Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) Requirements, Work Rights & More

The Australian government has ensured a new avenue for individuals who have an outdated substantive visa or a visa that is facing judicial review to legally reside in the country by submitting an application for A visa B. Bridging visas act as a breather between your previous visa and the one that is being processed.

It gives individuals a temporary permit to reside in Australia while their visa application is in process.
In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the conditions, documents, eligibility, and processing duration for the bridging visa so that you can navigate through the entire process seamlessly.

Documents Needed

An applicant of the bridging visa b subclass 020 is required to furnish the following paperwork to proceed in the journey of securing the visa.

• Applicant must have a history of previous visas.
• Proof that the applicant was awarded either a bridging or a substantive visa
• Confirmation of not disobeying the time limit for the application
• Proof of strong reason for leaving Australia in the waiting duration
• Proof of necessary reason to work
• Strong evidence of meeting health and character criteria
• Proof of residing within Australia during the application

Eligibility Requirements

The criteria for subclass 020 are similar to those for other bridging visas, and the same documents are often required. The detailed requirements are listed as follows:

1. Age Criteria

Although there is no fixed requirement to apply for the visa subclass 020, one has to be above the age of 18 to withdraw the application, for which their signature will be mandatory.

2. Time

Every applicant can exit and enter Australia within a specified time when the visa application is being processed.

3. Previous Visas

One of the most crucial requirements to apply for a BVB is that the applicant must possess either a substantive or a bridging visa. However, this visa is also granted even if the decision of another substantive visa is under judicial review.

4. Location

Candidates must reside in Australia during the application process for a bridging visa. b. However, this visa permits the holder to exit and re-enter the nation based on their reasons. The frequency will be decided by the authority concerned.

5. Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet such specifications listed by the Ministry of Immigration of Australia.

Work Rights

Individuals with BVBs are usually eligible to work in Australia if the below conditions are fulfilled.

• Your BVB does not restrict you from working
• By furnishing evidence of financial struggle
• If you had work rights in your substantive visa

It is crucial to check whether you have the right to work under your visa subclass 020 to avoid legal repercussions. If it does not, you can apply for a new visa that includes work rights. For this, you need to furnish evidence of facing financial hardships as a part of the new application. To overcome a hassle-free experience in filling out the new application, consulting with an expert Bridging visa lawyer Perth is always advisable.

Processing Time

In simple words, the duration for the visa subclass 020 to be awarded varies based on various reasons. Applicants must ensure they have furnished all the relevant documents as well as have filed in the application for a bridging visa b that is free from errors and misinformation. Making sure of all these factors will help streamline the process and lead to quicker visa grants. Usually, it takes around 28 days for all formalities to be completed before an applicant is awarded subclass 020.

To Sum It Up

Bridging visa B is your passport to reside in the country while the substantive visa is processed. The entire procedure can be complex and often demands immense time from the applicants. However, if things are getting too overwhelming to handle on your own, it is always a wise decision to consult with a Bridging visa lawyer Perth who will help you streamline the entire visa process, ensuring you come out with flying colours.

They would support your entire application process, ensuring you have furnished the required documents as evidence and have submitted an error-free application, which will ultimately heighten your chances of being awarded the BVB with less processing time.