1. What is an Australia bridging visa?
An Australian bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows an individual to stay in Australia lawfully while they await the outcome of their application for a substantive visa. It can be granted if an individual’s current visa is expiring and they have applied for a new visa, or if their current visa has been cancelled and they have appealed the decision. A bridging visa does not allow an individual to enter or re-enter Australia, it only allows them to remain in the country until a decision is made on their application or appeal.
2. How long does a bridging visa last in Australia?
The duration of a bridging visa in Australia can vary based on the individual’s circumstances. In most cases, it will remain valid until a final decision is made on the person’s visa application or immigration status. This decision could take months or years, so in some cases, the bridging visa may last for an extended period of time. However, there are certain situations where a bridging visa may be granted for a specific period of time, such as if the person has applied for another visa and is waiting for it to be processed.
3. Can I work on an Australia bridging visa?
Yes, you can work on an Australia bridging visa. The conditions of your bridging visa will determine the type of work you are allowed to do and the number of hours you can work. It is important to check the specific conditions and restrictions of your bridging visa before starting any employment.
4. How do I apply for an Australia bridging visa?
You can apply for an Australia bridging visa by submitting an application to the Department of Home Affairs. The application process will vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of bridging visa you are applying for. Generally, you will need to provide supporting documents, such as a valid passport and relevant visas, proof of sufficient financial support, and any other requested information. You may also need to pay a fee for the application. It is recommended that you consult with a migration agent or lawyer for assistance with the application process.
5. What are the different types of bridging visas available in Australia?
There are several types of bridging visas (BVs) available in Australia that allow individuals to remain lawfully in the country while awaiting a decision on their visa application or appeal. These include:1. Bridging Visa A (BVA): This is the most common type of BV and is granted when an individual applies for a new visa before their current visa expires. It allows them to stay in Australia while their new visa application is being processed.
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB): This BV is granted to individuals who need to leave and re-enter Australia while they are waiting for a decision on their substantive visa application.
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC): This BV is granted to individuals who do not hold a valid visa but have applied for one and meet certain criteria, such as being onshore and having a compelling need to stay in Australia.
4. Bridging Visa D (BVD): This BV is granted to individuals who are unlawful non-citizens but need to make arrangements to depart from Australia within a specified timeframe.
5. Bridging Visa E (BVE): This BV is granted in limited circumstances when an individual’s current visa has ceased and they do not qualify for any other type of BV.
6. Bridging Visa F (BVF): This BV is for former holders of B Class visas who cannot apply for any other type of BV, and it allows them to remain in Australia until they can leave the country.
7. Bridging Visa R (BVR): This BV is for individuals whose substantive visa has been refused, canceled, or does not grant them permission to work or study, but they need time before departing from Australia.
8. Safe Haven Enterprise Visas: These special B-class visas are granted to people seeking asylum who came by boat and are then transferred offshore while their claims are assessed.
6. Is there an age limit for applying for a bridging visa in Australia?
There is no specific age limit for applying for a bridging visa in Australia. Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can apply, regardless of their age. However, certain bridging visas may have age restrictions or special conditions for minors (those under 18 years old). It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Department of Home Affairs for more information regarding the specific bridging visa you are considering applying for.
7. Can I travel outside of Australia on a bridging visa?
Yes, you may be able to travel outside of Australia while on a bridging visa, but this depends on the type and conditions of your specific bridging visa. Some bridging visas restrict travel outside of Australia unless special permission is granted by the government. It is important to discuss your travel plans with the Department of Home Affairs (formerly known as the Department of Immigration and Border Protection) before making any travel arrangements.
8. Do I need to pay for a bridging visa in Australia?
No, you do not need to pay for a bridging visa in Australia. Bridging visas are automatically granted to eligible applicants while they wait for a decision on their substantive visa application. There is no application fee or charge for bridging visas.9. How long does it take to process an Australian bridging visa application?
The processing time for an Australian bridging visa application varies depending on the type of bridging visa applied for and the individual circumstances of the applicant. As a general guide, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for a bridging visa to be processed and granted. During times of high demand or if additional information is required, processing times may be longer. It is important to apply for a bridging visa well in advance as some types of visas require at least 8-12 weeks processing time.
10. Can I apply for permanent residency while on a bridging visa in Australia?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency while on a bridging visa in Australia. However, the eligibility requirements for permanent residency may vary depending on the type of bridging visa you are on and your specific circumstances. It is best to consult with a registered migration agent or department of immigration for more detailed information and guidance on applying for permanent residency while on a bridging visa.
11. What happens if my current Australian visa expires before my bridging visa is granted?
If your current Australian visa expires before your bridging visa is granted, you will become an unlawful non-citizen. This means that you will not have permission to remain in Australia and may be subject to detention and removal from the country. It is important to ensure that you apply for a new visa or a bridging visa before your current visa expires to avoid any negative consequences.
