People migrate to Australia from all over the globe for a better future for themselves and their families. This article discusses several forms of bridging visas to ensure you have all of the necessary information to ensure your and your family's future is safe.

BVA (Bridging Visa A) (Subclass 010)

A BVA is automatically issued when an individual currently in Australia on a substantive visa applies for another substantive visa. This permits individuals to remain legally in Australia after their existing substantive visa expires or while the visa (substantive) application is under process.

If the visa does not include employment or imposes limits on working, individuals may apply for an alternative BVA. In this case, applicants normally need to show financial hardship to be given employment privileges.

Individuals with a BVA visa cannot travel out of the country and return to it. If you possess a BVA and wish to travel, you must apply for a BVB.

If you have a substantive Australian visa and apply for another visa of the same type, you will receive a BVA, which will offer you legal status while your request is processed.

Important aspects of a BVA to consider:

  • Travel privileges

You are not granted any travel privileges with this visa, therefore, if you leave the country, you cannot return. You may, however, apply for the BVB to get travel privileges. 

If you decide to depart on your present substantive visa shortly after applying for a second substantive visa and leave the country on BVA, your BVA will expire once you depart Australia. Therefore, when you travel back to Australia, you must reinstate your BVA. If you fail to have your BVA reactivated before the expiration of your current visa, you may be turned away from entering the country.

Regardless of the type of visa you're looking for, it's always a good idea to consult a professional. If you reside in Canberra, you can choose from several migration agents in Canberra for professional assistance.

  • Workplace rights

Depending on what substantive visa you held and what visa subclass you are applying for, your BVA may have different conditions on it, including  no study and work limitations.  If you were granted a BVA with no work rights, you can request a BVA with work rights in compelling and compassionate circumstances.

If  you are sponsored or nominated by an organisation for a visa based on your skills and  talents and  fulfil the requirements  to obtain the visa, employment rights will be granted automatically.

In addition, if you apply for an onshore partner visa, you will be given work authorisation during your visa process. If you live in Canberra, you might look for migration agents in Canberra to improve your chances of being granted work rights. They can help with your visa applications and ensure your case yields a positive result.

BVB (Bridging Visa B) (Subclass 020)

A BVB is a short-term visa that permits individuals to depart and return to Australia even when their visa (substantive) application is under process. A BVA visa holder who wishes to go abroad must apply for a BVB visa.

A BVB permits those with visas to leave and return to Australia within a particular time while their visa (substantive) application is under process. If they leave Australia while holding another sort of visa (bridging), their visa will expire, which means they may be unable to re-enter until the government issues them the visa (substantive) currently being processed.

BVC (Bridging Visa C) (Subclass 030)

A BVC, like the BVA, is a short-term visa provided when a person has filed a legitimate application for a visa (substantive) in Australia and did not hold a substantive visa at the time. This signifies that the individual applied while on a visa (bridging) or was in Australia illegally after their visa (substantive) expired.

A BVC holder can  leave Australia however this visa will cease to be in effect upon departure. This visa normally does not provide employment privileges. If an individual is given this visa under a restriction that prevents them from being employed, they can submit an application for an alternate Visa (New Bridging Visa C) that does not include the work ban if they are qualified. You cannot apply for a BVB that allows you to travel while holding a BVC.

A BVC also does not come with work rights, unless the visa type you have applied for falls under the following categories:

  • Skilled Independent (Permanent) (Class SI) visa,
  • Skilled Nominated (Permanent) (Class SN) visa
  • Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) (Class SP) visa
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Class PE) visa
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Class PS) visa
  • Employer Nomination (Permanent) (Class EN) visa
  • Regional Employer Nomination (Permanent) (Class RN) visa
  • Business Skills Business Talent (Permanent) (Class EA) visa
  • Business Skills (Provisional) (Class EB) visa
  • Business Skills (Permanent) (Class EC) visa.

BVD (Bridging Visa D) (Subclass 040 and 041)

A BVD allows you to extend your stay in Australia by up to 5 days from the grant date. A BVD is usually granted automatically if you have submitted an invalid application for a substantive visa, allowing you some grace time to correct your mistake. It may also be granted if an authorised officer cannot interview you before your visa expires.

This visa allows you to stay in Australia long enough to file a substantive visa application or another type of bridging visa. It does not grant travel or work rights.

BVE (Bridging Visa E)(Subclass 050 and 051)

A BVE allows individuals to remain legally in Australia as they plan to depart, finalise their immigration case, or await an immigration judgment.

BVE allows individuals to stay in Australia as they apply for a visa (substantive), await a court ruling, or wait while Ministerial Intervention grants individuals the visa. These are also given to those who have asked for an asylum visa.

A BVE is subject to stringent requirements. They generally include reporting requirements that require the person in question to be in contact with the government office regularly. 

A BVE does not come with travel or work rights, and the holder of a BVE is also unable to apply for a BVB.

Other Types Of Bridging Visas

A BVR is granted to those detained by immigration but whose departure from Australia cannot be made possible. This frees them from custody in the meantime.

A BVF is issued to probable victims of human trafficking or enslavement who aren't visa holders (substantive).

The first step in any endeavour is finding the appropriate information and people to help you. A quick Google search for "migration agents near me" can bring up local migration agencies. If you have the proper people in your life, the appropriate information in your mind, and the right heart, you can create a safe and secure future.