Introduction
Bridging Visa A (BVA) applications lodged for merits review or court appeals are generally processed quickly. Occasionally, however, applications remain pending for months, leaving applicants uncertain about their lawful status and ability to remain in Australia.
Why Delays Occur
There is no single reason why some BVA applications take longer than others. In our practice, we have seen court‑appeal BVA applications sit for over three months without any explanation from the Department. These delays can cause real anxiety when you need a decision to proceed with your appeal.
Steps You Can Take
- If you are working with a migration agent who is a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), ask them to contact the MIA support team. MIA can raise escalation requests with the Department on your behalf.
- Use the Department of Home Affairs’ Registered Migration Agents Enquiry and Feedback form to raise concerns about delays. This formal channel often prompts a review of the application.
- Before escalating, confirm that you held a Bridging Visa A previously. Applicants on a Bridging Visa C do not automatically qualify for another BVA and may require a different visa pathway.
Practical Tips
Some applicants have found success by lodging a second BVA application while the first one remains pending. In at least one case, the second application was granted when the first application continued to sit in processing. This won’t always work, but it can be a practical solution if you need certainty about your status.
If your Bridging Visa A application is stalled, our registered migration agents at VisaTasker can assess your situation and help you take the right steps.
Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Processing times and outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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