Bridging Visa C (Subclass 030) Australia
Work Rights, Rules & Eligibility
Last Updated: 27 May 2026
A Bridging Visa C (Subclass 030) is a temporary visa that allows certain non-citizens to remain lawfully in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs processes another visa application.
The visa is generally granted to people who apply for a substantive visa while they are in Australia but do not currently hold a substantive visa at the time of application.
Unlike a Bridging Visa A, a Bridging Visa C does not provide travel rights outside Australia.
View our full Bridging Visas Option in Australia.
What Is a Bridging Visa C?
A Bridging Visa C (BVC) is a temporary visa designed to maintain lawful status in Australia after a valid substantive visa application is lodged.
In most cases, a BVC is granted when:
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The applicant is already in Australia
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The applicant lodges a valid substantive visa application
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The applicant does not hold a substantive visa at the time of application
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The applicant is not eligible for a Bridging Visa A
A BVC helps prevent a person from remaining unlawfully in Australia while waiting for a visa outcome.
The visa itself is not a pathway to permanent residency. It only exists to bridge the period between visa applications and decisions.
Who Can Get a Bridging Visa C?
A person may be eligible for a Bridging Visa C if they:
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Are physically in Australia
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Have lodged a valid application for a substantive visa
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Do not currently hold a substantive visa
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Are not eligible for another bridging visa type
This commonly applies to people who:
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Became unlawful before lodging a new visa application
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Held a bridging visa instead of a substantive visa when applying
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Allowed a previous substantive visa to expire before applying again
A Bridging Visa C is commonly associated with onshore partner visa applicants, protection visa applicants, and individuals resolving immigration status issues after becoming unlawful.
What Does “No Substantive Visa” Mean?
A substantive visa is any visa other than a bridging visa, criminal justice visa, or enforcement visa.
If a person’s visitor visa, student visa, temporary graduate visa, or other substantive visa expires, they may become unlawful unless another valid visa is granted.
If they later lodge a valid substantive visa application while unlawful or while holding certain non-substantive visas, they may receive a Bridging Visa C instead of a Bridging Visa A.
This is one of the biggest differences between a Bridging Visa A and Bridging Visa C.
When Does a Bridging Visa C Become Active?
A Bridging Visa C usually becomes active immediately if the applicant is unlawful at the time of grant.
If the applicant already holds another bridging visa, the BVC may activate after the earlier visa ends.
The activation timing depends on the applicant’s immigration status when the visa is granted.
Can You Work on a Bridging Visa C?
A Bridging Visa C may or may not include work rights.
Work conditions depend on the specific visa grant and individual circumstances.
Some BVC holders receive unrestricted work rights, while others receive condition 8101, which prevents work.
If a person experiences financial hardship, they may be able to apply separately for permission to work.
Applicants generally need to demonstrate genuine financial hardship to request work rights on a BVC.
How to Apply for Work Rights on a Bridging Visa C
A person who does not have work rights may request a change to their visa conditions in limited situations.
This generally involves:
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Demonstrating financial hardship
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Providing evidence of living expenses
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Showing inability to meet basic needs
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Submitting supporting financial documents
Approval is not automatic.
The Department assesses each request individually.
Can You Travel Overseas on a Bridging Visa C?
No. A Bridging Visa C does not allow travel outside Australia.
If a BVC holder leaves Australia, the Bridging Visa C generally ceases automatically.
Unlike Bridging Visa A holders, Bridging Visa C holders are not eligible for a Bridging Visa B.
This is an important practical limitation of the visa.
People holding a BVC should obtain migration advice before travelling overseas.
What Happens If You Leave Australia on a Bridging Visa C?
In most cases:
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The Bridging Visa C ceases when the holder departs Australia
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The pending substantive visa application may continue processing
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The person may not be able to return to Australia
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A new visa application may be required offshore
Leaving Australia without understanding the consequences can significantly affect migration pathways.
Difference Between Bridging Visa A and Bridging Visa C
The main difference is the applicant’s visa status when they apply for a substantive visa.
A Bridging Visa A is generally granted when the applicant still holds a substantive visa.
A Bridging Visa C is generally granted when the applicant no longer holds a substantive visa.
Other important differences include travel rights and eligibility for Bridging Visa B.
Bridging Visa A
A Bridging Visa A is commonly granted to lawful visa holders who apply for another visa while remaining in Australia.
BVA holders may later apply for a Bridging Visa B if they need temporary travel.
Bridging Visa C
A Bridging Visa C is generally granted when the applicant does not hold a substantive visa at the time of lodging a new substantive visa application.
BVC holders cannot apply for a Bridging Visa B.
Bridging Visa C vs Bridging Visa E
A Bridging Visa C and Bridging Visa E serve different purposes.
