Can I Work While on a Bridging Visa A in Australia?
- Sabrina Zeng
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
If you're currently in Australia and have applied for a new visa while still holding a valid substantive visa, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will typically grant you a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa allows you to lawfully remain in Australia while your new visa is being processed.
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is:“Am I allowed to work while holding a BVA?”
The answer depends on the type of visa you previously held and the visa you have applied for.
🛂 What Is a Bridging Visa A (BVA)?
A Bridging Visa A is a temporary visa automatically granted when you lodge a valid application for a new substantive visa while you are still in Australia. It allows you to stay in the country lawfully after your original visa expires, and while you wait for a decision on your new visa application.
💼 Can I Work on a BVA?
It depends. In many cases, the work rights attached to your BVA mirror those of your previous visa.
For example:
· If you previously held a Student Visa (subclass 500) and apply for another visitor visa (subclass 600), your BVA may carry the same work limitation conditions (such as 8105 – limited work hours).
· If you held a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), which generally does not allow work, and you apply for another visa such as a protection visa, your BVA will most likely not allow you to work.However, there are important exceptions.
✅ When Does a BVA Allow You to Work Without Restrictions?
If you are applying for certain substantive visas from within Australia, your Bridging Visa A will typically have full and unrestricted work rights. These include:
· Partner Visa (subclass 820/801)
· Parent Visas (subclasses 864, 804, 884)
· Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
· Business Visas (subclasses 188, 888, 132)
· Employer Sponsored Visas (subclasses 186, 187, 494, 482)
· Skilled Visas (subclasses 189, 190, 191)
Let’s look at a common scenario:
A visitor enters Australia on a subclass 600 Visitor Visa without condition 8503 (No Further Stay). While still in Australia, they decide to apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or a Partner Visa. Once their visitor visa expires, they move onto a BVA, which grants full work rights while they wait for the new visa outcome.
📝 What If My BVA Doesn’t Grant Work Rights?
If your Bridging Visa A does not permit you to work, it is possible to request a change of visa conditions by demonstrating financial hardship. You can apply for a variation to your visa conditions (Form 1005), and if successful, you may be granted work rights on compassionate or compelling grounds.
🧭 Need Help Navigating Your Visa Options?
Understanding visa conditions and work rights can be complex. At MigrateHub, our experienced migration consultants are here to help you:
· Assess your visa status and work rights
· Guide you through visa applications and bridging visa implications
· Help you request work rights if your BVA does not permit employment
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s plan your future in Australia — the right way.
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