Bridging Visas Australia

January 13, 2023January 13, 2023 komal 296 Comments

Bridging Visas Australia: A bridging visa is a temporary visa that is granted to people in Australia who are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, or for another bridging visa to come into effect. These visas allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

There are several types of bridging visas, including Bridging Visa A (BVA), Bridging Visa B (BVB), Bridging Visa C (BVC), Bridging Visa D (BVD), Bridging Visa E (BVE), and Bridging Visa F (BVF). Each type of bridging visa has different conditions and allows for different activities, such as working or studying.

It is important for individuals on a bridging visa to understand the conditions of their visa and to ensure that they comply with those conditions while they are in Australia. Failure to comply with the conditions of a bridging visa can result in the visa being cancelled and the individual being required to leave Australia.

If you are in Australia on a bridging visa and have questions about your visa or your rights and obligations while on a bridging visa, it is important to seek advice from a registered migration agent or a lawyer who is experienced in immigration law. They will be able to provide you with information and guidance on your specific circumstances.

There are several types of bridging visas available in Australia, each with its own set of conditions and limitations. It is important for individuals on a bridging visa to understand the conditions of their visa and to ensure that they comply with those conditions while they are in Australia.

Table of Contents

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that is granted to individuals who are in Australia and are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa. BVAs can be granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia, or to those who have a substantive visa that is about to expire and are waiting for a decision on a further substantive visa. BVAs allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa that is granted to individuals who are in Australia and are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, or for another bridging visa to come into effect. BVBs can be granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia, or to those who have a substantive visa that is about to expire and are waiting for a decision on a further substantive visa. BVBs also allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

Bridging Visa C (BVC) is a temporary visa that is granted to individuals who are in Australia and are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, or for another bridging visa to come into effect. BVCs can be granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia, or to those who have a substantive visa that is about to expire and are waiting for a decision on a further substantive visa. BVCs allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

Bridging Visa D (BVD)

Bridging Visa D (BVD) is a temporary visa that is granted to individuals who are in Australia and are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, or for another bridging visa to come into effect. BVDs can be granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia, or to those who have a substantive visa that is about to expire and are waiting for a decision on a further substantive visa. BVDs allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

Bridging Visa E (BVE)

Bridging Visa E (BVE) is a temporary visa that is granted to individuals who are in Australia and are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, or for another bridging visa to come into effect. BVEs can be granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia, or to those who have a substantive visa that is about to expire and are waiting for a decision on a further substantive visa. BVEs allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

Bridging Visa F (BVF)

Bridging Visa F (BVF) is a temporary visa that is granted to individuals who are in Australia and are waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, or for another bridging visa to come into effect. BVFs can be granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while they are in Australia, or to those who have a substantive visa that is about to expire and are waiting for a decision on a further substantive visa. BVFs allow individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

It is important to note that each type of bridging visa has its own set of conditions and limitations. For example, some bridging visas allow individuals to work in Australia while others do not.

FAQs

1. What is a bridging visa?

Ans. A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows a person to remain in Australia while their substantive visa is being processed or while they are making arrangements to leave Australia.

2. How do I apply for a bridging visa?

Ans. You can apply for a bridging visa by lodging a valid application with the Department of Home Affairs while you are in Australia and hold a substantive visa that has expired or is about to expire.

3. Can I work on a bridging visa?

Ans. It depends on the type of bridging visa you hold. Some bridging visas allow you to work, while others do not. You should check the conditions of your visa to see if you are permitted to work.

4. Can I travel outside Australia on a bridging visa?

Ans. It depends on the type of bridging visa you hold. Some bridging visas allow you to travel outside Australia, while others do not. You should check the conditions of your visa to see if you are permitted to travel.

5. How long does it take to process a bridging visa?

Ans. Processing times for bridging visas vary depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of the case. You should contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information on the processing times for your specific visa.

6. Will I have to pay for a bridging visa?

Ans. Yes, you will likely have to pay a fee for your bridging visa application. The fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.

7. What happens if my substantive visa is not granted?

Ans. If your substantive visa is not granted, you will need to make arrangements to leave Australia. If you hold a Bridging Visa A, you will be expected to leave Australia as soon as possible. If you hold a Bridging Visa B, you will be allowed to remain in Australia until you are able to leave.

8. Will my bridging visa automatically convert to another visa if my substantive visa is granted?

Ans. It depends on the type of bridging visa you hold. Some bridging visas automatically convert to another visa if your substantive visa is granted, while others do not. You should check the conditions of your visa to see if it automatically converts.

9. Can I apply for a new visa while on a bridging visa?

Ans. Yes, you can apply for a new visa while on a bridging visa. However, you will need to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the new visa and that you have a valid reason for needing to apply for a new visa.

10. Can I apply for review if my bridging visa application is refused?

Ans. Yes, you have a right to apply for a review of a decision to refuse a bridging visa application. You can apply for a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or through the merits review process within the Department of Home Affairs.

11. What happens if I overstay on my bridging visa?

Ans. If you overstay on your bridging visa, your visa can be cancelled and you may be barred from returning to Australia for a period of time. Additionally, you may be subject to fines and/or detention.

12. What happens to my dependents if my bridging visa is cancelled?

If your bridging visa is cancelled, your dependents will also have their visa cancelled. They will be expected to leave Australia or apply for a new visa.

13. Can I appeal a decision to cancel my bridging visa?

Yes, you have a right to appeal a decision to cancel your bridging visa. You can apply for a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or through the merits review process within the Department of Home Affairs.

14. Can I apply for a bridging visa while I am outside Australia?

Ans. No, you can only apply for a bridging visa while you are in Australia and hold a substantive visa that has expired or is about to expire.

15. What happens if I leave Australia while my bridging visa is still valid?

Ans. If you leave Australia while your bridging visa is still valid, your visa will cease to be in effect and you will not be able to return to Australia unless you apply for and are granted a new visa.

16. Will my bridging visa affect my eligibility for other visas?

Ans. It depends on the type of bridging visa you hold and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation or expiration of your substantive visa. If your substantive visa was cancelled because of a breach of visa conditions, it may affect your eligibility for other visas. It’s best to consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration lawyer for more information on how your bridging visa may affect your eligibility for other visas.

17. Can I apply for a bridging visa if I am in immigration detention?

Ans. Yes, you can apply for a bridging visa if you are in immigration detention, but the process and outcome may be different than if you were applying while not in detention. You should consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration lawyer for more information on how to apply for a bridging visa while in detention.

18. Can I apply for a bridging visa if my substantive visa was cancelled on character grounds?

Ans. It depends on the specific circumstances of your case. In some cases, if your substantive visa was cancelled on character grounds, you may not be eligible to apply for a bridging visa. It’s best to consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration lawyer for more information on your eligibility for a bridging visa in this situation.

19. Can I apply for a bridging visa if I am in Australia illegally?

It depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Some people who are in Australia illegally may be eligible to apply for a bridging visa, but others may not. It’s best to consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration lawyer for more information on your eligibility for a bridging visa in this situation.

20. Can I apply for a bridging visa if I am a holder of a bridging visa and my substantive visa is still in progress?

Ans. Yes, in some cases, you can apply for a bridging visa while your substantive visa is still in progress, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for. You should check the conditions of your visa to see if you are permitted to apply for a new visa while your substantive visa is still in progress, or consult with the Department of Home Affairs or a qualified immigration lawyer for more information.

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