Bridging visa E (BVE)
Statutory definition
Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050 and 051) is prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations 1994. A BVE is typically granted to regularise the status of an unlawful non-citizen in specified circumstances, including: where the person is arranging to depart Australia; where a removal is pending but cannot proceed immediately; or where the person has an unresolved matter before a court or tribunal. A BVE may include a no-work condition or limited work rights.
Explanation
The Bridging Visa E is the most commonly granted bridging visa for persons in a precarious immigration situation — those who are technically unlawful, have had a visa cancelled, or are pending removal. It provides a lawful status but does not carry rights equivalent to a substantive visa. Work rights on a BVE depend on whether a work condition is attached. Persons who are otherwise removable but have a pending court challenge, or whose removal is temporarily delayed, are typically held on a BVE to avoid the mandatory detention obligation applying to unlawful non-citizens.