- +44 7424234034
- admin@giecglobal.uk
- First Central 200, 6th floor, Suite Number 6.034 2 Lakeside Dr, London NW10 7FQ
Bridging Visa A
Australia Immigration Consultant in UK
What Is Bridging Visa A?
Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that allows people to stay legally in Australia after their current visa expires and while they wait for a decision on a new visa application.
Think of it like a visa bridge—it helps you to stay legally for your future visa outcome without forcing you to leave the country.
Who Needs a Bridging Visa A?
If you have lodged a valid visa application while already in Australia.
If your current visa is about to expire or has recently expired.
If you are applying for a partner visa, student visa, or other long-term visa.
In many cases, Bridging Visa A is automatically granted once you lodge an eligible application. But there are scenarios where you’ll need to apply for bridging visa A manually.
It’s also common for people overseas to confuse the process by searching for terms like “bridging visa application UK” but it’s important to understand that the Bridging Visa A is only for applicants who are already in Australia at the time of their application.
Bridging Visa A Benefits
✅ Key Bridging Visa A Benefits:
Stay legally in Australia during visa processing
No cost — it’s generally free to apply
In some cases, it allows work and study rights
Ideal for applicants of bridging visa for partner visa
Gives peace of mind while waiting for a long processing time
Helps maintain your visa status without becoming unlawful
bridging visa a conditions
Work Rights Conditions
- Your work rights on a BVA depend on your previous visa and current application type.
- If your expired visa had full work rights (like a 485 visa) or restricted work rights (like a student visa with 20-hour limits), your BVA typically continues with the same work permissions.
- Some BVA grants have no work rights, particularly if you held a Tourist visa or your application is considered high risk.
- Work condition 8101 means no work is permitted. Condition 8105 allows up to 20 hours per week during study periods if you are a student.
Travel Restrictions
- Most BVA holders cannot leave and return to Australia.
- Condition 8558 prohibits departure from Australia. If you leave, your BVA automatically ceases and you cannot return on this visa.
- In rare cases, you may be granted permission to travel, but this requires a separate application and compelling circumstances but its better to apply for a Bridging Visa B before departure
Health Insurance Requirements
- Adequate health insurance is mandatory for most BVA holders.
- Condition 8501 requires you to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- This typically means Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) from an approved Australian provider.
- The insurance must cover you and any family members included in your visa application.
Character and Compliance Conditions
- Standard behavioral conditions apply to all BVA holders.
- You must obey Australian laws and not engage in criminal activity.
- You cannot be involved in activities that might be harmful to the community.
- Some applications may have additional character requirements during the bridging period.
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WHY CHOOSE GIEC GLOBAL UK?
At GIEC Global UK, we are committed to making your immigration journey smooth, transparent, and successful.
✅ Experienced Canada, Australia & UK Immigration & Study Experts.
✅ 99% Success Rate Across Visa Categories
✅ Personalized Guidance & Transparent Process
✅ Registered MARA & RCIC Agents
✅ Global Presence with Local Expertise
✅ Free Assessment & Document Review
✅ Free Consultation
Travel Restrictions: Can You Leave Australia on a BVA?
Bridging Visa A does not come with travel rights.
If you leave the country then your BVA will be cancelled automatically and you’ll need to apply for Bridging Visa B (BVB) to return.
Want to travel while on a BVA?
- You can apply for a Bridging Visa B before leaving.
- Make sure you provide a legit reason (family emergency, business, etc.).
- It is best to avoid travel unless it’s really necessary.
Bridging Partner Visa: How It Connects
Many people on a temporary visa in Australia apply for a partner visa (subclass 820) . When this happens, the system often grants a Bridging Visa A automatically.
This is also known as a bridging visa for partner visa applicants. It allows you to stay and even work or study, depending on the bridging visa A conditions applied to your case.
Important Notes:
If you’re applying onshore, you’ll likely receive a BVA.
If you apply after your current visa expires, you may get a different bridging visa (like BVC).
If you want to travel during the wait, you’ll need to apply for a Bridging Visa B — more on that below.
AU Bridging Visa Tips
This visa process can be hectic. That’s why we recommend to speaking with MARA registered Consultant. GIEC GLOBAL UK has MARA Registered consultant who can make visa process smoother and hussel free.
Consultant-Approved Do’s:
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Lodge your partner or other visa before your current visa expires.
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Track your bridging visa A application status via ImmiAccount.
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Apply for work rights if you’re under financial stress.
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If unsure, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Don’ts:
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Don’t leave Australia without securing a Bridging Visa B.
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Don’t work if your BVA doesn’t allow it — penalties are steep.
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Don’t assume Medicare is included — check eligibility based on your main visa.
Bridging Visa A vs Other Bridging Visas
Bridging Visa A
Purpose: Stay in Australia legally while waiting
Work Rights: Maybe (depends on visa)
Travel Rights: ❌ Not included
Bridging Visa B
Purpose: Travel & return to Australia
Work Rights: Yes
Travel Rights: ✅ Allowed
Bridging Visa C
Purpose: For unlawful non-citizens who apply late
Work Rights: Limited
Travel Rights: ❌ Not included
Bridging Visa D
Purpose: Temporary while making arrangements
Work Rights: No
Travel Rights: ❌ Not included
Bridging Visa E
Purpose: Last-resort option for unlawful stayers
Work Rights: Very limited
Travel Rights: ❌ Not included
Contact Us
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get in touch with australia immigration consultants
phone number
Office Telephone : +44 (742) 4234034
our address
First Central 200, 6th floor, Suite Number 6.034 2 Lakeside Dr, London NW10 7FQ
email address
admin@giecglobal.uk
frequently asked questions
You can learn more from our asked questions
It depends. If your previous visa allowed work, your BVA might too. If not, you’ll need to apply for work rights under financial hardship grounds.
Yes — if you apply onshore and your current visa hasn’t expired.
Your BVA ends shortly after the refusal unless you appeal or apply for another visa.
Usually yes, unless your previous visa had restrictions. Always check your visa conditions.
Yes — if you’ve applied for a visa that makes you eligible for Medicare (like a partner visa), you can access it on a BVA too.
Yes. A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a valid visa in Australia. It allows you to stay in the country while waiting for your new visa application to be processed.
No. A Bridging Visa A (BVA) can only be applied for inside Australia. It allows you to stay legally while waiting for your visa to be processed.It is granted when you apply for a new substantive visa in Australia and your current visa is about to expire. If you are outside Australia, you cannot apply for Bridging visa A.
You can convert a Bridging Visa A to B. You have to apply for a Bridging Visa B to get travel permission while your main visa application is processing. A BVB lets you leave and re‑enter Australia for a set period while keeping your bridging status active. For more details, contact us at +44 7424234034
A Bridging Visa is usually granted automatically when you apply for a new substantive visa from inside Australia and your current visa is still valid. If your visa has already expired or if you need special conditions (like travel rights), you may need to apply separately.
Professional Accreditation
Note: Contact the nearest GIEC Global branch by searching “Australia immigration agent near me” for the most recent and updated information.