Navigating the complexities of Australian visas can be challenging, especially when exploring the bridging visas available. Bridging Visa B (BVB) holds particular significance for those who need to leave Australia temporarily while awaiting a decision on their substantive visa application.
The Bridging Visa B is a temporary visa tailor-made for individuals in Australia on another bridging visa who want to travel outside the country and return. Unlike the Bridging Visa A, which does not permit travel, the BVB provides key travel permissions that can be vital for personal, professional, or emergency reasons.
Let’s examine the specifics of Bridging Visa B, starting with its key features, eligibility criteria, and processing times.
Section 1: What is a Bridging Visa B?
Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa issued by the Australian Government that allows individuals already in Australia on another bridging visa to travel overseas and return. It can also be used when their current substantive visa ceases, and their new substantive visa application is being processed.
This visa is for those who need to leave for a specified travel period but still wish to maintain their legal status upon their return to Australia.
Section 2: When Should I Apply for a Bridging Visa B?
Here are the scenarios in which you will need to apply for this visa:
Judicial Review on a Previous Visa
If you are involved in a judicial review of a previous visa decision and must travel outside Australia, you will require a BVB. The judicial proceedings can be lengthy, and having the flexibility to travel for personal or professional reasons without jeopardizing your case is essential.
Traveling with a Bridging Visa A While Waiting for a Substantive Visa
Traveling outside Australia is not permitted for individuals holding a Bridging Visa A (BVA) and awaiting the decision on their substantive visa application. The BVB, however, will allow you to exit and re-enter Australia without compromising your ongoing visa requisition.
Automatic Granting of BVB Upon Substantive Visa Request
In some cases, when applying for certain substantive visas, a BVB may be automatically granted upon submitting your application. However, this automatic granting does not apply universally to all visa types and situations.
Section 3: Am I Eligible for a Bridging Visa B?
Let’s discuss the eligibility requirements for the bridging visa B:
Current or Previous Substantive Visa Holder
To be eligible for a BVB, you must either hold or have held a substantive visa. A substantive visa refers to any visa that is not a bridging visa. This criterion ensures that you have had a basis to remain legally in Australia.
Current or Previous Bridging Visa A or B Holder
You must have or previously obtained a Bridging Visa A or a Bridging Visa B. The BVB is for individuals transitioning from a bridging visa while awaiting the visa outcome of their application.
New Substantive Visa Plea Submitted
Eligibility criteria for a BVB require you to submit a valid application for a substantive visa. This new application indicates that you are in the process of changing your visa status or extending your stay in Australia under a different visa category.
Judicial Review Application Submitted
If you have applied for a judicial review of a decision related to your visa status, you may be eligible for a BVB. This provision allows individuals involved in legal proceedings regarding their visa status for single or multiple travel without affecting their ongoing review process.
Present in Australia During Application Submission
You must be physically present in Australia when you apply for the BVB. This in-country requirement ensures that your travel permissions are managed according to your current visa status and location.
Note on Judicial Review or Merits Review Timeframe Requirements
If your application for a substantive visa requisition is undergoing judicial review or deserves review by the Merits Review Tribunal, you must meet the prescribed timeframe requirements.
Typically, you must apply for the BVB within a certain period before your travel date.
Section 4: What are the Requirements for an Australia Bridging Visa B?
Applying for bridging visas involves preparing and submitting various documents to support your application. They include the following:
Identification Papers
- Passport: A certified copy of the bio-data page of your current, valid passport.
- Driver’s License: If available, a copy of your driver’s license.
- National Identity Card: Any national identity document you possess.
- Birth Certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Name Change Documents: If your name has changed, provide legal documents, such as a marriage certificate, to verify this change.
Good Character Certificates
You may be required to submit police clearance certificates or other documents to prove your good character. This could include criminal history checks from countries you have lived in for extended periods.
Parental Consent Certificate for Minors
If you are applying for a BVB for a minor, you must provide a parental consent certificate. This document should demonstrate that both parents or legal guardians consent to the child’s travel and visa application process.
Evidence of Substantial Reasons for Travel
You must provide evidence supporting the substantial reasons for your intended travel. Acceptable documents include:
- Medical Reports: If traveling for medical reasons, seek professional advice and include a detailed report from a medical expert.
