How Does the Bridging Visa A Work?

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:

• The time of application: You can't apply for a BVA from outside Australia.
• The time of grant (if successful): If your application is approved, you must still be in Australia to receive the visa.

*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.

What Activities Does this Bridging Visa A Permit in Australia?

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.

What Causes the Termination of a BVA Visa?

Certain situations can lead to an immediate termination of a BVA.

• Leaving Australia: If you depart Australia while your BVA is active, it will be automatically terminated.
• Substantive Visa Granted: Once the substantive visa application you submitted is successful, your BVA becomes invalid.
• Obtaining Another Bridging Visa: If you're granted another Bridging Visa (such as a BVB) related to the same substantive visa application as your BVA, the BVA will be ceased.
• Cancellation of Previous Visa: If the immigration department cancels the visa you held when your BVA was granted, your BVA will also become invalid.

What Are the Requirements for Bridging Visa A Subclass 010

To be eligible for a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you'll need to meet several key criteria:

• Valid Visa History: You must currently hold or have recently held a substantive visa in Australia.
• In-Country Application: You can only apply for a BVA while you are physically present in Australia.
• Pending Visa Application or Review: Your eligibility hinges on having either:
  • A valid application for a new substantive visa that is still under assessment by immigration authorities.
  • A judicial review process initiated within the designated timeframe for a previous visa decision.
• Timely Review Request: If applicable, any request for a visa decision review must be submitted within the allowed timeframe.
• Good Character: You must meet the character requirements set by Australian immigration.
• No Age Restriction: There are no age limitations for applying for a Bridging Visa A.

How to Apply for a Bridging Visa Subclass 010 Visa?

When applying for a BVA, the following steps should be taken:

Step 1: Conduct a pre-application review

Verify if you currently have a BVA with VEVO before proceeding with a new application.

Step 2: Compile paperwork

Gather all the essential documents needed for your application.

Step 3: Request the visa

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.

Step 4: After the application

After submitting your application, discover what actions are required and recommended.

Step 5: Visa outcome

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.

Extending Your Stay

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.

Cost of Bridging Visa A Subclass 010

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.

Processing Times for a Bridging Visa A (BVA)

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.