With the current restrictions that are affecting travel, work and study in Australia due to COVID-19, you may have been issued with a Bridging Visa. Whether it is your first time being issued one or not, a Bridging Visa is essentially a temporary visa that allows you to stay lawfully in Australia. Your Bridging Visa comes to effect after your current visa expires and you are issued with one if you have applied for another visa and your application is still currently being processed.
So what does this mean? Once your current visa expires, your Bridging Visa will become active, and once your new visa application is approved, your Bridging Visa will become inactive as you will be able to use your new Visa.
There are three sub classes of Bridging Visa’s that are currently being issued to temporary visa holders. These are: Bridging Visa A (subclass 010), Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) and Bridging Visa C (subclass 030). Depending on what kind of visa you have applied for, you may have been issued one of these while you wait.
Here We will Highlight Some of the Key Features of Each Bridging Visa:
Bridging Visa A (subclass 010)
- Travel outside Australia is not permitted under this visa, you will not be able to return if you do
- If your Bridging Visa A does not permit you to work, you can apply for another Bridging Visa that allows you to work only if you can show that you are experiencing financial hardship
Bridging Visa B (subclass 020)
- Travel outside Australia is permitted only during a specified travel period while your new visa application is being processed
- Work conditions will differ for each individual and you will be notified directly by the Department.
Bridging Visa C (subclass 030)
- Travel outside Australia is not permitted under this visa, you will not be able to return if you do
- If your Bridging Visa C does not permit you to work, you can apply for another Bridging Visa that allows you to work only if you can show that you are experiencing financial hardship
- If you are a Protection visa applicant or Skill Select visa applicant different work conditions apply
It is important to note that during this time, all individuals must comply with public health and safety orders, that include being in quarantine or self-isolation, and abide by the current travel restrictions being implemented by the Government. Unfortunately, if you are overseas and you have been granted a Bridging Visa, you will not be permitted to return to Australia during this time, unless of course you have been issued with a special exemption.
If you are in a situation where you are unsure about your Bridging Visa conditions or need further explanation, our registered migrations agents at Migration Centre of Australia can personally guide you through it. We currently live in anxious times and we know that everyone will be experiencing different visa situations. If your current visa is expiring, whether you are in Australia or overseas, and you have not applied for a new visa, call us today for professional migration advice to help you with your visa application or simply to plan a visa pathway. Our migration agents have been in the migration industry for many years and are known for our expertise. Call us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of our registered migration agents will be ready to help.
