There is a difference between a Bridging Visa A and C, but before we dig into that, let us look at the meaning of bridging visas. In Australia, a bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows a person to lawfully remain in Australia while they are waiting for a decision on their substantive visa application, or while they are making arrangements to leave Australia.
There are several types of Bridging Visas in Australia, including:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA): This visa is for people who have applied for a substantive visa while they are still in Australia and their current visa has expired or is about to expire. BVA allows the holder to stay in Australia lawfully while their substantive visa application is being processed.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB): This visa is for people who hold a BVA or a substantive visa and need to leave Australia temporarily and then return. A BVB allows the holder to return to Australia after they have left.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC): This visa is for people who remain in Australia unlawfully, but have made an application for a substantive visa. A BVC allows the holder to remain in Australia lawfully while their substantive visa application is being processed.
It is important to note that Bridging Visas have conditions and restrictions, and the eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant. It is recommended to seek professional advice from a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs before applying for a Bridging Visa in Australia.
Difference Between Bridging Visa A and C
The main difference between Bridging Visa A and C in Australia is the circumstances in which the DHA grants them. Bridging Visa A (BVA) is for people who are already in Australia on a substantive visa and have applied for another substantive visa before their current visa expires. A substantive visa includes visa like skilled work visas, permanent residency visas, partner visas and skilled independent visas.
A BVA allows the holder to remain in Australia lawfully while the DHA processes their new substantive visa application. In other words, BVA is a transitional visa that bridges the gap between the expiry of the current substantive visa and the decision on the new visa application.
Bridging Visa C (BVC), on the other hand, is for people who are in Australia without a valid visa, often referred to as “unlawful non-citizens”. BVC allows the holder to remain in Australia lawfully while they make arrangements to depart the country, or while they wait for a decision on a substantive visa application.
BVC is not a transitional visa like BVA, but rather a safety net to prevent people from becoming unlawful while they are making arrangements to leave Australia.
Other Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
In addition to Bridging Visa A (BVA) and Bridging Visa C (BVC), there are two other types of Bridging Visas in Australia: Bridging Visa D (BVD) and Bridging Visa E (BVE).
Bridging Visa D (BVD) is a short-term visa that the DHA grants to people who are in immigration detention or have a release from detention and have no other visa options.
It allows the holder to leave the detention centre and stay in the community lawfully while authorities resolve their immigration status. Parties do not get BVD automatically and it is subject to strict eligibility criteria, including health and character requirements.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) is for people who are in Australia and are not eligible for any other type of visa, including BVA, BVC, or BVD.
BVE allows the holder to stay in Australia lawfully while they make arrangements to leave the country or while their circumstances change. BVE is not a transitional visa and has no work or travel rights, except in certain circumstances. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and conditions of each Bridging Visa in Australia vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant.
We recommend you to seek professional advice from a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs before applying for any type of Bridging Visa in Australia.
Seek Advice from Migration Lawyers
This article has outlined the difference between Bridging Visa A and C. In summary, the Department grants BVA to those who hold a substantive visa and have applied for another one, and BVC to those who are unlawful in Australia and have made a substantive visa application or are making arrangements to leave the country.
If you wish to make an application for a substantive visa, or change your bridging visa, it is necessary for you obtain legal assistance. This is because experienced lawyers have the ability to assist you with visa applications such that you do not make any errors. For more enquiries on difference between Bridging Visa A, visa B and C, do not hesitate to contact our award-winning team of solicitors today.
Contact Us
For assistance with your temporary visa, criminal justice visa, visitor visa, tourist visa, enforcement visa, or protection visa, contact us. Reach out to us today.
