If you are wondering what is bridging visa A, you have come to the right place. In this article, we aim to answer the question of what is bridging visa A in Australia. In addition to this, we will also discuss some other important types of bridging visas.
What Is Bridging Visa ‘A’ and Types of Bridging Visas
Before we answer the question of what is bridging visa A, let us understand the meaning of bridging visas. These type of Australian visas are temporary visas. They bridge the gap between the expiration of one visa (the current substantive visa) and the grant of a new substantive visa or the resolution of an immigration matter.
There are several types of bridging visas available, including the following:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA): The DHA grants this visa to individuals who are in Australia. The individuals must have applied for a new substantive visa while still holding a valid visa. It allows them to stay in Australia lawfully until the Department makes a decision on their new visa application.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB): A BVB is a temporary visa that allows individuals on a BVA or a Bridging Visa C (BVC) to travel outside Australia and return. The DHA typically issues this if there is a need for temporary overseas travel, such as for family or work-related reasons.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC): A BVC is relevant for individuals who are in Australia without a valid visa and have applied for substantive visas or are waiting for the outcome of immigration-related matters. It provides lawful temporary status while the immigration matter is being resolved.
- Bridging Visa D (BVD): A BVD is granted to individuals who are unlawful non-citizens in Australia or who hold a BVC and have already made arrangements to depart the country. It allows them to remain lawfully for a short period, typically up to five days, to finalise their departure.
- Bridging Visa E (BVE): A BVE is a temporary visa for individuals who are in Australia without a valid visa, often referred to as “unlawful non-citizens.” It can be granted in certain circumstances, such as when an individual is awaiting immigration clearance or has compelling and compassionate reasons to remain temporarily.
What Is Bridging Visa A?
This section provides a detailed overview for the question of ‘what is bridging visa A.’ In Australia, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa for individuals who are already in Australia but do not hold a substantive visa. It is designed to bridge the gap between the expiration of one visa and the grant of a new substantive visa or the resolution of an immigration matter.
Here are some key points about Bridging Visa A:
- Purpose: BVA allows the visa holder to lawfully remain in Australia while they await the outcome of a visa application, an administrative review, or a judicial review.
- Eligibility: To be eligible for a BVA, you generally need to be in Australia and hold a valid visa that is about to expire or has expired. You must have applied for a new substantive visa or have an ongoing immigration matter.
- Work Rights: A BVA generally grants work rights, allowing the visa holder to work in Australia during the bridging period.
- Travel Rights: By default, a BVA does not allow travel outside Australia. However, you can apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you need to travel temporarily and return to Australia while holding a BVA.
- Conditions: A BVA may have specific conditions attached. This includes reporting to the immigration authorities, maintaining a valid address, and complying with visa conditions.
- Medicare: In most cases, BVA holders are eligible for access to Australia’s healthcare system, known as Medicare.
It’s important to note that immigration policies and visa regulations can change over time. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs. Moreover, seek professional advice to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Bridging Visa A or any other visa category in Australia.
Difference Between Bridging Visa and Substantive Visa
When reading up on what is bridging visa A, it is also necessary to understand the difference between bridging visas and substantive visas. As we have explored, a bridging visa can bridge the gap between an individual’s current visa status and their desired visa outcome.
It allows the person to remain lawfully in Australia while the Department processes their substantive visa. Or while they await a decision on an appeal or review. Bridging visas have certain conditions and restrictions depending on the individual’s circumstances.
On the other hand, a substantive visa refers to a visa that grants an individual the right to enter, stay, and work in Australia based on specific criteria. This includes skilled migration, family sponsorship, or humanitarian grounds.
Unlike an Australian bridging visa, substantive visas are not temporary measures and provide individuals with long-term or permanent residency rights. They are usually subject to their own set of conditions and requirements that must be met for their grant and maintenance. Given below is a list with some examples of popular Australian substantive visas:
- Skilled – Nominated Visas (Subclass 190)
- Skilled – Independent Visas (Subclass 189)
- Graduate Work Stream (Subclass 485)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visas (Subclass 482)
- Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Seek Advice from Our Migration Lawyers
Each bridging visa has its own conditions and restrictions such as work rights, travel rights, and eligibility for government services. It’s important to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs. You must also seek professional advice to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information about bridging visas in Australia. This is because immigration policies can change over time.
Whether you are applying for skilled visas, permanent visas, student visas or partner visas, it is important to obtain advice from professionals. At JB Solicitors, our lawyers have the experience of dealing with a variety of matters under migration law. Do you want to apply for a new visas? Or do you want to make a new substantive visa application?
Our team can help with all enquiries. Reach out to us today.