12. Can I include family members on my Australian bridging visa application?
Yes, you can include dependent family members on your Australian bridging visa application. This includes your spouse or de facto partner and any children under the age of 18. You will need to provide evidence of their relationship to you, such as marriage or birth certificates, and they must meet the eligibility requirements for the specific bridging visa category. Additional fees may also apply for including family members on your application.
13. Do I have to leave Australia while my Bridging A or B Visa application is being processed?
No, you do not have to leave Australia while your bridging visa application is being processed. However, if you wish to travel outside of Australia while your application is being processed, you will need to apply for a Bridging B Visa prior to leaving the country. This visa allows you to leave and re-enter Australia while your Bridging A or B Visa is still valid.
14. When do I need to apply for a new Bridging Visa if my current one is about to expire?
You should apply for a new Bridging Visa before your current one expires. It is recommended to do so at least two weeks before the expiry date to allow enough time for processing and approval. If your current Bridging Visa expires and you have not applied for a new one, you may become unlawful in Australia and be subject to immigration detention or removal from the country.
It is important to keep track of the expiry date of your Bridging Visa and submit an application for a new one as soon as possible to ensure that you have continued lawful status in Australia.
15. Can I change the conditions of my Australian Bridging Visa once it has been granted?
Yes, you may be able to change the conditions of your Australian Bridging Visa by applying for a Variation of Bridging Conditions (Form 1005). This application must be made in writing and you must provide a valid reason for the change. Some common reasons for changing conditions include changes in living arrangements, employment status, or medical circumstances. The decision to approve or refuse the variation request will be made by the Department of Home Affairs.
16. Are there any restrictions on travel while holding a Bridging Visa in Australia?
Yes, there are restrictions on travel while holding a Bridging Visa in Australia. The specific restrictions vary depending on the type of Bridging Visa you hold.
1. Bridging visa A (BVA)
If you hold a BVA, you are allowed to travel in and out of Australia as long as your visa has a valid travel period. The travel period is usually determined by the Department of Home Affairs based on the processing time of your substantive visa application. However, if you depart Australia while holding a BVA, it will cease automatically and you will need to apply for another visa to re-enter.
2. Bridging visa B (BVB)
If you need to leave Australia temporarily while your substantive visa application is being processed, you can apply for a BVB. This visa allows you to depart and re-enter Australia within a specified travel period, usually up to 3 months.
3. Bridging visa C (BVC)
Holders of a BVC are not allowed to travel outside of Australia until their substantive visa application has been decided or withdrawn.
4. Bridging visa E (BVE)
A BVE holder is only allowed to leave and re-enter Australia once while their substantive visa application is being processed. If they wish to leave again, they must obtain written permission from the Department of Home Affairs.
It is important to note that even if you have a valid bridging visa with the ability to travel outside of Australia, there may be limitations or restrictions imposed by other countries that could prevent you from entering or staying there.
Additionally, if your bridging visa has work rights attached, these may also be affected if you leave and re-enter Australia or if your visa expires while overseas. It is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Department of Home Affairs before making any travel arrangements while holding a bridging visa in Australia.
17. What happens if my Australian Bridging Visa expires and my application is still being processed?
If your Australian Bridging Visa expires and your application is still being processed, you may be placed into ‘bridging visa A’ (BVA) which will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia while your application is still being assessed. However, you must make sure to comply with all conditions of the BVA, including any work restrictions and health insurance requirements. If you are unsure about the status of your visa or have concerns about its expiration, it’s always best to seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
18.Can I study in Australia on a Bridging Visa?
Yes, you can study in Australia on a Bridging Visa under certain conditions. You must have applied for another substantive visa before your previous one expired and have received a bridging visa to allow you to stay in the country while your application is being processed. You must also meet all other requirements for studying in Australia, such as obtaining a student visa or enrolling in an accredited course. It is important to note that Bridging Visas have restrictions and limitations, so it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or advisor for further information and guidance.
19.What should I do if my personal circumstances change while on an Australian Bridging Visa?
If your personal circumstances change while on an Australian Bridging Visa, you should inform the Department of Home Affairs immediately. Depending on the changes, they may request additional information or documentation from you.
Examples of personal changes that should be reported include:
– Changes to your passport or travel documents
– Changes to your address or contact details
– Changes to your employment status
– Changes to your marital status
– Changes to any criminal convictions
– Changes to any dependent family members
Failure to report these changes may result in visa cancellation or other serious consequences. It is important to keep your visa and personal information up to date at all times while on a Bridging Visa. You can update your information online through ImmiAccount or by contacting the Department of Home Affairs directly.
20.How long do I have to wait until my work rights start after applying for an Australian Bridging Visa E (BVE)?
The start date for work rights on a Bridging Visa E (BVE) can vary, depending on your individual circumstances and the processing time for your visa application. In most cases, work rights will commence once you have received notification that your BVE has been granted. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even longer, depending on your visa application and processing times. It is important to carefully review the conditions of your BVE to determine when work rights will begin and what restrictions may apply.