Bridging visa A - An overview

Many people from different parts of the world come to live, study, and work in Australia. However, the process of migrating to Australia can be long, complicated, and expensive, requiring applicants to navigate a complex system of visas, permits, and regulations. One of the most common types of visas in Australia is the Bridging Visa A (BVA), which provides temporary residence to individuals while they await the outcome of their new visa application. In this article, we will discuss what BVA is, who is eligible for it, and how it works in practice.

Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that allows an individual to stay in Australia until their substantive visa application is finally determined. It is granted to individuals who have applied for a substantive visa while in Australia, and whose current visa has expired or is about to expire.

The BVA is designed to provide temporary legal status to the applicant while their substantive visa application is being processed. In most cases, the conditions attached to the BVA will be the same as those of the previous visa. For instance, if someone held a visitor visa and applied for a student visa, the BVA they receive would carry the same conditions as their visitor visa.

One of the benefits of Bridging Visa A is that one can stay legally in Australia using this visa until their primary visa application is decided or until any legal review related to it is completed. This means that even if their current visa has expired, they will not be considered an unlawful non-citizen as long as they hold a valid Bridging Visa A.

A BVA also allows individuals to travel overseas for a limited period while their substantive visa application is being processed. However, applicants must be physically present in Australia when the authorities make a decision on their application. This ensures that the applicant can be easily contacted and that any additional information or documentation can be obtained promptly.

The processing time can depend on various factors, such as the complexity of the application, the workload of the immigration department, and the individual circumstances of the applicant. However, it is generally granted within a few days after submitting the application.

To be eligible for Bridging Visa A, the applicant must be in Australia when they apply. If they meet all the eligibility requirements, they must also be in Australia at the time the visa is granted. The eligibility requirements for this visa can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the type of substantive visa they have applied for.

The Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that allows an individual to remain in Australia lawfully while their substantive visa application is being processed. It is designed to bridge the gap between the expiration of a previous visa and the decision-making process for a new visa application. The BVA enables people to stay in Australia until their new visa application is finalised or any associated legal proceedings are completed.

While on a BVA, you will be granted the freedom to work, study, and live in Australia. It is important to note that the conditions of the BVA vary depending on the type of substantive visa applied for. 

There are specific circumstances that can cause a BVA to be terminated immediately.

Firstly, if an individual leaves Australia while their BVA is in effect, it will automatically end. Secondly, if the individual is granted the substantive visa that they applied for, the BVA will no longer be valid. Thirdly, if the individual is granted another Bridging Visa, such as a BVB, in relation to the same substantive visa application that the BVA is associated with, the BVA will end. Finally, the visa that the individual held when the BVA was granted can be cancelled by the immigration authorities, causing the visa to immediately end.

Here are some of the typical requirements that must be met:

• Substantive visa: You must currently hold or have previously held a substantive visa.
• In-Australia application: Your application must be made while you are physically present in Australia.
• Substantive visa application or judicial review: You must have either lodged a valid application for a substantive visa that hasn't been finalised, or filed a judicial review application within the specified time frame.
• Timely review application: Any application for review must be made within the designated time frame.
• Age: There are no age restrictions for applying for this visa.
• Good character: You must satisfy the character requirements.

Here are the steps to follow when applying for a BVA:

Step 1: Pre-application check

Check if you already hold a BVA with VEVO before submitting a new application.

Step 2: Gather documents

Collect all the necessary documents required for your application.

Step 3: Apply for the visa

The application process for a BVA depends on whether you applied for your substantive visa online or via a paper form, and if you've applied for a review of a decision about your substantive visa application. You must apply for your BVA in the same manner as your substantive visa. If you applied for your substantive visa through ImmiAccount, you must apply for your BVA through the same platform. If you applied for your substantive visa by paper form, you must apply for your BVA using the web form. Similarly, if you have applied for a review of a decision about your substantive visa application, you must submit your BVA application using the web form. You must be in Australia, along with anyone included in your application, when you lodge the BVA application.

Step 4: After the application

Find out what you can and must do after submitting your application.

Step 5: Visa outcome

You will be notified in writing regarding the decision on your visa application. You and anyone included in your application must be present in Australia when the decision is made. If your visa is granted, you will be provided with your visa grant number, the visa start date, and any applicable visa conditions, which you should keep with you while in Australia. If your visa is refused, you will be explained why it was rejected and whether you have the right to review the decision.

It is not possible to extend your stay in Australia by renewing this visa. If you wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a new visa.

If you and your family have submitted a joint application for a substantive visa in Australia, you may have also applied for a BVA together. 

If you apply separately for a BVA, you can include your family members who are part of your substantive visa application in your BVA application. Each family member's application will be assessed and determined for the bridging visa they are eligible for.

When an individual lodges their substantive visa application, they will automatically be granted a BVA if they meet the eligibility criteria. The BVA will come into effect when their current visa expires, and it will allow them to stay in Australia until a decision is made on their substantive visa application.

Once an individual has been granted a BVA, they will have the same rights and conditions as their previous visa, with some exceptions. For example, if their previous visa allowed them to work, study, or travel, their BVA will also allow them to do so. However, there may be restrictions on their work or study rights, depending on the conditions of their substantive visa application.

It is important to note that BVAs do not grant any additional rights or benefits beyond what the individual had under their previous visa. For example, if an individual had a student visa that allowed them to work 20 hours per week, their BVA will also allow them to work 20 hours per week. It will not allow them to work more hours or in a different job.

If an individual's substantive visa application is refused while they are on a BVA, they will have a limited period of time to leave Australia, usually 28 days.

There is no fee for the BVA application. You and anyone included in your application must be physically present in Australia when submitting and receiving the BVA application.

Processing times for a Bridging Visa A (BVA) 

Unfortunately, processing times for bridging visas are not available.

Your application may take longer to process if:

• You do not complete it accurately.
• You fail to provide all of the necessary documents or if you are required to provide additional information.
• It takes them time to verify the information you've provided