Yes, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) typically allows you to work, with your work rights generally mirroring those of the visa you held when you lodged your main visa application.
Understanding Bridging Visa A Work Rights
A Bridging Visa A (BVA) serves as a temporary visa, enabling individuals to remain lawfully in Australia while their application for a new substantive visa is being processed, especially if their previous visa has expired or is nearing its expiration.
Regarding employment, the work rights granted with your BVA are usually consistent with the work rights of the substantive visa you held at the time you submitted your main visa application. For example, if your previous visa, such as a student visa, permitted you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, your BVA would generally carry the same limitation. However, it is important to note that in certain scenarios, a Bridging Visa A may be granted with full work rights, even if your previous visa had restrictions. This often depends on the type of substantive visa you have applied for.
How Work Rights Are Determined
The specific work entitlements on your BVA are intrinsically linked to several factors at the time you lodged your substantive visa application:
- Conditions of Your Previous Visa: The work limitations or allowances of the visa you held immediately before applying for your new substantive visa are generally carried over.
- Nature of Your New Visa Application: The type of substantive visa you have applied for (e.g., a Partner Visa, Skilled Visa, or other permanent visa pathways) can influence whether your BVA is granted with full work rights.
Comparing Bridging Visas and Work Rights
It is crucial to understand that not all bridging visas provide automatic work rights. The type of bridging visa you hold significantly impacts your eligibility to work:
| Bridging Visa Type | Initial Work Rights | Application for Work Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Bridging Visa A (BVA) | Generally match previous substantive visa's work rights; can have full work rights in some cases. | Not typically required for initial grant based on previous visa rights. |
| Bridging Visa B (BVB) | Generally match previous substantive visa's work rights; allows for overseas travel. | Not typically required for initial grant. |
| Bridging Visa C (BVC) | None when granted. | Required to apply for work rights. |
| Bridging Visa E (BVE) | None when granted. | Required to apply for work rights. |
Note: A Bridging Visa B (BVB) is similar to a BVA in terms of work rights but additionally grants travel flexibility to leave and re-enter Australia while your main visa application is under assessment.
Understanding and Verifying Your Work Rights
To ensure compliance with Australian immigration laws and to effectively plan your employment while awaiting the outcome of your main visa application, it is essential to always:
- Review Your Visa Grant Letter: Your Bridging Visa A grant letter is the definitive source of information, explicitly detailing all conditions, including any work restrictions, attached to your visa.
- Utilize VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online): The Department of Home Affairs provides the VEVO system, a reliable online tool that allows you to check your current visa details and conditions, offering real-time information about your work rights.
Being aware of your precise work rights on a BVA is vital for navigating your stay in Australia responsibly.
