Potential Problems with a Bridging Visa

Immigration Lawyer Sydney – Bridging Visa E

During the COVID-19 Lockdown some foreigners in Australia applied for the Bridging Visa type E. This Bridging Visa allows an individual to legally stay in the country while either making departure arrangements or while waiting on their government decision for a more long-term Visa application. These people preferred bridging Visa E because it has no application fee.

An alternative to the bridging Visa E was the onshore tourist Visa (600). This has an application fee of at least $365, sometimes $1065. Obviously people prefer the Visa with no application fee, but there are some potential disadvantages.

If, having been granted the free bridging Visa E, the individual leaves the country they will trigger an enquiry. This is a section 4014. They must demonstrate a valid reason for leaving. People who have been unlawfully in the country for more than 28 days will suffer the same enquiry, and also need to show a valid reason for their actions/situation.

Problems can occur with future Visa application if there has been a 4014 enquiry. A 3-year ban may be imposed if the Individual did not have an acceptable reason for leaving the country, or an acceptable reason for unlawfully staying for more than 28 days. This makes acceptance of future Visa applications unlikely, or will at least result in much longer processing times.

Preferred Visa Option – Immigration Lawyer Sydney

A Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa (Australian Government Endorsed Events – COVID-19 Stream) is an alternative for individuals who cannot leave Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also has a zero-application fee. This Visa may be refused, but this refusal will not have any impact when for future Visa application.

An Onshore tourist Visa or a Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa will not entail the potential risks that a Bridging Visa E may cause for future Visa applications.

Please ensure that all Visa application information is completely honest and as accurate as possible. Mistakes or dishonesty badly affect the possibility of success on future Visa applications.

Immigration Lawyer Sydney

Bridging Visas and alternatives can affect acceptance on future Visa applications. Talk to our Immigration Lawyer Sydney for advice.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No individual should take, or refrain from taking, any action solely based on the material contained in this article. While we aim to offer accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on the date of receipt or in the future. If you require more information or seek relevant legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our office.