Many dream of living, studying, and working in Australia, but navigating the immigration process can be daunting. A complex system of visas, permits, and regulations exists, and navigating it can be expensive and time-consuming.
The Bridging Visa A (BVA) plays a crucial role in this process. It's a temporary visa specifically designed to bridge the gap between the expiration of your current visa and the final decision on a new visa application you've submitted while already in Australia.
Imagine your current visa is expiring, but your application for a new visa (like a student visa) is still being processed. A BVA allows you to remain in Australia legally during this waiting period. It essentially grants you interim legal status until a decision is made on your substantive visa application, including any legal reviews that might be involved.
One of the most significant advantages of the BVA is the ability to stay in Australia lawfully. Even if your current visa has expired, a valid BVA prevents you from becoming an unlawful non-citizen. This allows you peace of mind and avoids potential complications while your new visa application progresses.
The conditions attached to your BVA will typically mirror those of your previous visa. For instance, if you transitioned from a visitor's visa to a student visa application, your BVA would likely carry similar restrictions as your initial visitor's visa.
There's a catch, though. To be eligible for a BVA, you must be physically present in Australia at two crucial moments:
*Important Note: Eligibility requirements for the BVA can differ depending on your individual circumstances and the type of substantive visa you've applied for. For more specific information on eligibility related to your situation, it's recommended to consult official immigration resources or a migration professional.
The Bridging Visa A (BVA) acts as a temporary bridge for individuals in Australia whose current visa is expiring and a new one is still being processed. It grants them legal status to stay in the country while awaiting the decision on their substantive visa application. It's important to remember that the specific conditions attached to your BVA will depend on the type of visa you've applied for.
Certain situations can lead to an immediate termination of a BVA.
To be eligible for a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you'll need to meet several key criteria:
When applying for a BVA, the following steps should be taken:
Verify if you currently have a BVA with VEVO before proceeding with a new application.
Gather all the essential documents needed for your application.
The application process for a Bridging Visa A (BVA) depends on whether you submitted your initial substantive visa application online or with a paper form, and if you requested a review of that decision. For applications submitted electronically through ImmiAccount, the BVA application should also be done online. Those who used a paper form for their substantive visa application or requested a review should submit the BVA application using the web form. Crucially, regardless of the method used, both you and everyone included in your initial visa application must be physically present in Australia when submitting the BVA request.
After submitting your application, discover what actions are required and recommended.
The outcome of your BVA application will be communicated via written notification. Remember, both you and anyone included in your application must be physically present in Australia when the decision is made. If your BVA is approved, the notification will include your visa grant number, the start date of the visa, and any specific conditions attached to it. Be sure to keep this information readily available while you're in Australia. In the case of rejection, the notification will explain the reasons for the decision and advise you on whether a review is possible.
While the Bridging Visa A offers temporary relief, it's not a pathway to extend your stay in Australia by simply reapplying. If you wish to remain longer, you'll need to submit a new visa application entirely.
If you originally applied for a substantive visa in Australia along with your family, you might have also applied for a BVA together. However, you can also choose to apply for separate BVAs individually.
This allows you to include eligible family members from your original substantive visa application in each individual BVA application. Each family member's eligibility for the bridging visa will be assessed independently.
Submitting a BVA application incurs no cost. Both you and any individuals included in your application need to be physically present in Australia at the time of submitting and receiving the BVA application.
BVA is generally granted instantly after the online visa lodgement or within a few days of submission. However, the processing time can vary depending on the complexity of your application and circumstances at the time of visa lodgement. It's important to lodge a valid visa application well ahead of your current visa expiry date, to avoid the delay in getting BVA granted.
At the time of making a valid substantive visa application which can be granted while you are in Australia, you are in Australia and holding a substantive visa.
If you have an Australian Bridging Visa A, you are typically allowed to pursue studies in Australia. However, it is important to comply with the requirements of your particular visa and ensure that your studies align with the conditions of your visa.
Family members may be included in a Bridging Visa A Subclass 010 application if they were part of the applicant's original substantive visa application.
Individuals holding a Bridging Visa A are usually not qualified for Centrelink benefits, although there could be specific cases where this doesn't apply.
There are circumstances that some BVA holders will be allowed to work and be entitled to access Medicare benefits.
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