A Bridging Visa in Australia is a provisional visa that permits persons in Australia to remain in the country lawfully in the case of a substantive visa application being pending, appeals against a visa refusal are still in process, or preparations to leave are being undertaken. It is used only in circumstantial cases such as illegal overstays, deportation cases, etc. It is almost a bridging visa, but rather meant to extend your stay in Australia whilst immigration issues are being resolved.
Regardless of whether you are switching from one visa to another or you are simply waiting, the Bridging Visa is such that you do not go into unlawful status, which can otherwise be detrimental to your immigration status in Australia.
We will examine what Bridging Visas are, the reasons behind their existence, and their functioning mechanism.
Categorization of Bridging Visas
The Bridging Visa scheme, as offered in Australia, allows a seeker to choose from various categories, depending on the specific situation. Here is a summary of the majority of the types of bridging visas that are most frequent, together with their conditions and the persons who are eligible to request them.
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA)—Subclass 010
Bridging Visa A is the most commonly issued Bridging Visa. It is given to those who are renewing their visas while they remain in Australia.
Geographical Advantages of BVA:
The BVA Visa allows you to stay in Australia during that “B” period legally without the need to worry about your substantive visa application.
It is not in Australia. Should you wish to leave, the BVA will come to an end, and you will have to use a Bridging Visa B to re-enter.
A BVA does not automatically grant work rights; however, applications may be made to work if you are in financial hardship.
Who Should Apply:
People who have submitted an application for a substantive visa whilst remaining in possession of a valid visa.
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB)-Subclass 020
The purpose of the Biking Visa B is to allow an applicant to leave Australia for a short period of time while addressing the unlawful status problem of holding a BVA visa. Thus, when the BVA period of waiting is over and the time comes to leave the place, a submission is done for this special visa.
Geography Conclusion:
The BVB provides you with an opportunity to go outside the country for a prescribed period of time and still remain on the visa registered.
There shall be no changes on the work and study rights like the VIgins B and A.
Who Should Apply:
If you want to lawfully go back into Australia after having left the country as a holder of a BVA visa, bridging Visa B is a must.
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC)—Subclass 030
The Bridging Visa C is for those individuals who have stayed in Australia and are making an application for another visa with no valid visa at the time of the application. In simple and plain terms, it means that, although you are in Australia without a Current Resident Status, you are able to seek a Bridging Visa C in order to remain lawfully waiting for an outcome on your new visa application.
Key Features:
There is no provision for any overseas travel by the holder of the BVC in any instance.
In cases of financial hardship, one is able to seek work rights.
Who Should Apply:
Applicants in Australia who have no visa in force have lodged an application for a new substantive visa.
4. Bridging Visa E (BVE)—Subclass 050
The Bridging Visa E is issued to an individual who has overstayed their visa or snuck into Australia. It enables you to remain lawfully in the country while you file for a different visa or organize for your departure from the country.
Key Features:
It permits you to remain legally in Australia while you configure your visa status.
If you are eligible for further work rights in spite of your status, they will generally require a separate application.
Who Should Apply:
Individuals residing in Australia, whether legally or illegally, are ready to leave the country.
Why Are Bridging Visas Necessary?
The process of applying for visas and immigrating to Australia can be quite tedious as it also involves waiting periods for some visas. Inside Australia, bridging visas are made to prevent people from becoming unlawful non-citizens while their applications for substantive visas are being considered. Immigration-related violations such as overstaying one’s visa status can lead to serious repercussions such as arrest and deportation. Such people’s outward violation of visa norms such as cleapook As a result, there are no more such consequences since bridging visas allow people to remain legally in that country for a period of time.
Key Conditions of Bridging Visas
- Work Rights
Work rights on the bridging visa will depend on your circumstances. Some bridging visas come with work rights automatically, and at the same time with legal status, all that you need to do is prove that there is a threat of severe consequences if one is not allowed to work, such as poverty. For instance, evidence of financial hardship may be required from persons on Bridging Visa A on application for a work permit.
- Travel Limitations
The vast majority of the Bridging Visas have a ‘NO LEAVE AUSTRALIA’ condition. The only exception is Bridging Visa B, which is the only Minute that permits overseas travel without having to relinquish visa status. If you hold a Bridging Visa A/C and you go outside Australia, then your visa shall be revoked and you will have to make a new application.
- Reporting Obligations
Depending upon the category of bridging visa and the previous immigration history of the individual, there are times when the individual is asked to frequently report to the Department of Home Affairs. This is especially a common occurrence for the people under Bridging Visa E.
What Happens When Your Substantive Visa Application Is Approved Or Denied?
In the event that your substantive visa application is granted, the bridging visa that you are currently holding will automatically come to an end. At that moment you will have what is termed a transitional to your new visa, and the rules that come with that visa will commence.
In the alternative, if your substantive visa application is denied, your Bridging Visa may remain in effect for a limited period to enable you to appeal the negative decision or make plans to depart from Australia. In such a situation, it is paramount to get legal assistance to enable you to know what you can do.
Conclusion
Bridging visas are often regarded as a necessary component of the immigration system of Australia, especially when an applicant is waiting for the final determination regarding his visa application or when resolution of certain immigration problems is sought. Irrespective of what the transition is—waiting for a visa decision, traveling, or trying to sort your immigration status—bridging visas cover for you legally in Australia during these intervening phases.
In case you do not know what bridging visa you qualify for or how to fill out an application for one, worry not because World Class Immigration specializes in providing the necessary assistance. We can help with every step in order for you to be able to stay in Australia legally without spending a single penny on unassociated immigration stress. Make use of our services and get help in respect of any immigration issues you may have.
