If you live in Australia on a 408 Temporary Activity Visa currently and plan to pursue your studies there, then you must apply for a 500 Visa. Here, the role of bridging visas comes. A Bridging Visas granted to you after you lodge for a Student visa 500 while still living on a 408 visa.
This visa gives you legal rights to stay in the country when your student visa is processed. In this blog, we tell you about the Bridging Visas, type of visas, rights and conditions applicable to it, and help you to make your transition smoothly.
What are Bridging Visas?
The Bridging Visas are temporary visas that are granted to individuals who want to stay legally in Australia till their 500 visa is processed. This visa serves as a bridge between a 408 visa and a 500 visa. It ensures that you have legal rights to live in Australia without breaching visa regulations. It is used for several purposes and granted for various reasons.
- If your current 408 visa has expired, and you are still waiting for approval of a 500 visa, then you can use a bridging visa.
- If you are waiting for a court decision on the appeal about 500 visa
Types of Bridging Visa
If you are currently on a 408 visa in Australia and lodge your application for Student visa 500, then you will be granted a bridging Visa, and get legal status to live in Australia. Here are the types of bridging visa
Bridging Visa A
If you lodge your 500 visa application when on a 408 visa, and wait for approvals, then you get bridging visa A. It gives you legal status till your application is processed. Here are important things you should know about BVA
Travel rights
- You do not get travel rights on this bridging visa. So, if you want to leave Australia, then you will not be able to go back to the country. For this, you should gain travel rights by applying for a bridging visa B
- If you travel on a current Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) after lodging the student visa application, then BVA ceases to leave Australia. It means that you need to renew the BVA to return to the country. If you do not renew your BVA, then you do not get legal rights to stay in Australia.
Work rights
- You are able to work in Australia on BVA, by meeting all the requirements for work. You are unable to get work rights on this visa till you apply for the department for another BVA that has no work limits.
- In that case, you should demonstrate your financial hardship to get work rights.
- If you are sponsored or nominated by an employer for a visa, and meet the eligibility then you get work rights lawfully.
Bridging Visa B
If you want to travel outside Australia and prevent the BVA to canceled while waiting for your 500 visas, then you should apply for bridging visa B. Here are important things you know about BVB
- This visa allows you to travel in and outside Australia during travel duration till your student visa is processed.
- You are also eligible to work if a BVB visa permits you.
- You can’t change the conditions on your BVB visa. If you want to change conditions, then you should apply for BVA.
- You are unable to stay in Australia for a long period with this visa. You need to apply for a new visa if you want to stay longer.
What after you lodge a 500 visa while on a temporary activity visa
Once you apply for a student visa while on a 408 visa, you get bridging visa A. Here is what happens step by step after your application
- Lodge 500 visa application
First, you should lodge your student visa application by ImmiAccount, and upload all your essential documents, like financial proof, health insurance, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and GTE statement.
- Bridging Visa A Issued
If you lodge a student visa application before the expiry of the 408 visa, then the system automatically issues you bridging visa A. But BVA does not activate instantly, it will activate after your 408 visa ends.
- Stay legally in Australia with BVA
Once you get your bridging visa A, you are able to stay in Australia legally and wait for approvals for a student visa. It comes with limited work rights but legal stay rights for individuals.
How does Pathway Visa Service Help you For a Bridging Visa?
Obtaining a Bridging visa before approval of Student Visa 500 is a tough and confusing task, but you can get it without any problems through Pathway Visa Service. Here how does Pathway Visa Service support you
- Guide you to lodge your 500 visa while on a 408 visa
- Give you real-time updates on bridging visa status
- Helps you to get work rights if required in Australia
- Support you to apply for bridging visa B if you want to travel
- Professional advice to stay compliant during the transition from 408 visa to 500 visa
Conclusion
Transitioning from a 408 visa to a 500 visa is a smart step to pursue your education there. A Bridging visa A is your safe option to stay legally in Australia when your student visa application is under review. This is the reason why it is suggested to lodge your 500 visa application before the expiry of the Temporary activity visa (subclass 408), so you get a grant of bridging Visa.
By applying earlier, understanding conditions, travel and work rights, and getting expert advice from Pathway Visa Service, you can manage your bridging visa period confidently and smoothly.
FAQs
1) What is bridging Visa A?
The Bridging visa A (BVA) allows you to stay lawfully in Australia till your new visa application is processed. It will be active after your current visa (408 visa) expires.
2) Do I need to apply separately for a bridging visa?
No, you do not need to apply for a bridging visa separately after lodging your student visa application. Applying for a student visa automatically grants your BVA, and you get a notification in your ImmiaAccount about it.
3) Can I study in Australia while on a bridging visa?
Yes, bridging visa holders get legal rights to study in Australia. Moreover, it is suggested to check specific conditions and rights applicable to your bridging visa, such as work restrictions, study activities, etc.
4) Can my bridging visa be canceled?
Yes, there are some chances that a bridging visa can be canceled if you breach any visa conditions, such as working without permission or failing to meet the obligations. Visa cancellation can result in becoming unlawful or detained by authorities.
6) What if I apply for a 500 visa after my 408 visa expires?
If you apply for a student visa after the expiration of your current Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), then you grant bridging visa C instead of bridging visa A. And BVC does not give you travel and work rights till you get approval from authorities.
Read More: GTE Statement Tips for 408 Visa Holders Applying for a Student Visa
