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The Bridging Visa A (BVA) allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while your new substantive visa application is being processed. This bridging visa takes effect once your current substantive visa expires, helping you avoid becoming an unlawful non-citizen. The BVA generally carries the same conditions as your previous visa, but if work restrictions apply, you may need to demonstrate financial hardship to gain work rights. Note that travel is not permitted on this visa.
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There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.
From the first same-day response to the granting of your visa, you’ll have direct access to a lawyer.
Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.
We offer a client satisfaction guarantee in relation to our visa application services.
3 - 6 months installment options available on some visa types.
A Bridging Visa A (BVA) allows you to remain in Australia when you have lodged an application for a visa, your current substantive visa ceases and while your application for a substantive visa is still being processed. Once your substantive visa has expired, the BVA ensures you stay lawfully until your new visa is granted or finally determined. However, the BVA doesn’t allow you to leave Australia or re-enter; for travel, a Bridging Visa B (BVB) is required. Should your BVA lack work rights, you may be able to apply for a new bridging visa by demonstrating financial hardship. Other Australian bridging visas include Bridging Visa C (BVC), Bridging Visa D (BVD), and Bridging Visa E (BVE), each with specific visa conditions. The BVA ceases if your current visa is cancelled or if you depart Australia voluntarily.
To be eligible for a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you must meet several common criteria. You should hold or have previously held a substantive visa and be in Australia when you apply for the BVA. Your bridging visa application must be valid, and you should have applied for a new substantive visa or initiated judicial review of an immigration decision within the statutory time limits, typically 35 days from an Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision. You must also meet the character requirement and adhere to the visa conditions attached to your current visa. If applying for a protection visa or seeking ministerial intervention, ensure your application is submitted within the prescribed time frame to avoid issues such as immigration detention. While age is not a restriction, all other criteria outlined in the Migration Regulations 1994 must be fulfilled.
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If you apply for a new substantive visa, you will generally be automatically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). A separate application for a BVA may be necessary where your substantive visa application did not also constitute an application for a BVA, you were granted a BVA or a Bridging visa B (BVB) but this has ceased and you meet the requirements for another BVA, you are seeking a further BVA without work restrictions, or you have applied for judicial review. To apply for a BVA linked with your substantive visa application, you can apply through ImmiAccount under your initial application, depending on your eligibility.
Our Australian Migration Lawyers provide essential support in managing the complexities of obtaining a Bridging Visa A (BVA). We offer expert consultation, assist with gathering and reviewing necessary documents, and ensure accurate application submission. Our team also represents you in communications with immigration authorities, addressing any issues that may arise. Engaging us can significantly enhance your chances of securing a BVA, help you navigate visa conditions, and effectively handle any complications, such as changes in work rights or compliance with visa requirements.
There are no costs associated with obtaining a BVA.
Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.
Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our lawyers. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.
We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate.
We submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal). We will continue to update you concerning the status of your application.
We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!
Processing times for this visa are not fixed. Generally, it is automatically granted as soon as you submit an application for a new substantive visa while you are in Australia. Occasionally, due to system demands, there might be a delay of 2 to 3 days before the visa is issued, or if you are applying for work rights, a few weeks.
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We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.
Read our most commonly asked questions about the bridging visa A in Australia
With a Bridging Visa A, you can remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made on your substantive visa application or, if the BVA is granted in conjunction with a judicial review, until those review proceedings are concluded.
To be eligible for a Bridging Visa A, you must have held or currently hold a substantive visa, apply while in Australia, have a valid substantive visa application or pending judicial review, apply within the prescribed time frame, and meet character requirements, regardless of your age.
You don't need to activate your BVA manually; it automatically takes effect when your current substantive visa expires. Until then, you must adhere to the conditions of your existing visa.
Yes, you may apply for a partner visa whilst on a BVA - however there are further eligibility requirements in order to be able to apply on top of the standard partner visa requirements.
Perry Q Wood is National President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative and migration lawyers. To date, he has been involved in 1,000+ migration and refugee matters.
Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our migration lawyers will get back to you as soon as possible.
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