Bridging Visas When You Lodge a 482 Onshore: Rights and Limits
If you are in Australia on a temporary visa (student visa, visitor visa, working holiday visa) and want to lodge a visa 482 application without leaving Australia, you can lodge onshore. The important thing is to understand your visa status while you wait for a decision.
Bridging Visa A (BVA) when lodging a 482 onshore
When you lodge a valid visa 482 application while holding a temporary visa that is still in effect, you automatically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA).
The BVA comes into effect after your current visa expires — not from the day you lodge. When the old visa expires, the BVA takes effect and lets you continue to stay lawfully.
Work rights on a BVA tied to a 482
A BVA usually carries the same work conditions as your current visa:
- If you are on a student visa (with a limit of 48 hours per fortnight, or no limit during breaks): the BVA usually keeps that condition
- If you are on a working holiday visa (417/462): the BVA usually keeps the work rights
- If you are on a visitor visa (with no work rights): the BVA does not automatically grant work rights
Important note: when the 482 nomination is approved but the personal visa 482 has not yet been granted, in some cases the BVA is upgraded to reflect the work rights under the nomination. Check the conditions on your BVA when you receive it.
A BVA does not allow travel
This is the most important point to remember: a BVA does not allow you to leave and re-enter Australia.
If you leave Australia while on a BVA (after the old visa has expired), the BVA will cease and you cannot return to Australia unless you hold another valid visa.
If you need to travel: apply for a Bridging Visa B
If you need to leave Australia (for work or to visit family) while waiting for the 482, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before you travel. A BVB allows you to leave and return within an approved period.
Conditions for applying for a BVB:
- It must be applied for from within Australia (you cannot apply after you have left)
- You need a compelling reason
- Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your intended departure date
If your current visa expires before you lodge the 482
This is a complicated situation: if you lodge the 482 after your current visa has already expired, you are an unlawful non-citizen and do not receive a BVA.
This case needs legal advice immediately — you may need to consider other options or leave Australia and lodge offshore.
Onshore or offshore: a summary of the advantages
Onshore advantages:
- Continue to stay in Australia without leaving
- Stay close to the employer while preparing the application
- No need to repeat the health examination if you had one recently
Onshore disadvantages:
- Travel is restricted while on a BVA
- More complicated if your current visa is about to expire
Offshore advantages:
- More flexibility to travel before the visa is granted
- Not tied to a bridging visa
Both are valid — choose based on your specific situation. If you are unsure, consult a migration agent.