Australian Department of Home Affairs Updates Visitor Visa Rules

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has published guidance detailing the conditions visitors must meet to extend their stay in Australia beyond their current visa's expiry date. Visitors who submit a new visa application before their existing substantive visa expires will generally receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) automatically.

This visa activates upon the expiration of the current visa, allowing the holder to remain in Australia legally while awaiting a new visa decision. However, cancelling a current visa will void the bridging visa, leaving the individual without legal status.

The conditions for holding a bridging visa include that the current substantive visa must have expired and a decision on the new visa application must not yet be made. Additionally, for skilled visa categories requiring an Expression of Interest (EOI), submitting an EOI does not count as a visa application.

Work rights on a BVA depend on conditions stated in the grant letter, and applicants must demonstrate financial hardship to apply for work rights under certain conditions.