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Are you in Australia and waiting for a decision on your visa application? Do you want to stay in Australia legally while your new visa is being processed? If yes, then an Australia Bridging Visa might be the solution for you. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the Australia Bridging Visa in simple and easy-to-understand language. Let’s get started!
An Australia Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia legally while you are waiting for a decision on your new visa application. It “bridges” the gap between your current visa and your new visa. This means you don’t have to leave Australia while your new visa is being processed.
For example, if your current visa is about to expire, but you have already applied for a new visa, you can apply for a Bridging Visa to stay in Australia until a decision is made on your new visa application.
There are different types of Bridging Visas in Australia. Each type serves a specific purpose. Here are the main types:
Bridging Visa A (BVA): This visa allows you to stay in Australia while your new visa is being processed. You can apply for this visa if you are in Australia and have applied for a new visa.
Bridging Visa B (BVB): This visa allows you to travel outside Australia and return while your new visa is being processed. You need to apply for this visa before you leave Australia.
Bridging Visa C (BVC): This visa is for people who are in Australia and have applied for a new visa after their previous visa has expired.
Bridging Visa E (BVE): This visa is for people who need to stay in Australia for a short time to resolve their immigration status. It is usually granted to people who are unlawful non-citizens or whose visas have been canceled.
To be eligible for an Australia Bridging Visa, you must meet certain criteria. Here are the main eligibility requirements:
👉 You Must Be in Australia: Bridging Visas are only for people who are already in Australia.
👉 You Must Have Applied for a New Visa: You need to have a pending visa application to be eligible for a Bridging Visa.
👉 Your Current Visa Must Be Expiring or Expired: If your current visa is about to expire or has already expired, you can apply for a Bridging Visa.
👉 You Must Meet Health and Character Requirements: You need to be in good health and have no serious criminal record.
To apply for an Australia Bridging Visa, you need to prepare the following documents and information:
👉 Proof of Visa Application: You need to show that you have applied for a new visa.
👉 Passport: A copy of your passport or travel document.
👉 Current Visa Details: Information about your current visa, including its expiry date.
👉 Health Insurance: You may need to show proof of health insurance to cover your stay in Australia.
👉 Form 1005 or 1006: You need to fill out the appropriate form to apply for a Bridging Visa.
👉 Additional Documents: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of funds or a letter explaining your circumstances.
The cost of an Australia Bridging Visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
👉 Bridging Visa A, B, or C: There is usually no application fee for these visas if you have already paid the fee for your new visa application.
👉 Bridging Visa E: The fee for this visa is AUD 160.
👉 Other Costs: You may need to pay for health checks, police clearance certificates, or other related expenses.
The processing time for an Australia Bridging Visa varies depending on your situation. In most cases, the visa is granted quickly, often within a few days of applying. However, if your case is complicated, it may take longer.
An Australia Bridging Visa comes with certain conditions that you must follow. These conditions depend on the type of Bridging Visa you have. Here are some common conditions:
👉 No Travel (BVA): If you have a Bridging Visa A, you cannot leave Australia and return unless you apply for a Bridging Visa B.
👉 Work Rights: Some Bridging Visas allow you to work in Australia, while others do not. You need to check the conditions of your specific visa.
👉 Study Rights: Some Bridging Visas allow you to study in Australia, but there may be restrictions.
👉 Stay Duration: You must leave Australia if your new visa application is refused or withdrawn.
The duration of an Australia Bridging Visa depends on your situation. Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Bridging Visa A: This visa lasts until a decision is made on your new visa application.
👉 Bridging Visa B: This visa allows you to travel outside Australia and return. It is usually granted for a specific period, such as 3 months.
👉 Bridging Visa C: This visa lasts until a decision is made on your new visa application.
👉 Bridging Visa E: This visa is usually granted for a short period, such as 35 days, to allow you to resolve your immigration status.
Whether you can work in Australia while on a Bridging Visa depends on the type of visa you have. Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Bridging Visa A: You can usually work in Australia if your previous visa allowed you to work.
👉 Bridging Visa B: The work rights are the same as your Bridging Visa A.
👉 Bridging Visa C: You are usually not allowed to work unless you apply for work rights.
👉 Bridging Visa E: You are usually not allowed to work unless you apply for work rights.
Applying for an Australia Bridging Visa can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the immigration process. That’s where Elixir Immigration comes in. We are a team of experienced immigration experts who can help you with every step of the process. Here’s how we can assist you:
👉 Visa Assessment: We will assess your situation and tell you which Bridging Visa is right for you.
👉 Application Preparation: We will help you prepare and submit your Bridging Visa application.
👉 Document Checklist: We will provide you with a complete list of documents you need to submit.
👉 Liaison with Authorities: We will communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
👉 Updates and Support: We will keep you updated on the progress of your application and answer all your questions.