Bridging Visa C: Rights and Limits When You Hold a BVC
A Bridging Visa C (BVC) is often confused with a Bridging Visa A (BVA). Although both allow you to stay in Australia lawfully while you wait for processing, a BVC carries much greater limits.
What a Bridging Visa C is
A BVC is granted to a person who has lodged a new visa application but whose previous visa had already expired before the new lodgement — meaning there was a period of being “unlawful” before the new application.
By contrast, a BVA is granted when you lodge a new visa application while the old visa is still in effect.
Who receives a BVC
It commonly arises when:
- A visa has expired and you did not lodge in time, but you later lodge a new visa application
- A person applies for a visa from an unlawful non-citizen status
Rights on a BVC
A BVC allows you to:
- Stay in Australia lawfully while the visa is processed
- Avoid detention or being required to leave Australia immediately
Limits of a BVC compared with a BVA
No default work rights: A BVC does not automatically come with work rights. You must apply for work rights separately and the Department assesses this case by case. Typically a BVC is not granted work rights if the visa under assessment is only to arrange departure (a Bridging Visa E) or if there are problems.
Cannot leave Australia: Unlike a BVB (which can be applied for to travel out), a BVC carries no re-entry right. If you leave Australia while holding a BVC, the BVC ceases and you cannot return on that BVC.
Cannot convert to a BVB: A person holding a BVC generally cannot apply for a BVB to travel out of Australia.
Improving your situation from a BVC
To move to a better situation:
- If you are waiting on the main visa decision: keep waiting and comply with the BVC conditions
- If you want work rights: lodge a request through ImmiAccount and explain the need
- Consult a migration agent, as each BVC situation can differ
A BVC is a temporary status — the goal is to have the main visa approved so you have fuller rights.