- Event Invitations: Invitations to significant events such as weddings, funerals, or important business meetings.
Form 1006 for Paper Applications
Those submitting a paper form need to complete and submit Form 1006. This form is the official application for a substantive Bridging Visa B and must be completed accurately and completely.
Help Documents
If you are receiving assistance with your application, incorporate:
- Form 956a: Appointment or withdrawal of an authorized recipient.
- Form 956: Professional assistance by a migration agent.
Identity Pictures and Biometric Data Submission
Recent identity pictures (passport-sized) are required. Additionally, you may need to submit biometric data (such as fingerprints and photographs) as part of the application process. Ensure these are taken at an approved center and meet the Australian Government’s specifications.
Section 5: How to Apply for a Bridging Visa B
Here are the steps to follow to complete your application:
Online Application
Requesting for a Bridging Visa B online via ImmiAccount is a convenient and efficient way to manage your substantive visa process before your visa expires.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Log into ImmiAccount:
- Access the official ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- If you don’t have an ImmiAccount, create one by providing the required details and verifying your email address.
- Complete the Application Form:
- Navigate to the “New Application” section within ImmiAccount.
- Select “Bridging Visa B” as the type you wish to apply for.
- Please complete the application form accurately and completely. Include personal details, visa history, travel period, and other requested information.
- Attach Required Documents:
- Upload all required documents to support your BVB application. This includes identification papers, good character certificates, evidence of substantial reasons for travel, and additional documents specific to your situation.
- Ensure documents are clear, complete, and meet the Department of Home Affairs’ specifications.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- Make the BVB application fee payment using a credit or debit card. The fee amount may vary and can be checked on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Verify the payment details before proceeding to submit your application.
- Submit the Application:
- Review all information entered and documents attached to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Once satisfied, submit your Bridging Visa B application through ImmiAccount.
- Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation of receipt and an acknowledgment of your application.
Paper Application
To apply for a Bridging Visa B using a paper application rather than online, follow these straightforward steps:
- Complete Form 1006:
- Obtain Form 1006 from the Department of Home Affairs website or an Australian immigration office.
- Complete Form 1006 accurately and provide all required information.
- Mail to Processing Address:
- Send your completed application package, including Form 1006 and supporting documents, to the address specified for processing substantive visa applications.
Section 6: How Long Does It Take to Get a Bridging Visa B in Australia?
The processing times for a Bridging Visa B in Australia can vary depending on several factors:
- The Department of Home Affairs’ workload and volume of applications being processed;
- The time it takes to process your BVB application also depends on how well-prepared and complete it is;
- Factors specific to your application (e.g., the complexity of your specified travel period or certain legal considerations) can influence processing times.
Section 7: How Much Does a Bridging Visa B Cost?
When budgeting for a new Bridging Visa B application, the primary cost to consider is the application fee of AU $155. However, you may have to pay additional fees for procedures such as biometric data collection, document translation or certification, and health examinations.
Section 8: How Long Does a Bridging Visa B Last?
The validity of a BVB depends on the decision made on your current substantive visa application. This allows you to stay lawfully in Australia and travel internationally as specified in your visa conditions.
Here are some scenarios for BVB invalidation:
- Substantive Visa Approval or Denial:
If your new substantive visa application is approved, the BVB becomes redundant as you transition to the new visa. If denied, you would have no basis to apply for the BVB.
- Withdrawal of Visa or Review Applications:
If you withdraw your new visa requisition or cease the judicial review process, your BVB may be invalidated.
- AAT Decision:
When the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) reviews your substantive visa and makes a decision, this can also affect the sufficient validity remaining for your BVB.
- Visa Cancellation by the Department:
The Department of Home Affairs can cancel visas under certain circumstances, such as non-compliance with visa conditions or discovering false information.
Section 9: Can You Work on a Bridging Visa B?
Let’s discuss the work conditions and limitations of this visa:
40 Hours per Two Weeks
Generally, holders of a Bridging Visa B are allowed to work in Australia for up to 40 hours per fortnight (two-week defined travel period) while their substantive visa is being processed. This includes both paid and unpaid work.
