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A bridging visa may be issued by DIAC to a person whose temporary visa has expired, or is likely to expire, before a decision has been made on the person's application for another visa.
The purpose of the bridging visa is to prevent the holder from becoming an 'unlawful non-citizen' because of administrative delays. The visa allows the holder to remain in Australia, usually under the same conditions as the temporary visa they held immediately before the bridging visa. A bridging visa is not a permanent visa, so holders do not meet the SSAct definition of an Australian resident. To date, the Minister for FaHCSIA has not made any determinations that would allow holders of bridging visas to have access to SpB or any other payment.
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Last reviewed: 7 June 2010
