processed. As long as your current student visa is still valid and you meet all the requirements for your chosen course of study, you can continue your studies on a Bridging Visa A 010.

However, if you were previously studying on a different type of visa and your student visa has expired, you will not be able to continue studying on a Bridging Visa A 010. In this case, you would need to apply for a new student visa before continuing your studies. It is important to check with the Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from a registered migration agent to ensure that you are allowed to continue studying on your current bridging visa.

13. Do I need to fulfill any specific requirements to be granted a Bridging Visa A 010?


Yes, there are specific requirements that must be met in order to be granted a Bridging Visa A 010. These include:
– Currently holding a valid visa that is about to expire soon or has expired in the last 28 days
– Applied for another substantive visa while in Australia
– Satisfy the health and character requirements
– Meet any additional conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs, such as not having a history of overstaying visas or having outstanding debts to the Australian government.

14. Can I convert my Bridesmaid visa into another type of Australian visa?

No, a Bridesmaid visa is a temporary visa specifically for people to attend a wedding in Australia. It cannot be converted into another type of visa. If you wish to stay in Australia after the wedding, you will need to apply for a different visa that is suitable for your situation.

15. Is it possible to apply for multiple bridging visas at once?


No, it is not possible to apply for multiple bridging visas at once. Only one application for a bridging visa can be processed at a time.

16. How can I check the status of my Bridging Visa A 010 application?

You can check the status of your Bridging Visa A application by logging into your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. From there, you can view the status, details, and any updates on your application. You can also contact the Department directly for further assistance or information regarding your application.

17. Are there any limitations or restrictions while on a Bridging Visa A 010 in terms of travel or work options?


Yes, there are several limitations and restrictions while on a Bridging Visa A 010.

1. Travel Limitations: If you have applied for a Bridging Visa A 010, it means that your current visa is about to expire and you are waiting for a decision on a new visa application. During this time, you must remain in Australia until a decision is made on your new visa application. If you need to travel outside of Australia, you will need to apply for a Bridging Visa B.

2. Work Restrictions: Generally, if you have been granted a Bridging Visa A 010, you will have the same work rights as your previous visa. However, if your previous visa did not allow you to work or had limited work rights, these restrictions will still apply to your bridging visa.

3. Condition 8101: All Bridging Visa A 010 holders have condition 8101 attached which requires them to maintain compliance with their visa conditions and any other laws in Australia.

4. Character and Health Requirements: You may also be subject to character and health requirements while on the Bridging Visa A 010. This means that you must continue to meet these requirements until a decision is made on your new visa application.

5. Enrolled in Medicare: As a condition of the bridging visa, applicants must be enrolled in Medicare unless they hold an eligible temporary sponsored parent visas.

6. Studying in Australia: In some cases, you may not be able to study while on the Bridging Visa A 010 unless your previous substantive visa also allowed for studying.

7. Sponsorship Obligations: If you were sponsored by an employer or family member for the previous temporary visa, any sponsorship obligations continue when you are on the bridging visa until they expire or the new substantive visas granted.

It is important to check these limitations with the Department of Home Affairs or through legal advice for further clarification.

18.Can I extend my stay on a Bridging Visa A 010 beyond the initial validity period?


Yes, it is possible to extend your stay on a Bridging Visa A 010 beyond the initial validity period. You can apply for an extension if you have not been able to depart Australia due to circumstances beyond your control, such as delays in processing a visa application. However, you must meet certain criteria and provide evidence for the extension to be granted. It is best to contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information and guidance on how to apply for an extension.

19.Is it necessary to undergo any medical examinations before applying for or being granted the visa?


It depends on the country you are applying for a visa to and the type of visa you are seeking. Some countries may require certain medical examinations, such as a tuberculin test or vaccinations, before granting a visa. This is often necessary for visas that allow for longer stays or permanent residency. However, if you are only planning to visit for a short period of time, medical exams may not be required. It is important to check the specific requirements of the country you are applying to for accurate information.

20.What are some common reasons for a revocation or cancellation of the bridged visa, and how can they be avoided/managed?


1. Violation of visa conditions: One of the most common reasons for revocation or cancellation of a bridged visa is the violation of its conditions. This can include failing to maintain a valid passport, working without permission, or staying longer than allowed on the visa.

To avoid this, it is important to carefully read and understand the conditions of your bridged visa and make sure to comply with them at all times.

2. Failure to meet health or character requirements: If you fail to meet the health or character requirements set by the Australian government, your bridged visa may be cancelled. This can happen if you have a criminal record or if you have an illness that could pose a risk to public health in Australia.

To avoid this, it is important to undergo any required health and character checks before applying for a bridged visa.

3. Providing false information: Providing false or misleading information on your bridged visa application can result in its revocation or cancellation. This includes providing false documents or withholding relevant information.

To avoid this, always ensure that all information provided on your application is accurate and truthful.

4. Overstaying on previous visas: If you have overstayed on an earlier visa, this can lead to the cancellation of your bridged visa as it indicates non-compliance with immigration laws.

To avoid this, make sure to carefully track your visa dates and apply for an extension if necessary before your current visa expires.

5. Breach of other Australian laws: Serious breaches of Australian laws such as fraud, assault, or drug offenses can also result in the revocation or cancellation of a bridged visa.

To avoid this, make sure to abide by all Australian laws and regulations during your stay in Australia.

6. Failing to attend migration interviews: As part of the application process for a permanent visa, you may be required to attend migration interviews with department officials. Failing to attend these interviews without a valid reason can result in the cancellation of your bridged visa.

To avoid this, make sure to attend all scheduled interviews or provide a valid reason for not being able to attend.

7. Non-compliance with employment conditions: If you have been granted work rights on your bridged visa, it is important to comply with any conditions related to employment. This can include only working in a specific industry or specific hours.

To avoid any issues, make sure to carefully review and understand the employment conditions set by your bridged visa and comply with them at all times.

If you find yourself facing revocation or cancellation of your bridged visa, it is important to seek professional advice from a migration lawyer or registered migration agent. They can help you understand your options and assist you in managing any potential consequences.