Bridging Visa C

New permission to work arrangements for Protection visa applicants and all clients seeking ministerial intervention commence on 1 July 2009.

Will I be given permission to work?

Is your application being processed by the department or are you waiting for a decision from the Refugee Review Tribunal?

You will be permitted to work if you can demonstrate a 'compelling need to work'.

Is your application awaiting a decision from a court (judicial review)?

You will be permitted to work if you:

• had permission to work on your last Bridging visa held while the department or Refugee Review Tribunal was processing your application, and
• applied for judicial review within the statutory time limits.

How do I demonstrate a 'compelling need to work'?

To demonstrate a 'compelling need to work', you must be able to show evidence of financial hardship. You will need to provide evidence that the cost of your reasonable living expenses exceeds your ability to pay for them.

I have the no work condition on my Bridging visa C, how can I change this condition?

You can apply on form 1005 to change your Bridging visa conditions to permit you to work. There is no visa charge associated with this application. If you satisfy the requirements set out above, you will be granted a new Bridging visa C with permission to work.
See: Form 1005 Application for a Bridging visa (219KB PDF file)

Will the changes affect access to Medicare?

Protection visa applicants who are granted permission to work on their Bridging visa may be eligible to access Medicare while pursuing their claims to remain in Australia.

You can obtain further information on Medicare eligibility from Medicare offices.
See: Medicare Australia

Will Protection visa applicants be able to access Centrelink benefits?

No. People who hold a Bridging visa are not eligible for Centrelink benefits while awaiting a decision on their visa or review application.

Will Protection visa applicants with permission to work be able to access Asylum Seeker Assistance (ASA)?

Payment of limited income support is available to some Protection visa applicants through ASA. Protection visa applicants who have been granted permission to work but who are unable to find a job may still be eligible for ASA. Further information is available on the department's website.
See: Fact Sheet 62 Assistance for Asylum Seekers in Australia

Further information

From 1 July 2009, further information on the new arrangements will be available on the department's website.
See: Fact Sheet 62 Assistance for Asylum Seekers in Australia

Information will also be available from the department's telephone enquiry line.
Telephone: 13 18 81