Yes, individuals holding a bridging visa can indeed apply for permanent residency in Australia, provided they satisfy the specific eligibility criteria for the permanent visa they wish to obtain.
Understanding Bridging Visas
A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed or while you are making arrangements to depart the country. It acts as a bridge between your previous visa and a new one, ensuring your legal status in Australia is maintained. It's important to understand that a bridging visa itself does not lead to permanent residency; rather, it facilitates your ability to remain in Australia while you pursue a different substantive visa, which could be a permanent one.
Applying for Permanent Residency While on a Bridging Visa
Indeed, being on a bridging visa does not prevent you from lodging a new substantive visa application, including one for permanent residency. This means that if you are currently holding a bridging visa, you are able to apply for a permanent residency visa, provided you meet the specific criteria for that permanent visa stream. While a bridging visa itself primarily grants temporary lawful status within Australia, the act of applying for a new substantive visa, such as a permanent residency visa, while on a bridging visa can also open up avenues for international travel, typically through the application of a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if needed.
Key Considerations for Permanent Residency Applications
When applying for permanent residency while on a bridging visa, several crucial factors come into play:
- Eligibility for the Permanent Visa: The most important aspect is meeting all the specific requirements for the permanent visa you are applying for (e.g., Skilled Migration, Partner Visa, Employer-Sponsored Visa). Your bridging visa status does not exempt you from these criteria.
- Bridging Visa Type: Different bridging visas (e.g., Bridging Visa A, B, C, E) have varying conditions and limitations. While generally allowing you to apply for a new visa, some may impact your ability to travel or work during the processing period.
- No Further Stay Conditions: Check if your previous substantive visa or current bridging visa has a "No Further Stay" condition (e.g., Condition 8503). If present, it typically prevents you from applying for most other substantive visas while in Australia, including permanent residency, unless a waiver is granted.
- Processing Times: Applications for permanent residency can take a significant amount of time to process. Your bridging visa will remain in effect until a decision is made on your permanent visa application.
Here's a simplified overview of how different bridging visas relate to applying for permanent residency:
| Bridging Visa Type | Ability to Apply for PR | Travel Rights While PR App is Processed | Key Purpose & Common Scenario |
| :----------------- | :---------------------- | :-------------------------------------- | 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Apply for PR | Yes, typically allows you to be issued a new visa if eligible. | Issued when you apply for a substantive visa (e.g., Partner, Skilled) while your previous visa is still valid. |
| Bridging Visa B (BVB) | Yes | Yes (if conditions allow) | Allows international travel while your substantive visa application is being processed. Apply for this before you travel. |
| Bridging Visa C (BVC) | Yes | No | Issued if you apply for a new substantive visa after your previous visa has expired, and you are unlawful. |
| Bridging Visa E (BVE) | Yes (if eligible) | No | Granted in specific circumstances, often to those who are unlawful and are seeking to resolve their immigration status or make departure arrangements. |
For precise and up-to-date information regarding visa types and eligibility, it is always recommended to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency
- Assess Eligibility: Determine which permanent visa pathway you qualify for based on your circumstances (e.g., skills, family ties, employment).
- Gather Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents, including identity, health, character, and skill assessments if required.
- Lodge Application: Submit your permanent visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Bridging Visa Continues: Your bridging visa will remain active, allowing you to stay lawfully in Australia, while your new permanent residency application is being processed.
- Await Decision: You will be notified of the decision on your permanent visa application.
Applying for permanent residency while on a bridging visa is a common scenario, and it provides a legal pathway to secure your long-term future in Australia.
