Can I Apply for Another Visa If I'm On a Bridging Visa?
Individuals holding a bridging visa can legally work and study in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed. However, they may wonder if they can apply for another visa while holding a bridging visa.
Understanding Bridging Visas
A bridging visa serves as a temporary visa to maintain your lawful status in Australia if your substantive visa has expired or while you are waiting for the decision of another visa application. Bridging visas, such as Bridging Visa A (BVA) (Subclass 010), Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020), and Bridging Visa C (BVC) (Subclass 030), come with specific conditions that may affect your ability to apply for another visa.
Can You Apply for Another Visa While Holding a Bridging Visa?
In many cases, you can apply for another visa while holding a bridging visa. However, there may be restrictions and conditions depending on the type of bridging visa and your circumstances.
What Are The Restrictions And Conditions to Consider before Applying for another visa?
Some bridging visas may include conditions such as Condition 8503, “No Further Stay”, which prevents you from lodging another visa application while onshore in Australia. You can seek a waiver to waive this condition for compelling and compassionate reasons from your bridging visa. It is best to seek professional assistance if you are in this situation. Be sure to check your visa grant notice to confirm whether these conditions apply to you.
The type of visa you apply for determines whether you can lodge it in Australia. Temporary visas, such as visitor visas (subclass 600), may have different requirements than permanent visas.
It is important to understand the different types of bridging visas and what their conditions are:
If you hold a BVA, it typically mirrors your previous visa conditions and has no restrictions, such as Condition 8503. You are generally eligible to apply for another visa.
If you are a BVB holder, which allows you to travel outside of Australia, you can also typically apply for other visas, provided no restrictive conditions are imposed.
If you are on a BVC, applying for another visa may be complicated, particularly if you have no substantive visa history or if the BVC includes restrictions.
For any Bridging Visa E (BVE) (Subclass 050) holders may face more restrictions, limiting the types of visas they can apply for. They may be eligible to apply for certain visas, such as Partner Visas, Protection Visas and more.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you want to learn more about Bridging Visas and what you can do with it, we highly suggest that you seek professional assistance before taking any action. You can contact Agape Henry Crux. Our team of Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, Immigration Lawyers, and Registered Migration Agents specialises in circumstances similar to yours. You can schedule an appointment to seek professional legal advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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