You have lodged, or are preparing to lodge, an onshore Partner visa application. Now you need to know what happens if your current visa ends before the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision. Can you stay in Australia? Can you keep working? Can you travel if something urgent comes up?
The answers depend on the bridging visa linked to your application and the conditions attached to it. In this guide, we explain what a Partner Bridging visa in Australia is, how different bridging visas may relate to Partner visa applications and what to check before making decisions about work, travel or your next steps.
What is a Partner Bridging visa?
In Australia, a “Partner Bridging visa” is not a separate visa type. It’s an informal term people use for the bridging visa they may receive after applying for a Partner visa while they are in Australia.
For onshore applicants, the main pathway is the Partner visa subclass 820 and Partner visa subclass 801. The Partner visa subclass 820 is the temporary Partner visa, while the Partner visa subclass 801 is the permanent stage.
A bridging visa may become relevant before the Partner visa subclass 820 is decided. It can help a person remain lawful in Australia, but the exact visa type depends on their circumstances.
How does it fit into the onshore Partner visa process?
To apply for the Partner visa subclass 820 and Partner visa subclass 801 pathway, the applicant must be in Australia when applying. If their current substantive visa ends before the Partner visa subclass 820 is decided, a bridging visa may help them stay lawfully in Australia during the waiting period.
This does not mean the Partner visa has been granted. It also does not mean every applicant receives the same rights. A bridging visa is separate from the Partner visa subclass 820, and its conditions determine what the holder can and cannot do while waiting.
What can you do while waiting for a Partner visa decision?
Most applicants want to understand three things at this stage: whether they can stay lawfully, whether they can work and whether they can travel.
The answer depends on the bridging visa granted and the conditions attached to it. Some bridging visas may allow work if certain requirements are met. Travel rights also vary. Some bridging visas do not allow the holder to leave Australia and return.
Before making decisions about employment, flights or study, check your visa grant notice or VEVO. Visa conditions are specific to each person.
How different bridging visas relate to Partner visa applications
The relevant bridging visa can depend on the person’s visa status when they apply, travel needs and any complex immigration issues. Below is a general guide to how these bridging visas may relate to Partner visa applications:
Bridging visa A for Partner visa applications
The Bridging visa A subclass 010 may be relevant when a person applies for an onshore Partner visa while still holding a substantive visa. It generally allows lawful stay after that visa ends while the new application is processed. Work rights should be checked, and overseas travel should not be assumed.
Bridging visa B for Partner visa applications
The Bridging visa B subclass 020 may be relevant when an applicant needs to leave and return to Australia while waiting for a visa decision. It can allow travel within a defined travel period, but not unrestricted travel. Applicants usually need to be in Australia when applying.
Bridging visa C for Partner visa applications
The Bridging visa C subclass 030 may be relevant where a person does not hold a substantive visa when lodging an onshore visa application. In a Partner visa context, this can involve added requirements, including compelling reasons in some cases. Conditions should be checked before making assumptions about work or travel.
Bridging visa E for Partner visa applications
Bridging visa E subclass 050 and Bridging visa E subclass 051 are usually linked to more complex immigration situations. Bridging visa E subclass 050 may relate to regularising status or waiting for an immigration decision, while Bridging visa E subclass 051 is generally connected to Protection visa matters. Neither should be treated as the standard bridging visa for Partner visa applicants.
What happens after the Partner visa subclass 820 is granted?
Once the Partner visa subclass 820 is granted, the applicant no longer needs to rely on the bridging visa.
The Partner visa subclass 820 allows the holder to live, work, study and travel to and from Australia while the Partner visa subclass 801 is processed. The Partner visa subclass 801 is usually assessed after the relevant eligibility period, which is generally two years after the combined application was lodged.
Applicants may need to provide updated relationship evidence for the permanent stage, depending on the circumstances.
What about other Partner visa subclasses?
Some visa subclasses relate to partner migration, but they do not play the same role in a Partner Bridging visa discussion. Related subclasses include:
- Partner visa subclass 309 and Partner visa subclass 100: These are part of the offshore Partner visa pathway. They are generally relevant where the applicant applies from outside Australia, rather than through the onshore Partner visa subclass 820 and Partner visa subclass 801 pathway.
- Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300: This visa may be relevant where a person intends to come to Australia to marry their prospective spouse, then apply for a Partner visa after marriage.
- Dependent Child visa subclass 445: This may be relevant where a dependent child needs to be included in the permanent Partner visa stage after the Partner visa subclass 820 has been granted.
Speak to Immigration Gurus about your Partner Bridging visa questions
Partner visa and bridging visa rules can be difficult to manage when visa expiry dates, work rights, travel plans and relationship evidence all overlap.
Immigration Gurus can help you understand how your bridging visa may relate to your Partner visa subclass 820 and Partner visa subclass 801 application. Our registered migration agents can review your circumstances, explain your options and guide your next steps with clear, practical advice.
Speak with Immigration Gurus for clear guidance on your Partner visa pathway, bridging visa conditions and next steps.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not migration or legal advice. Visa requirements, conditions and processes can change, and individual circumstances should be assessed before making decisions.
