Bridging Visa Issues
Bridging visa A, B, C and E matters, including work rights, travel facility, removal pending bridging visas and dealing with detention or removal risk.
Understanding Your Bridging Visa
A bridging visa is what keeps you lawfully in Australia while a substantive application is on foot or being reviewed. Different bridging visas carry different work rights, travel rights and conditions, and slipping between them at the wrong time can cause real problems.
Which Bridging Visa Do You Hold?
Bridging visas A, B, C and E each apply in different circumstances and carry different conditions. Checking exactly which one you hold, and what it allows, is the starting point for any advice.
Your Work, Travel and Study Rights
A bridging visa A usually carries the same work rights as the previous substantive visa. Bridging visa C and E are often granted without work rights initially, and only a bridging visa B carries a travel facility.
Managing Work, Travel and Expiry Issues
Work Rights and Travel
Where a bridging visa does not initially include work rights, a separate application can often be made to add them, including on the basis of financial hardship. Leaving Australia on any bridging visa other than a bridging visa B ends that visa, and re entry usually requires a new substantive visa to be granted offshore, so travel plans should always be checked first.
Expiry and Unlawful Status
If a bridging visa ends without a further visa in place, the person becomes an unlawful non citizen and is liable to detention and removal. A bridging visa E should be applied for immediately to regularise status while options are considered.
Bridging Status During Review
Where a substantive application has been refused and review is lodged in time, a bridging visa will usually continue lawful status until the review is finally decided, though the specific conditions attached should always be checked. A change in relationship status, employment or health can affect what options are available, so advice should be sought as soon as circumstances change.
How Shah & Co Lawyers can assist
Bridging visa problems tend to arise suddenly, so we prioritise fast, clear answers on your status.
Bridging Visa A Applications
Applications connected to substantive applications on foot.
Bridging Visa B Applications
Applications where overseas travel is required during processing.
Work Rights Applications
Bridging visa C and E applications, including work rights submissions.
Removal Pending Bridging Visas
Applications for long term detainees seeking a removal pending bridging visa.
Section 48 Bar Advice
Strategy where a previous refusal limits onshore application options.
Urgent Intervention
Prompt advice where detention or removal is imminent.
Signs you need urgent advice
- Your bridging visa does not include work rights and you need to work.
- You need to travel overseas while on a bridging visa.
- Your bridging visa is due to expire without a further application in place.
- You are already unlawful or facing detention.
- Your circumstances have changed since your bridging visa was granted.
Frequently asked questions
General information only. Every matter turns on its own facts.
Other immigration law services
Visa Refusals
Advice and representation following the refusal of a visa application, including assessment of merits review rights and preparation of review applications within the statutory time limits.
View Visa RefusalsVisa Cancellations
Notices of intention to consider cancellation under sections 116 and 501, responses to the Minister or delegate, and merits review of cancellation decisions.
View Visa CancellationsMerits Review
Applications to the Administrative Review Tribunal (Migration and Refugee jurisdiction) for review of visa refusal and cancellation decisions, including preparation of submissions and representation at hearing.
View Merits ReviewProtection Visas
Protection visa applications under Australia's protection obligations, including complementary protection, statements of claim and Tribunal review where required.
View Protection VisasPartner Visas
Onshore and offshore partner visa applications, including prospective marriage visas, evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship and dealing with sponsorship issues.
View Partner VisasFamily Visas
Parent, child, remaining relative and other family visa applications, including queue dates, balance of family test and assurance of support.
View Family VisasContact us promptly if your bridging visa status is unclear or at risk.
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