Additional Work Restrictions
Depending on your circumstances, there may be additional conditions or restrictions placed on your work rights:
- Always check the conditions specified on your BVB grant letter or in your ImmiAccount for any specific work restrictions that apply to your visa subclass.
- The work conditions on your BVB may be influenced by the type of substantive visa you have applied for. Different Australian bridging visa subclasses may have varying work entitlements.
- Your visa history and any previous work restrictions or conditions imposed by the Department of Home Affairs may also impact your BVB work rights.
Section 10: Can You Study with a Bridging Visa B?
Individuals holding a Bridging Visa B in Australia may be eligible to study under specific conditions:
General Permissions
A Bridging Visa B holder is permitted to study in Australia. This includes enrolling in courses, attending classes, and participating in educational activities.
Verification via VEVO
To confirm your study rights and conditions, you can check the details of your Bridging Visa B using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
VEVO lets you view your substantive visa conditions and entitlements, including study permissions.
Section 11: Can You Include Family Members on a Bridging Visa B Application?
If you are applying for a new Bridging Visa B in Australia, you may incorporate eligible family members in your application under certain conditions:
Spouse and Dependent Children
You can include your spouse and dependent children (under 18 years) on your BVB application if they are in Australia with you and hold substantive or bridging visas.
Same Substantive Visa Application
Family members in your new visa application must also be associated with the same substantive visa application you are waiting to process.
Section 12: Can I Get Access to Medicare Under a Bridging Visa B?
Let’s discuss how to get access to Medicare on a Bridging Visa B:
General Eligibility
Holders of a Bridging Visa B are not eligible for full access to Medicare, Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system.
Permanent Residency Requirement
Access to Medicare is primarily reserved for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain other visa holders who meet specific criteria.
Limited Access for Some Visa Holders
While certain temporary holders may have limited access to Medicare for medically necessary treatment in Australia, the specific entitlements can vary based on visa subclass and individual circumstances.
Exceptions
Individuals on a BVB may access Medicare under specific conditions, such as emergency medical treatment or other limited circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs and Medicare Australia generally outlines these provisions.
Private Health Insurance
Individuals on a Bridging Visa B should consider obtaining private health insurance to cover medical expenses during their stay in Australia.
Private health insurance can cover medical treatments and services that Medicare may not cover.
Section 13: Bridging Visa B Cancellation Conditions
We will discuss the conditions leading to BVB cancellation:
- Condition 8101: No Work Permission Engaging in any work without proper authorization or exceeding the allowable work hours.
- Condition 8102: Work Related to Study Course Only Performing work outside the scope of activities related to your study course while on a Bridging Visa B.
- Condition 8103: No Paid Work Unless Permitted Undertaking paid work without specific authorization or exceeding work limitations set by the visa conditions.
- Condition 8112: No Paid Work Allowed Indulging in any form of paid work while holding a Bridging Visa B that prohibits paid employment.
- Condition 8547: Work Limitation with a Single Employer Working for multiple employers or entities not authorized under this condition.
- Yacht Crew Condition: Work Only as Part of a Superyacht Crew Operating in roles outside the duties permitted under the yacht crew condition.
- Condition 8303: No Involvement in Criminal or Harmful Activities Participating in criminal activities or behaviors deemed harmful to the Australian community.
- Condition 8501: Mandatory Health Insurance Failing to maintain appropriate health insurance coverage as required by the visa condition.
- Condition 8539: Work, Live, and Study in Low-Growth Population Areas Unable to comply with the specific living, working, or studying requirements in designated low-growth population areas.
Get Help With Your Bridging Visa B Subclass 020 Application
As you embark on your proposed journey with a Bridging Visa B in Australia, remember that compliance is your compass. Each condition on your visa (such as work permissions and travel facility) guides your lawful stay and activities.
By understanding and adhering to these requirements, you ensure regulatory faithfulness and pave the way for a smooth transition to your new life in Australia.
For expert guidance and support, choose AlliedPassport.com to get professional assistance with your visa application process. Make your journey smoother with our reliable visa services. Your path to Australia starts with us!