Bridging visa work rights
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By type
| Visa | Work rights |
|---|---|
| BVA | Set by the conditions in your grant letter. You can apply for a BVA that allows work, usually by showing financial hardship |
| BVB | You might work if the visa you had or the one you applied for allows it. If both restrict work, you cannot work. You cannot change BVB conditions |
| BVC | No work at first, unless you applied for a 132, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 489, 491, 494 or 888 |
| BVE | Only if your grant letter says so. You can apply for a new BVE with work rights only in limited cases, such as financial hardship |
You can see work restrictions in VEVO. Condition 8101 means no work. See 8101.
How do I ask for work permission?
Apply for another bridging visa of the same type that lets you work and show that you are in financial hardship, meaning you cannot pay your reasonable living costs. Home Affairs assesses your circumstances. If you do not meet the requirements, you are granted a new bridging visa with the same work restriction as before. Useful evidence includes bank statements, bills and rent receipts.
Limits apply when judicial review or a protection visa is involved: - You cannot get a new BVA with work rights if your current BVA restricts work and was granted because you applied for judicial review or a protection visa. - A protection visa applicant seeking a new BVC for judicial review gets one with work rights only if the last BVC allowed work. Other applicants get one without work rights.
What are the risks of working without permission?
If you work when you are not allowed to, Home Affairs can cancel a BVE and detain you, and you could be removed from Australia. Work in breach of any visa condition can lead to cancellation. See visa conditions.
FAQ
Does a student bridging visa keep the 48-hour limit?
Work limits tied to your earlier visa can carry over. See student work hours.
What is 8101?
No work. See 8101.
Is there a fee to apply for a BVA with work rights?
No. The BVA is free.
Where do I find my conditions?
In your grant letter and in VEVO.