Bridging Visa: Can I Have Work Rights?
Bridging visas are typically issued automatically when you apply for a substantive visa. However, not all types of bridging visas include the right to work during your stay in Australia. Reviewing your bridging visa grant letter carefully is important, as it will specify your work rights. If your grant letter indicates that you do not have work rights, don’t worry too much, as there is a way for you to apply for work rights while you are on your bridging visa.
How to Apply for Unlimited Permission to Work on my Bridging Visa?
If you are seeking unlimited work rights, you must demonstrate a genuine need to work due to:
Financial Hardship: Provide evidence of your financial situation.
Sponsorship or Nomination: If you are sponsored or nominated for employment in an ‘approved appointment’ as part of a substantive visa application.
Can all types of Bridging Visas Request for Work Rights?
You can apply for work permission on all bridging visas except Bridging Visa D (Subclass 040). Work rights can only be granted based on financial hardship unless you are on an employer-sponsored visa.
What are the Procedures to Apply for Work Rights?
Check Your Grant Letter: Confirm whether your bridging visa includes work rights. This information is located at the end of your grant notice letter.
Online Application: You can apply for work rights through your Immi Account.
Paper Application: If you cannot log in online, there is a paper-based application. You must complete Form 1005 to apply for a change of bridging visa conditions. This option is available for Bridging Visa A, B, C, or E holders.
If you find any steps confusing and complicated, AHC Lawyers can assist you with the end-to-end process.
Do I need Supporting Evidence for The Work Permission application?
When applying, attaching any relevant evidence supporting your claim of financial hardship can include:
Bank statements
Invoices and receipts for necessary living expenses
Documentation of loans and mortgages
Recent expenses related to moving to Australia (if applicable)
If you are married or in a de facto relationship, you should present this information collectively, demonstrating the family's overall financial situation.
For Application for Employer-Sponsored Visa Holders
If you hold an employer-sponsored visa such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) Visa or the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186), you may apply for work rights if you are in an ‘approved appointment’. This means that your Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) and Nomination stages must be approved, and you are only awaiting your visa grant.
What are the Special Considerations for Bridging Visa E Holders?
If you hold a Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050) and wish to change your visa conditions, you must demonstrate that you will comply with the requested conditions. Additionally, you should provide reasons for:
Changing arrangements to depart Australia
Making a visa application
Modifying the timeframe to obtain and present a valid travel document to the Department
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you seek professional visa guidance on requesting work rights while on a Bridging Visa, our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer(s) and our immigration lawyers and migration agents at Agape Henry Crux specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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