This is a temporary visa. Nearly all bridging visas are applied for automatically as part of applying for a substantive visa. We will tell you if this happens. Check if you already hold a Bridging visa A (BVA) with VEVO.
A separate application for a BVA may be necessary where:
- your substantive visa application did not also constitute an application for a BVA
- you were granted a BVA or a Bridging visa B (BVB) but this has ceased and you meet the requirements for another BVA
- you are seeking a further BVA without work restrictions
- you have applied for judicial review.
You can't use a bridging visa while you wait for a citizenship application to be decided.
In effect
A BVA comes 'in to effect' when:
- it is granted (if your substantive visa has ceased since applying for the BVA or the BVA is more beneficial than your current bridging visa)
- your current substantive visa ceases
- another bridging visa that is more beneficial than your current bridging visa ceases.
Visa holders must adhere to the conditions imposed on their visa. Where you are granted a BVA, you will be notified about the conditions that apply.
If you hold a substantive visa when your BVA is granted, you must continue to comply with the conditions of the substantive visa. When your substantive visa ceases, the conditions of your BVA will apply.
The BVA does not support return travel to Australia.
Working in Australia
You might be allowed to work in Australia depending on the visa conditions that apply to your BVA. Your grant letter will tell you about these conditions. See if you have work restrictions in VEVO.
If your BVA does not let you work, or has restrictions on working, you can apply for another BVA that lets you work. To be considered for a BVA that lets you work, you will usually have to demonstrate that you are in financial hardship.
We will assess your circumstances in relation to your claim that you need to work. If you do not meet the requirements for work, and you are still eligible for a BVA, we will grant you a new BVA with the same work prevention or restriction condition that was on your previous BVA.
You cannot be granted a new BVA that lets you work if your current BVA prevents or restricts you from working in Australia and either:
- your current BVA was granted to you because you have applied for judicial review of the decision made on your substantive visa application, or
- you have applied for a protection visa.
Remaining lawful during judicial review
If a merits review tribunal upholds our decision to refuse your substantive visa application and you apply for judicial review, you will need to apply for a bridging visa to maintain your lawful status during the judicial review proceedings. If you have applied for judicial review you can only apply for a bridging visa by webform.