A Bridging Visa C is linked to a pending substantive visa application.
A Bridging Visa E is often associated with:
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Arranging departure from Australia
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Immigration detention release
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Judicial review
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Resolving unlawful status issues without a substantive visa pathway
Not everyone who is unlawful receives a Bridging Visa E.
The correct bridging visa depends on the person’s circumstances and visa application history.
Can You Apply for Another Visa While Holding a Bridging Visa C?
Possibly.
Eligibility depends on:
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The type of visa being applied for
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Whether Schedule 3 criteria apply
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The applicant’s lawful status history
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Previous visa refusals or cancellations
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Any section 48 restrictions
Holding a Bridging Visa C does not automatically prevent future visa applications, but additional legal barriers may apply.
What Are Schedule 3 Criteria?
Schedule 3 criteria are legal requirements that may apply to people who lodge certain visa applications after becoming unlawful in Australia.
These criteria can affect applications such as:
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Partner visas
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Skilled visas
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Certain family visas
Applicants may need to demonstrate compelling reasons for overstaying or becoming unlawful.
Schedule 3 issues are often misunderstood and can significantly affect visa outcomes.
Can a Bridging Visa C Lead to Permanent Residency?
A Bridging Visa C itself does not lead directly to permanent residency.
However, the substantive visa linked to the BVC may lead to permanent residency if approved.
Examples may include:
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Partner visas
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Skilled visas
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Employer-sponsored visas
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Protection visas
The bridging visa simply maintains lawful status while the main application is processed.
How Long Does a Bridging Visa C Last?
A Bridging Visa C generally remains in effect until:
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The substantive visa application is decided
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The visa holder departs Australia
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Another visa is granted
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The bridging visa is cancelled
The duration depends on the processing timeframe of the substantive visa application.
Can a Bridging Visa C Be Cancelled?
Yes.
A Bridging Visa C may be cancelled if:
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Visa conditions are breached
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False information is provided
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The associated substantive visa application becomes invalid
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Character or compliance concerns arise
Cancellation can lead to unlawful status and may affect future visa applications.
Common Misunderstandings About Bridging Visa C
“A Bridging Visa C Gives Automatic Work Rights”
Incorrect.
Work rights depend on the conditions attached to the visa grant.
“You Can Travel and Return on a Bridging Visa C”
Incorrect.
A BVC does not provide travel rights.
“A Bridging Visa C Means Your Main Visa Will Be Approved”
Incorrect.
The BVC only maintains lawful status while the substantive visa application is processed.
“Everyone Who Becomes Unlawful Gets a Bridging Visa C”
Incorrect.
Eligibility depends on the visa application lodged and the applicant’s immigration circumstances.
What Happens If Your Substantive Visa Is Refused?
If the linked substantive visa application is refused:
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The Bridging Visa C may cease after a specified period
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Review rights may be available in some cases
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Another bridging visa may be granted during merits review
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The applicant may become unlawful if no further visa is held
The outcome depends on the visa type and review eligibility.
When Should You Seek Migration Advice?
Migration advice is strongly recommended where a person:
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Became unlawful in Australia
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Has Schedule 3 concerns
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Previously had a visa refusal or cancellation
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Needs work rights urgently
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Intends to travel overseas
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Is unsure about section 48 restrictions
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Holds multiple bridging visas
Bridging visa issues can affect future migration pathways and should not be treated as administrative formalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridging Visa C a substantive visa?
No. A Bridging Visa C is not a substantive visa. It is a temporary bridging visa used to maintain lawful status in Australia.
Can I study on a Bridging Visa C?
In many cases, yes. However, study rights depend on the conditions attached to the visa.
Can I apply for Medicare on a Bridging Visa C?
Some Bridging Visa C holders may qualify for Medicare depending on the substantive visa application linked to the bridging visa.
Can I get a Bridging Visa B with a Bridging Visa C?
No. Bridging Visa C holders are generally not eligible for a Bridging Visa B.
Can I become unlawful while holding a Bridging Visa C?
Yes, if the Bridging Visa C ceases, expires, or is cancelled and no other visa is in effect.
Does a Bridging Visa C count toward permanent residency time requirements?
Generally, no. Permanent residency eligibility depends on the substantive visa pathway rather than the bridging visa itself.
Related Visa Pathways
Confused About Your Bridging Visa Conditions?
Not sure if you can work, travel, or stay lawfully in Australia on your Bridging Visa?
A small mistake with visa conditions or travel plans can create serious immigration issues.
Why Choose RACC Australia?
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20+ years of migration experience
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Registered Migration Agents
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Help with work rights and travel conditions
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Support with visa documents and applications
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Assistance for applicants inside and outside Australia
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