The Bridging visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa which can be granted if someone lodges an application for a new substantive visa in Australia while still holding a current substantive visa.
How do I get this visa?
You will have automatically applied for a BVA if you:
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Have already applied for certain substantive visas.
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Are currently in Australia.
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Hold a substantive visa at the time of submitting your application.
Are there any other conditions?
You can also apply separately for a BVA if you:
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Were granted a BVA or a Bridging Visa B (BVB) previously, but that ended and you meet the requirements for a renewal.
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Have a compelling need to work, even if your current BVA or BVB restricts you from working in Australia.
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Apply for judicial review after having your substantive visa application refused by a merits review tribunal, in order to lawfully reside in Australia during the judicial review proceedings.
How do I apply for this visa?
You and anyone you include in your application must be present in Australia when the BVA application is lodged, and when a decision is made on it. You can either apply online or complete Form 1005 – Application for a Bridging Visa and send it along with all necessary documents to the Australian office where your substantive visa application is being processed.
What are the features and benefits of this visa?
The BVA is a temporary visa and allows you to stay in Australia lawfully after your current visa ends, or while you wait for a decision to be made on your new substantive visa application. You can include your partner and your – or your partner’s – child/step-child in your visa application.