A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay legally in Australia while your new visa application is being processed. It is commonly granted to individuals who already hold an Australian visa and apply for another visa onshore.

If you apply for a Student Visa in Australia, you will usually be issued a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa keeps you lawfully in the country while your student visa application is under assessment, ensuring you can remain in Australia without interruption.

If you’re in Australia on a Bridging Visa A (BVA), your work rights depend on the visa you held before it was granted. For instance, if you previously had a Working Holiday Visa that allowed you to work, you will generally keep the same work rights under your Bridging Visa while your student visa application is being processed.

Understanding your Bridging Visa A work conditions is essential to ensure you remain legally employed in Australia until your new visa is approved.

• Bridging Visa A (BVA): A Bridging Visa A allows you to stay legally in Australia while your student visa application is being processed. However, a BVA does not allow you to travel outside Australia. If you leave the country on a BVA, you may not be able to return until your substantive visa (student visa) is granted.

• Bridging Visa B (BVB): If you need to travel overseas while your student visa application is being processed, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B. The BVB lets you leave and re-enter Australia legally during your visa assessment. This visa has a specified travel period, so it’s crucial to return before your BVB expires to maintain your lawful status in Australia.

In most cases, no. If you’re in Australia and submit a valid student visa application, a Bridging Visa A will be issued to you automatically. It will remain inactive until your current visa expires. For example, if you hold a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) that expires on 15 November 2024 and you apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500) on 1 October 2024, your BVA will be issued upon application but will only become active after 16 November 2024, when your Working Holiday Visa expires.

You only need to apply for a BVB if you plan to travel outside Australia while your student visa application is being processed. Make sure to apply for and receive the BVB before leaving Australia. If you leave the country without a BVB, you might not be able to return until your student visa is approved.