485 Bridging Visa Work Rights: What You Need to Know Before You Start Working

Key Details:

  • Work rights begin when your Bridging Visa A (BVA) activates after your current visa expires
  • Most 485 bridging visas grant full work rights (check your grant notice)
  • Travel requires a separate Bridging Visa B (BVB) application
  • Employers can verify work rights via VEVO

What Exactly Is a Bridging Visa and Why Does It Matter?

A bridging visa is a temporary visa that lets you remain in Australia lawfully while your main visa application — in this case, your 485 — is being processed. For most graduates, this is a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which activates automatically when your current substantive visa expires.

Until then, your original visa conditions still apply. That means if you applied for your graduate visa while on a student visa, you must continue following your student work restrictions (like the 48-hour fortnightly limit) until the BVA kicks in. Once that happens, your bridging visa allows you to stay in Australia — and in most cases, work full-time without restriction.

Do You Automatically Get Work Rights on a 485 Bridging Visa?

Yes — in most cases, the temporary graduate visa subclass 485 automatically grants full work rights once your bridging visa comes into effect. This is because the 485 visa is designed to help international graduates gain real-world work experience after completing their studies.

So, when your substantive visa expires and your BVA becomes active, you can usually work as many hours as you wish, change employers freely, and work in any industry. However, it’s still a smart idea to double-check the specific conditions listed in your visa grant notice.

When Do Your 485 Bridging Visa Work Rights Begin?

Many applicants assume that work rights start immediately after applying for their 485 visa — but that’s not quite how it works. Your bridging visa is granted soon after your 485 application is lodged, but it only activates once your current substantive visa expires.

For instance, if you’re on a student visa when you apply, you’ll continue under the student work restrictions until that visa ends. Once it expires, your bridging visa seamlessly takes over, and that’s when your full work rights begin.

Different Types of Bridging Visas You Might Encounter

While the Bridging Visa A is the most common, not everyone receives the same type of bridging visa with their 485 application. Some people may be granted a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if they need to travel outside Australia while their visa is processing.

If your previous visa had already expired when you lodged your 485 application, you might instead receive a Bridging Visa C (BVC). Unlike a BVA, the BVC doesn’t automatically come with work rights.

Important Conditions to Keep in Mind

Even though most 485 bridging visas grant full work rights, there are still conditions you must follow. You’re required to remain in Australia (unless you’ve been granted a BVB), comply with Australian laws, and keep your contact details up to date with the Department of Home Affairs.

Can You Travel While on a 485 Bridging Visa?

A standard Bridging Visa A doesn’t allow international travel. If you leave Australia while on a BVA, it automatically ceases — meaning you can’t re-enter the country unless you apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) beforehand.

How Employers View Bridging Visa Workers

You can easily provide them with your visa grant letter, or they can verify your work rights through VEVO. Since the 485 visa is specifically designed for post-study employment, most Australian employers are familiar with bridging visa workers.

Duration of Your Bridging Visa

Your bridging visa remains valid until the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision on your temporary graduate visa subclass 485. Once your main visa is approved, your bridging visa automatically ends.

Why Your 485 Bridging Visa Matters

For thousands of international graduates, the 485 bridging visa acts as a vital bridge between study and full-time employment. It lets you stay in Australia legally, start your professional career, and gain the experience needed to build long-term migration pathways.