Bridging Visas

A bridging visa is a temporary visa. It is usually granted for the following:

1) an application has been made for a visa, and a decision has not yet been made.
2) a student has been of visa cancellation, as has applied for revocation.
3) visa cancellation or refusal and a visa holder applies for review. (merits review)
4) judicial review in relation to a visa.
5) cases where the Minister has intervened.
6) a person is in criminal detention.
7) a person is in detention and is making arrangements to depart Australia.

Bridging visa A

For applicants that hold a substantive visa and then apply for another substantive visa.
The same work conditions generally apply. Special permission can be obtained to work.

Bridging visa B (the travel visa)

Similar to the Bridging visa A, but where the applicant has reasons for traveling abroad while their visa is being processed.
The same work conditions generally apply. Special permission can be obtained to work.

Bridging visa C

For applicants that do not hold a visa, and have not been been detained, and have made an application for a substantive visa. Permission to work can be granted in some circumstances.

Bridging visa D

There are 2 subclasses of Bridging visa D:

1) Prospective applicant

For a non-citizen who is unlawful, (or will become unlawful in the next 3 working days), and wishes to make a substantive application but is unable to do so. i.e., where an incorrect form has been used or the correct application charge cannot be paid.

In these circumstances, a Bridging visa D is granted for 5 working days to allow a valid application to me made.

Note: Only 2 visas can be granted for this purpose since an applicant last held a substantive visa.

2) Non-applicant

For an unlawful non-citizen unable or not intending to make a substantive application and an authorised officer is not available to interview them for the purpose of considering their eligibility for a Bridging visa E.

Bridging visa E:

For those who are unlawful and have been detained by the department, have been previously granted a Bridging visa E, or are a Bridging visa D holder.

The Bridging visa E may be granted to applicants who are:

• making arrangements to depart.
• applying for a substantive visa.
• seeking judicial review.
• seeking Ministerial intervention.
• in criminal detention.
• seeking review of a decision to cancel a visa, except in cases where the visa was cancelled under sections 501, 501A or 501B of the Act.

A security payment may be required, and there may also be conditions placed on the visa, i.e., reporting requirements.

When is a bridging visa decided?

Usually at the same time as an application is made. i.e., on the same form as an application for a substantive visa, or on a separate form for Bridging visa D or E.

Permission to work.

Permission to work may be granted if there is a "compelling need to work", i.e.:

• you are in financial hardship.
• you have been nominated or sponsored by an employer for a substantive visa on skill grounds, and you appear to meet the requirements for the visa.

Travel during processing of an application.

Bridging visa B is the only bridging visa which permits return to Australia.

All other bridging visas cease once the holder departs Australia.

Apply

If you want more information relating to this visa, please make contact with Bondi Migration