How to Get a Bridging visa B

Australia’s immigration system offers various visa options to accommodate different circumstances and needs of travellers, students, workers, and residents.

One such visa is the Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020, designed to provide temporary residence and travel rights to individuals awaiting the processing of their substantive visa applications.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of BVB, its eligibility criteria, benefits, application process and benefits of using Ultimate Migration, a migration agent in Perth.

What is Bridging Visa B (BVB)?

The Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020 is a temporary visa that allows individuals to leave and return to Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed.

This visa is particularly useful for those who need to travel outside Australia but still want to maintain their legal status in the country.

Bridging Visa B – BVB Subclass 020 Requirements?

To be eligible for a BVB Subclass 020, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Current Visa Status– The applicant must be in Australia when applying for the visa and must remain in Australia at the time of the visa grant.
• Previous Visa– The applicant should have held a substantive visa prior to applying for BVB.
• Bridging Visa Status– The applicant must currently hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or a Bridging Visa B (BVB) without travel rights.
• Substantive Visa Application– The applicant must have lodged an application for a new substantive visa that has not yet been decided or applied for a judicial review of a visa decision within the prescribed timeframes.
• Travel Reasons– The applicant must provide substantial reasons for needing to travel outside Australia and return while their substantive visa is being processed.
• Character Requirements– The applicant must meet the character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Compliance with Visa Conditions– The applicant must have complied with the conditions of their previous substantive visa.

How to apply for Bridging Visa B

1. Gather Required Documents– Before applying, ensure you have all necessary documents, including proof of identity, previous visa details, and reasons for travel.
2. Submit Application– Applications for a BVB can be lodged online through the same Immi-Account portal you used to lodge the substantive visa application, or via webform if the substantive visa application was paper-based. Ensure that all sections are accurately filled out and required documents are attached.
3. Processing time to grant bridging visa– Processing times for BVB can vary. While some applications may be granted within a day, others may take several weeks depending on the completeness of the application and the need for additional information or verifications.
4. Grant Notice– If the application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notice specifying the travel validity period and other conditions.

Potential reasons for delays in processing

The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application on a case-by-case basis, which means processing times can vary. Delays may occur due to:

• Incomplete Applications– Ensure all sections of your application are filled correctly and required documents are attached.
• Additional Information– The Department may request additional information or verifications, which can prolong the processing time.
• External Agency Involvement– Sometimes, external agencies are involved in the verification process, leading to further delays.

What is the valid reason for bridging visa B?

To obtain this visa, you must present compelling reasons for:

• Family Emergencies– Unforeseen family situations such as illness or death often require immediate travel. BVB provides the necessary flexibility to manage these situations.
• Business Obligations– Professionals with business commitments may need to travel for meetings, conferences, or other work-related duties. BVB allows them to fulfill these obligations without jeopardizing their visa status.
• Personal Reasons– Sometimes, personal reasons such as weddings, significant family events, or other important occasions necessitate travel. BVB ensures that individuals can attend these events and return to Australia legally.

Benefits of Professional Consultation

Engaging with professional visa consultants can greatly enhance your chances of a successful application. They offer:

• Expert Guidance– Professional consultants can guide you through the application process, ensuring all requirements are met.
• Document Preparation– Consultants assist in preparing and verifying documents to avoid common pitfalls.
• Application Management– They manage your application from start to finish, keeping track of deadlines and correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs.

Conclusion

The Bridging Visa B (BVB) Subclass 020 is a valuable option for individuals awaiting the decision on their substantive visa applications.

It offers essential benefits such as legal residence, travel rights, and potential work rights.

Navigating the application process can be complex, but with the right guidance and preparation, applicants can successfully obtain this visa.

Seeking professional advice from migration consultants can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.

For further information or to schedule a consultation with experienced migration agents, please reach out to Ultimate Migration at +61 478 904 001 or info@ultimatemigration.com.