Bridging Visa C is a short-term visa that sometimes can be issued to visa applicants that don’t currently have a valid visa but, are waiting for the Immigration Department to process their substantive visa application.
Australia defines a substantive visa as all visa types with the exception of bridging visas, criminal justice, or enforcement visas. You need a BVC in order to continue remaining legally in Australia while your application for a substantive visa is reviewed.
Do I Automatically Get a Bridging Visa C?
You get your BVC at the same time when you apply for your substantive visa, and your BVC is “activated” when your substantive visa expires.
However, if you don’t already have a visa, you must make a separate application for your BVC. Plus, an additional application may be required if:
- You are applying for a BVC that doesn’t restrict your working rights.
- You have applied for judicial review.
Who Can Apply for an Australia Bridging Visa C?
Anyone who meets these conditions can apply for a bridging visa C:
- You are in Australia at the time of application.
- You don’t hold a bridging visa E.
- You don’t hold an Australia substantive visa.
Bridging Visa C Granting Process
This is how a BVC is granted when you submit a new visa application:
- You don’t have a substantive visa in Australia.
- You submit an application for a substantive visa.
- You apply for a bridging visa C.
- You remain legally in Australia with a BVC.
Requirements for an Australia Bridging Visa C
Here are the documents you need for a bridging visa C application:
- Proof of identity. You must submit a copy of your passport’s bio page and a copy of your driver’s license, national ID, or any certificate that serves as evidence you changed your name (in case you did).
- Proof of hardship.
- Certificates proving you meet the character requirements.
- Assistance documents. In case there is someone helping you with your application, you must submit either form 956 or 956a.
How Do I Apply for a Bridging Visa C?
You can apply online via an ImmiAccount or via a paper application, depending on how you submitted your application for a substantive visa. However, if you are applying for a judicial review BVC, you must submit a paper application.
Australia Bridging Visa C Processing Times
There is no definite processing time for your bridging visa C application. The processing time will be determined by your application; an incomplete application will prolong the review process.
What Is the Cost of a Bridging Visa C?
You do not need to pay any application fee for a bridging visa C.
How Long Does a Bridging Visa C Last?
A bridging visa C is temporarily valid until you receive a decision on your substantive visa application. This means that when your visa application is denied or granted, your visa C stops being valid immediately.
Moreover, if you applied for a judicial review and there is a final decision on your case your visa C ceases to be valid. Also, if you withdraw your visa application on your own, or your request for a judicial review your visa C becomes invalid.
Can I Stay Longer With a Bridging Visa C?
You cannot stay longer once your visa C expires. If you want to do so, you have to apply for another visa C from the beginning but, if you don’t have a valid visa then you are staying illegally in Australia.
Bridging Visa C Working Rights
Your bridging visa C doesn’t allow you to work unless you applied for one of these substantive visas:
- Business Talent Visa- subclass 132.
- Business Innovation and Investment Provisional Visa- subclass 188.
- Business Innovation and Investment Permanent Visa- subclass 888.
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa- subclass 186.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa- subclass 187.
- Skilled Independent Visa- subclass 189.
- Skilled Nominated Visa-subclass 190.
- Skilled Regional Provisional Visa- subclass 489.
You have to apply for another BVC that lets you work if you can prove you are having financial hardship and:
- Your current BVC has work restrictions imposed on you.
- You are a SkillSet visa applicant and you are granted a BVC for judicial review.
In some specific cases, you may be granted a BVC without work restrictions. For example, if you applied for a protection visa and submitted a request for a judicial review, you can receive a BVC that lets you work only if you previously held a BVC with no work restrictions.
If you aren’t a protection visa or skillset visa applicant, you cannot receive a BVC without work restrictions if you apply for a BVC for judicial review.
Can I Study With an Australia Bridging Visa C?
You can study while under a BVC but, you might be limited by your previous visa (if you had one). If you are allowed to study, you may also be allowed to do so only in one particular area in Australia. You can check your detailed visa conditions on VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).
Can I Travel With an Australia Bridging Visa C?
You are not allowed to travel with a bridging visa C. If you leave Australia, your BVC becomes invalid and you cannot re-enter the country unless you apply for another substantive visa outside of Australia.
Can I Apply for a Bridging Visa B if I have a BVC?
If you hold a bridging visa C, you are not eligible to switch to a bridging visa B so you can travel. Only holders of a bridging visa A can apply for a BVB if they want to freely leave and return to Australia.
Can I Include Family Members in My Bridging Visa C Application?
If your family members are in Australia with you, you can include them in your bridging visa C application.
Bridging Visa C Cancellation
These three conditions are imposed on your BVC and if you violate them your visa is canceled:
- No work condition 8101. You are not allowed to work with a BVC unless you have explicit permission from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Your BVC limits your work only within your study field (if you are a student) and only if you are learning how to do a specific job without actually doing the work. Sometimes, you may be allowed to do volunteer work with written approval from the Department.
- Condition 8303. You are not allowed to cause harm, threaten or endanger someone in Australia.
- Condition 8501. You are responsible for your health insurance and you must have valid insurance during your stay in Australia with a BVC.
MediCare Access With a Bridging Visa C
You may have some limited access to Australia medicare if you are a permanent visa applicant. Income assistance and housing may be eligible for you through ASAS (Asylum Seeker Financial Support) if you meet the eligibility criteria.