Tourist visa to bridging visa in Australia

Australian Bridging visas are temporary visas granted to individuals who are transitioning between visa types, such as when their current visa is expiring and they have lodged a new substantive visa application. The most common circumstances for a transition from a Tourist visa to a Bridging visa occur when an individual applies for a longer-term substantive visa, such as a student, Partner or Working visa, whilst they are in Australia. You cannot be granted a Bridging visa if you are outside Australia. Once your Tourist visa expires, the Bridging visa comes into effect, allowing you to stay lawfully whilst your substantive visa application is processed and your formal visa status is resolved.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, our experienced team is adept at assisting individuals in navigating the complexities of Australia’s immigration system. We are committed to providing specific and tailored advice to our clients, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with the visa application process. If you or someone you know needs visa assistance or has further questions, contact us today!

How to Change from a Tourist Visa to Another Visa in Australia

In Australia, once you hold a Tourist visa, you cannot convert it to another type of visa; you will need to apply for another substantive visa. Changing visa types involves applying for a new visa that suits your updated circumstances. This process generally includes submitting a visa application prior to your current visa expiring.

Steps:

1. Check your Current Visa: The first step is to check your current visa expiry date and whether there is a condition preventing you from further stay. If you want to apply for another substantive visa when you are in Australia, you should apply before your current visa expires.
2. Submit Application: Apply for the new substantive visa through the Department of Home Affairs. This can typically be done online via the ImmiAccount portal. You’ll need to provide the required documents, pay the application fee, and meet the various requirements.
3. Bridging visa: If you apply for a new visa while already in Australia and your current visa is set to expire, you may be granted a temporary visa called a Bridging visa A (BVA) for the period of time it takes the Department of Home Affairs to grant or refuse the application. This allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while your new visa is processed and generally has the same conditions attached to it as the visa held at the time of application.
4. Await Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application. Processing times vary depending on the visa type and complexity of the case.

Visa Timelines and No Further Stay Conditions

The length of time you have on a tourist visa to apply for another substantive visa in Australia depends on the visa’s expiry date and any visa conditions attached to it, such as the “No Further Stay” condition (8503). This prevents visa holders from applying for multiple temporary and permanent visas while they are in Australia.

If your visitor visa is approaching its expiration date, you should apply as soon as possible. Once your substantive visa application is lodged, you will usually be granted a Bridging visa A (BVA), a temporary visa that allows you to remain in Australia legally while your new visa is being processed; however, there are several different Bridging visas that you could be granted.

There are certain restrictions and conditions to be aware of when applying for a substantive visa from a Tourist visa while in Australia. For example, if you need to leave Australia while your visa application is being processed, a Bridging visa B (BVB) can be granted with a defined travel period. To ensure your stay is lawful and your travel plans are protected, check:

• Visa type: Ensure your visa type is “Bridging Visa B" (Subclass 020).
• Expiry date: Check the expiry date and verify how long the travel facilities remain valid.
• Work rights: If you will need to work during this time, your VEVO account must confirm you have work rights.
• Application timing: Apply for a BVB at least 2-4 weeks before your intended travel date to account for the Department of Home Affairs processing times.
• Wait for the grant: Do not leave Australia until your BVB has been granted; keep tracking the status to see if it is “In Effect” and not cancelled.

Therefore, ensuring that you apply for the BVB well before your intended travel date is important, as processing times can vary significantly. You must have the BVB granted before leaving Australia so that you can leave and re-enter Australia during this travel period.

It’s advisable to consult a migration lawyer to navigate the process. Contact Australian Migration Lawyers to ensure you have the necessary support and comply with all relevant timelines and conditions.

What if I travel to Australia and my visa expires?

If you travel to Australia and your current substantive visa ceases, you will be in Australia unlawfully if you remain without a valid visa. This can have a range of implications, such as being detained, removed from Australia, or even subject to a 3-year exclusion period where only limited exceptions apply.

