Bridging Visa Work Rights: Which Bridging Visas Allow Work?
Whether you can work on a bridging visa depends on which bridging visa you hold, which substantive visa you've applied for, and the conditions attached to your specific visa grant. Some bridging visas come with full work rights, others limit you to 48 hours per fortnight, and some prohibit work entirely. If your bridging visa doesn't allow work and you're in financial hardship, you can apply to the Department for a change of conditions — but approval isn't guaranteed.
Quick Facts
| Bridging Visa | Typical Work Rights |
|---|---|
| BVA (010) — applied for partner/skilled/employer visa | Full work rights |
| BVA (010) — applied for student visa | 48 hours per fortnight (Condition 8104) |
| BVA (010) — applied for tourist/visitor visa | No work (Condition 8101) |
| BVB (020) | Same conditions as underlying BVA |
| BVC (030) | Usually no work (can apply for permission) |
| BVD (040/041) | No work |
| BVE (050/051) | Varies — often granted to protection claimants |
How Work Rights Are Determined
When the Department grants a bridging visa, it attaches conditions based on the type of substantive visa you've applied for. The logic is that your bridging visa conditions should broadly mirror what you'd get on the visa you've applied for.
Full Work Rights (No Work Limitation)
You typically get full work rights on your bridging visa if you've applied for:
- Partner visa (820/801 onshore)
- Skilled migration visa (189, 190, 491)
- Employer-sponsored visa (482, Skills in Demand)
- Graduate visa (485)
- Permanent residence visa (most categories)
Full work rights mean you can work for any employer, in any occupation, for unlimited hours. There are no restrictions on the type of work.
Limited Work Rights (48 Hours Per Fortnight)
If you've applied for a student visa, your BVA typically mirrors the student visa work limit:
- Condition 8104: You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
This aligns with the student visa work rights framework.
No Work Rights (Condition 8101)
If you've applied for a visa that doesn't include work rights, your bridging visa won't have work rights either:
- Tourist/visitor visa applications
- Some BVC holders
- BVD holders (short-term emergency visas)
Condition 8101 means you cannot perform any work in Australia — paid or unpaid (with limited exceptions for voluntary work with charitable organisations).
Applying for Work Permission on a No-Work Bridging Visa
If your bridging visa has Condition 8101 (no work) and you're experiencing financial hardship, you can apply for a change of conditions.
How to Apply
- Complete Form 1005 — Application for change of Bridging Visa conditions
- Provide evidence of financial hardship
- Submit to the Department
- Wait for a decision (can take weeks)
Evidence of Financial Hardship
The Department needs to see that you genuinely cannot support yourself without working:
- Bank statements showing depleted savings
- Evidence of living expenses (rent receipts, bills)
- Statutory declaration explaining your financial situation
- Evidence that you have no other source of income
- Letters from support organisations (if applicable)
What the Department Considers
- Whether you have genuine financial hardship
- Your immigration history and compliance record
- The type of visa you've applied for
- Whether granting work rights is consistent with your visa application
- Any security or character concerns
Likely Outcomes
- Partner visa applicants on BVA: Usually already have work rights. If not, requests are commonly approved.
- Visitor visa applicants on BVA: Requests are sometimes approved but can be refused, particularly if the Department considers that the applicant should have sufficient funds for their stay.
- BVC holders: Requests are assessed more strictly. Approval is possible but not guaranteed.
Work Rights During Merits Review (AAT)
If your visa application is refused and you appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), you receive a new bridging visa for the review period. The work rights on this bridging visa may differ from your original BVA:
- If your original BVA had work rights, the review BVA usually does too
- If your original BVA had no work rights, the review BVA may or may not — it depends on the circumstances
- You can apply for a change of conditions if the review BVA doesn't include work rights
Work Rights for Protection Visa Claimants
Protection visa (Subclass 866) applicants on bridging visas have a specific work rights framework:
- Within the first six months: Work rights may not be granted immediately
- After six months: If no decision has been made, work rights are typically granted
- During AAT review: Work rights are usually maintained
The rationale is that protection claimants often wait years for a decision and cannot reasonably be expected to survive without income for that duration. Read more about the Protection Visa (Subclass 866).
Working Without Permission
If you work while your bridging visa has Condition 8101 (no work), you are breaching your visa conditions. Consequences can include:
- Visa cancellation: The Department can cancel your bridging visa for breach of conditions
- Immigration detention: If your bridging visa is cancelled, you become unlawful
- Future visa refusals: A history of working illegally can count against you in future visa applications
- Bar on further applications: In some cases, working illegally can result in a bar on applying for further visas
The risk is not theoretical. The Department conducts workplace compliance operations and data-matches with the ATO. Employers are also obligated to verify work rights through VEVO.
Checking Your Work Rights
Before you start any work on a bridging visa:
- Check VEVO: Visa Entitlement Verification Online shows your current visa conditions
- Check your grant notice: The original visa grant letter lists all conditions
- Use MyVEVO app: Mobile app for quick visa checks
- Ask your employer to verify: Employers can check your work rights through VEVO
If there's any ambiguity, don't work until you've confirmed. The consequences of getting it wrong are severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do volunteer work on a no-work bridging visa?
Generally yes, if it's genuine voluntary work for a not-for-profit or charitable organisation and you receive no payment or benefit. However, "voluntary work" that resembles employment (regular hours, replaces a paid position) may still breach conditions.
Do my work rights change if I apply for a different visa?
Potentially. If you lodge a new visa application while on a bridging visa, you may receive a new bridging visa with different conditions. The new conditions are based on the new visa type you've applied for.
Can my employer check my bridging visa work rights?
Yes. Employers are legally required to verify your work rights before employing you. They can do this through VEVO using your visa grant number, passport details, or ImmiCard number.
What if I'm waiting for a change of conditions decision?
You cannot work while waiting for the decision. Work only after you've received written confirmation that your conditions have been changed.
Can I be self-employed on a bridging visa with work rights?
Yes. Full work rights on a bridging visa include self-employment. You can run a business, freelance, or contract as long as you comply with Australian tax and business registration requirements.
Do bridging visa work rights affect my tax obligations?
Yes. If you work in Australia on any visa, you're subject to Australian tax law. You'll need a Tax File Number (TFN) and must lodge tax returns. Your tax rate depends on your residency status for tax purposes.
