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Bridging Visas
Bridging visas in Australia serve a crucial role within the immigration system, providing a temporary legal status to individuals who are in the process of transitioning between visas. These visas are designed to bridge the gap, allowing individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while they await the outcome of their visa application, appeal against a visa decision, or make arrangements to leave the country. Bridging visas are essential for maintaining continuous legal status, preventing individuals from becoming unlawful non-citizens due to expired visas.
There are several types of bridging visas, each with specific eligibility criteria and conditions tailored to different circumstances:
Bridging Visa A (BVA) (subclass 010): This is the most common type, granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa (any visa excluding bridging visas, criminal justice or enforcement visas) while in Australia and are awaiting a decision. A BVA allows the holder to stay in Australia after their current substantive visa expires. Work rights on a BVA are subject to conditions.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) (subclass 020): A BVB is granted to individuals who already hold a BVA or a Bridging Visa C but need to travel outside Australia temporarily. It allows them to leave and return to Australia within a specified travel period while their substantive visa application is processed, without affecting the status of their application.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) (subclass 030): This visa is for individuals who have become unlawful non-citizens but have subsequently applied for a substantive visa. A BVC allows them to stay in Australia legally while their visa application is being processed but does not permit re-entry if the holder leaves the country.
Bridging Visa D (BVD) (subclass 041): A BVD provides a short-term legal status to individuals who are unlawful or about to become unlawful non-citizens but have a rightful reason for remaining in Australia. This visa gives them a brief period (usually five days) to either leave Australia, apply for a substantive visa, or rectify their visa status.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) (subclass 050 and 051): A BVE is for individuals who are unlawful non-citizens or holders of a BVD or BVC and need to stay in Australia either to continue their substantive visa application process, make arrangements to leave, or resolve their immigration matter.
Bridging Visas: Ensuring Legal Status During Immigration Transitions
Bridging visas are a testament to Australia’s flexible and accommodating immigration policy, aimed at ensuring that individuals can maintain their legal status while dealing with complex visa applications or awaiting the resolution of immigration disputes. They provide a safety net, allowing individuals to remain in Australia under lawful conditions during transitional periods, thereby avoiding the harsh consequences of being in the country unlawfully.