Author: Yen Wong – Team Lead / Senior Immigration Lawyer
In Australia many people holding a Bridging Visa E (BVE) face uncertainty every day, including uncertainty about their immigration status, their future and their ability to work and support themselves. For a long time, the rules around work rights for Bridging Visa E holders have been unclear, leaving individuals unsure of what they are allowed to do and employers hesitant to offer opportunities without clear guidance.
Understanding the Bridging Visa E
A Bridging Visa E is a temporary visa that allows a person to stay legally in Australia while they resolve an immigration issue. The main purpose of this visa is to ensure a person remains lawful in Australia while their next steps are being assessed.
People may be granted a Bridging Visa E if they:
- Overstayed or their previous visa has expired
- Are waiting for a protection visa outcome
- Need to resolve an immigration compliance matter with the Department
There are generally two types of Bridging Visa E:
- Subclass 050 (General): for people who need lawful status while they resolve an expired visa or another immigration issue
- Subclass 051 (Protection visa applicant): for people who have applied for a protection visa and must wait in Australia while their claim is processed
Although a Bridging Visa E does not give long term residency or permanent rights, it is an important visa that keeps a person lawful in Australia while their immigration situation is being finalised.
The Government’s update on Bridging Visa E work rights
Recently Australia released an important update confirming the work rights for certain Bridging Visa E holders. The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Specification of Class of Persons) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/091). This Instrument sets out exactly who is allowed to work while their immigration or protection matters are being resolved. According to the Instrument work rights now apply to: Subclass 050 and Subclass 051 Bridging Visa E holders,
Only when the visa is granted through ministerial intervention under section 195A (this is when the Minister personally grants a visa in special circumstances). Typically, these visas are attached with work restrictions, that are conditions 8101 (no work) and 8116 (restricted work). LIN 25/091 clarifies that certain BVE holders may legally work, providing relief for both visa holders and employers. In this case, condition 8101 and 8116 do not apply to them. This means that these specified individuals can legally work while their immigration or protection matter is in progress.
For visa holders
Eligible Bridging Visa E holders now have formal confirmation that they can work in Australia while their immigration or protection matter is being finalised. This means they can:
- Earn an income and maintain financial stability
- Work safely within Australian workplace protections
- Participate in lawful employment without breaching visa conditions
Visa holders should:
- Check their VEVO record or visa grant notice to confirm their work rights
- Ensure they understand the conditions attached to their visa
Department introduces online support for Bridging Visa E holders
The Department has introduced an Immigration Status Resolution Service to assist individuals who hold a Bridging Visa E or who do not currently hold a valid visa to engage with the Department and progress the resolution of their immigration status.
This service provides administrative status-resolution support only. It does not process visa applications or provide migration advice.
In-person support is available through community outreach sessions without an appointment, alongside the Department’s online engagement channels, including at Belconnen Library and Tuggeranong Library in the ACT.
Scope of the Immigration Status Resolution Service
The Immigration Status Resolution Service:
- Supports only Bridging Visa E holders and individuals without a valid visa
- Does not manage general visa enquiries or other visa subclasses
- Does not provide migration advice or assess visa eligibility
Individuals requiring advice on visa options, work rights or employer compliance obligations should seek assistance from qualified immigration professionals, particularly where ministerial intervention or employer risk considerations apply.
Why immigration assistance is important
Understanding work rights under a Bridging Visa E, particularly when the visa is granted through ministerial intervention, can be complex. Every case is different and misunderstandings can affect a person’s legal status or an employer’s compliance. Professional immigration support ensures that visa holders receive accurate guidance about their rights and conditions, and that employers understand their obligations before offering employment.
With the Government’s clarification now in place, seeking advice from qualified immigration professionals helps you avoid mistakes, remain compliant and make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.
Get in touch
Absolute Immigration Legal can help you understand how this clarification applies to your situation. Our team can review your visa status, confirm work rights and support employers with compliance and workforce planning.
For personalised advice, contact us at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com.