Australia holds well-defined terms and conditions when it comes to legal visa grants and their validity. It is very important to adhere to the same and ensure timely renewal or re-application of the same in case an expiry date is close ahead. However, during certain situations, foreign residents might decide to stay later than the expiry date of their substantive visa. This overstay can be due to multiple reasons including becoming an unlawful individual or while lawfully waiting for their further visa processing and renewal. This is where the bridging visa come in the picture.
Bridging visas are granted to those individuals who wish to stay in Australia post their legal visa expiry, while waiting for their application to be processed. This is also granted to individuals who have expired visas but are making lawful arrangements to depart from the country. One can also take help from several professional visa services provider to make their visa application process, smooth.
What is Bridging Visa?
Bridging visa is a type of temporary visa that allows individuals to continue their stay in Australia post their “current” substantive visa expires and the “new substantive” visa application is under processing. This visa is named due to its nature of bridging an individual’s stay in Australia right from the expiry date of their current visa to a duration of generally 35 days till the final application granting decision is taken.
What is bridging visa for?
The temporary bridging visa is only for the individuals who are lawfully awaiting their visa renewals and processing while in Australia even after their current substantive visa ceases.
Bridging visa is granted under certain circumstances. It is granted during visa renewal period, lawful immigration status resolving, etc.
However, the type of bridging visa granted will totally depend on an individual’s circumstances.
What are the different types of bridging visas?
Even though, there are in total nine different types of bridging visas available in Australia, the four most used visas are listed below:-
- Bridging Visa, A (Subclass 010) (BVA)
- Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) (BVB)
- Bridging Visa C (Subclass 020) (BVC)
- Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050) (BVE)
How long it takes for bridging visa grant and how long it lasts?
Generally, bridging visa grants are provided post a few days of the application for the individuals eligible for this visa. Mostly the bridging visas are automatically applied as a [art of the application for renewal of the substantive visa post its expiry. Its always better to consult a reliable Australian immigration agency to keep up with the relevant timeline.
A bridging visa is typically valid for a duration of 28 days post the final decision over the main visa application is taken. However, one should take a note that the BVB is generally valid for only three months. Once this visa is granted, the individual needs to get back in the country within the tenure. Also, due to this time limit, it is advisable to apply accordingly.
How fast is the bridging visa applied?
It should be noted that just an application does not automatically make an individual the holder of bridging visa. As soon as an individual applies under 482 visa application, there is a timeline required for the further processing. Till then, one is still on their subclass 600 until its expiry date is reached. The bridging visa if applied on time, will apply as soon as the expiry of one’s subclass 600 Visitor visa is attained.
Getting a bridging visa for Australia
The preferred method for getting a bridging visa for Australia is via online application. The online application process is very simple. Follow the step-by-step process and make sure to upload all relevant documents, too. There is one important point that must be kept in mind is that while lodging the BVE, the relevant applicants need to be in the Australian province. Also, one should make sure to provide accurate information to avoid any further delay or rejection. Read Detailed article on Common reasons or mistakes for Australian Visa Refusal
Need assistance on getting bridging visa?
If you too are under the same situation and troubled about how to apply and get your lawful visa accepted or renewed, we can help. At Immiroo Migration Consultants, we are a team of legally sustained experienced team of immigration consultant. We will guide you through the entire process along with comprehensive hands-on help in terms of documentation and legal adherence. Get in touch to know more!