You have probably heard of student visas, work visas, post-study work visas, and training visas. But what exactly are these bridging visas, and why should international students be aware of them? The correct visa is one of the most important things you need when studying in Australia.
An Australian Bridging Visa can be used for a host variety of purposes. Still, it is best known for allowing you to “bridge” the gap between your current and previous visas. In short, this temporary visa will enable you to stay legally in Australia while your substantive visa is being processed.
What are the various types of bridging visas available in Australia?
Bridging visas come in various forms, but four are the most common. Bridging visa B, Bridging visa A, Bridging visa C, and Bridging visa E are the four options. Bridging visa lawyers in Perth can assist in helping you choose among these bridging visas based on the purpose and eligibility.
Bridging Visa A
Bridging Visa A is issued in conjunction with an application for a substitute visa that can be granted in Australia, and the application was made onshore. It allows people to remain legally in Australia after the present substantive visa expires while their substantive visa application gets processed or finally determined.
In some cases, a BVA would be subject to the same conditions as the visa held at the time of application. Some BVA may or may not have work rights; this is an important consideration that should be incorporated into the individual’s visa strategy. However, if it does not include work rights or imposes restrictions on working, people can apply for another BVA that does.
In this situation, applicants would typically need to demonstrate financial hardship to be granted work rights. This bridging visa allows people to travel overseas for a limited time, but they must be in Australia when their application is reviewed.
Bridging Visa B
A Bridging visa B is a short-term visa that allows people to return and leave Australia while their substantive visa application is getting processed. For example, if a BVA holder wishes to travel abroad, they must apply for a BVB.
A BVB allows the visa holder to leave and return to Australia during a specified time period while their substantive visa application is being processed. If they leave Australia while holding another bridging visa, that visa will expire. They may only re-enter once the Department grants them the substantive visa being processed.
Bridging Visa C
A Bridging Visa C, like the BVA, is a temporary visa granted when someone has made a valid application for a substantive visa in Australia but still needs one. This means the person applied while still having a bridging visa or was present unlawfully in Australia even after their substantive visa got expired.
A BVC holder cannot leave Australia and return; this visa generally does not grant work rights. If a person is given this visa with a condition that prevents them from working, they may apply for a new Bridging Visa C that does not include the work prohibition if they are eligible.
Bridging Visa E
A Bridging Visa E allows people to stay legally in Australia while planning to leave, finalise their immigration matters, or await an immigration decision. BVE is granted to allow people to stay in Australia.
At the same time, they apply for a substantive visa, await a court decision on an appeal, or they can wait for Ministerial Intervention thus granting them a visa. They are also given to people who have applied for a protection visa.
A Bridging Visa E is subject to stringent requirements. They usually have reporting requirements requiring the holder to report to a Department of Home Affairs office regularly. The visa usually includes no work or study requirements. The Department may request permission to work.
What are the other types of Bridging Visas?
A Bridging Visa D is issued when an applicant attempts but cannot obtain a substantive visa. For example, they may have yet to pay the correct charge or complete the incorrect visa application form. An authorised officer is unavailable to interview them but will be available within five working days.
A Bridging Visa R is granted to people detained by immigration whose removal from Australia is not reasonably practicable. In the meantime, they are released from detention.
A Bridging Visa F is only issued to suspected victims of human trafficking or slavery who do not possess a substantive visa.
When will a bridging visa be required?
Visas are what allow you to stay in a foreign country. It is illegal to remain in a foreign country without a valid visa, regardless of how long you have been there or whether you previously held a legal visa.
One of the important facts about a bridging visa in the case of Australia is that if you do not have valid access, the government may detain you, send you back to your home country, and charge you the cost of removing you from the country.
The only option available to you is to leave the country as soon as possible. But not without consequences. If you leave Australia without having a valid visa, you won’t be granted access up to 3 years.
As a result, you must understand your legal status in the country and your rights and responsibilities. Keep in mind the visa expiration dates as well as the visa processing times. This will allow you to plan and How to Apply for a Bridging Visa, ensuring you always have a valid one.
A bridging visa can help you get through the period when your previous visa is about to expire or has expired, and the one you applied for has yet to be granted. There could be additional reasons why you require a bridging visa. For example, if you are waiting for a court decision on a visa appeal or intend to leave Australia but are currently unlawfully present.
Therefore, a Bridging Visa can be granted for a variety of reasons, including:
- If your original visa got expired, and the approval of your substantive visa is awaited,
- If you are waiting a decision on a visa appeal,
- If you are awaiting a decision from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on a visa refusal or cancellation, have requested a Ministerial Intervention, or are unlawfully staying in Australia but intend to leave voluntarily.
How Can a Perth Migration Lawyer Assist You?
Migration Lawyer Perth has highly experienced migration lawyers who can help you assess your visa eligibility by analysing your circumstances and can advise you on the best visa stream to apply for. They will assist you in preparing all of the necessary documents to submit a valid visa application. They will submit your file to the immigration authority after gathering the required documents. They represent you to the Department of Affairs and keep you updated on your visa status until it is granted.
Suppose you wish to apply for a Bridging Visa in Australia. In that case, you can consult bridging visa lawyer in Perth by visiting them at one of their Migration Lawyer Perth offices or by emailing or calling them. Their representatives will reply shortly to address your query and determine your visa needs and eligibility.