There are several types of Bridging visas, and the type of Bridging visa granted to you will depend on your particular circumstances if you are in Australia without a valid visa.

1. Bridging visa C (BVC): This visa is granted when someone has made a valid application in Australia for a substantive visa; however, they do not already hold a substantive visa. If you are an unlawful non-citizen and you lodge a valid application for a substantive visa, you will be granted a BVC. A holder of a BVC cannot travel outside of and return to Australia, and generally, this visa comes without work rights.
2. Bridging visa D (BVD): This is a short-term visa valid for 5 days. It is granted to people with no valid substantive visa or to people whose substantive visa will expire in 3 working days. A BVD will allow you to stay in Australia lawfully for a short time until you are able to make a substantive visa application, make arrangements to leave Australia or are granted a Bridging visa E.
3. Bridging visa E (BVE): This visa lets unlawful non-citizens stay lawfully in Australia while they make arrangements to leave the country, finalise their immigration concerns or wait for an immigration decision. These are used to rectify your immigration status, generally if you are currently unlawful.

New visa application: You may still be able to apply for certain types of visas onshore (while in Australia), but your unlawful status could impact your eligibility. An example of this is the Schedule 3 conditions that can limit an applicant’s ability to apply for a visa.

Exit and re-enter: In some cases, individuals opt to leave Australia and apply for a new visa from abroad. This may provide more options, but it’s essential to check the requirements of the visa you’re applying for.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a Tourist visa to a Student visa in Australia?

Yes, it is possible to change from a Tourist visa to a Student visa in Australia, but there are specific steps to follow. You must apply for the Student visa before your Tourist visa expires, fulfil all the Student visa requirements, and provide an acceptance letter from an Australian educational institution. This option enables you to remain in Australia legally while studying.

Can a Tourist visa be converted into a Work visa?

No, a Tourist visa cannot be directly converted into a Work visa in Australia. To work, you must apply for a suitable Work visa based on your skills and experience. Each Work visa has specific eligibility requirements, so it’s crucial to ensure you meet these criteria and apply while your current visa is still valid.

How long will I be on the Bridging visa?

If you're on a Tourist visa in Australia and apply for a substantive visa, you may be granted a Bridging visa while your new visa application is being processed. The length of time you will hold a Bridging visa depends on how long it takes for the Department of Home Affairs to process your new visa application.

Am I able to work on a Bridging visa A?

You might be allowed to work in Australia depending on the visa conditions that apply to your Bridging visa A (BVA). Your grant letter will tell you about these conditions. See if you have work restrictions in VEVO. If your BVA does not let you work or has restrictions on working, you can apply for another BVA that lets you work. To be considered for a BVA that lets you work, you will usually have to demonstrate that you are in financial hardship.

Can I stay in Australia while waiting for my Bridging visa?

If you applied onshore for another visa while holding a valid substantive visa, a BVA is automatically granted and comes into effect when your current visa expires, allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia. If your current visa expires before a Bridging visa is granted, you may become unlawful and should seek advice immediately.

What happens if my Bridging visa is refused?

If your Bridging visa is refused, it could be that your substantive visa was refused. You will become unlawful, but in many cases, you may apply for a review at the ART. If you lodge a review application, you can remain in Australia on a Bridging visa while the ART considers the case. Alternatively, you may need to apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) to make arrangements to depart Australia. You must act quickly, as remaining without a valid visa can lead to detention.

Get Expert Advice on Transferring Between Visas

With changes in immigration policies and evolving requirements, professional advice is important to avoid costly mistakes or delays. If you’re unsure about your visa status or how to transfer between visa types in Australia, we can help.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we provide valuable advice tailored to your individual circumstances. We ensure that you meet the common eligibility criteria and that your application is thoroughly prepared to maximise your chances of success. Whether you’re on a Tourist visa and want to explore options like skilled migration, Partner visas, or permanent residency, our experienced migration lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of the visa system. If you need to apply for a new visa while in Australia, we assist in managing your transition to a Bridging visa, ensuring your legal status in Australia.