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

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

If you’ve applied for the temporary graduate visa subclass 485, chances are you’re eager to start working in Australia while you wait for your visa decision. The good news? Most applicants are granted work rights under a bridging visa. But before you rush into full-time work, it’s worth understanding exactly how these rights operate — when they begin, what conditions apply, and how to avoid common pitfalls that could affect your visa status.

Let’s unpack everything you need to know about 485 bridging visa work rights in plain English, so you can stay compliant and make the most of your time in Australia.

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.

It’s easy to overlook this transition period, but understanding exactly when your new visa conditions start is essential to avoid breaching your student visa rules.

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. While it’s rare, some bridging visas come with special limitations, and it’s better to confirm than assume.

If you’re unsure, a Sydney migration law firm can help review your visa conditions and confirm whether you have unrestricted work rights under your current status.

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.

This transition period often causes confusion, especially for those eager to start working full-time after graduation. To avoid issues, keep track of your visa expiry date and confirm the activation of your bridging visa through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

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. This visa allows you to leave and return to Australia lawfully, but you’ll need to apply for it separately before you travel.

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. In this situation, you’d need to apply for work rights separately by proving financial hardship. Once approved, you can then work without restrictions, similar to a BVA holder.

These distinctions might seem small, but they make a big difference in how you manage your time and work plans while waiting for your 485 decision.

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.

Failing to comply with any of these conditions can jeopardize both your bridging visa and your main 485 application. Simple mistakes — like leaving the country without a travel visa or neglecting to update your address — can have serious consequences.

This is why professional advice can make a big difference. If you’re unsure how these conditions apply to you, consulting a Sydney migration law firm can help ensure you stay on the right side of Australian immigration law throughout your visa process.

Can You Travel While on a 485 Bridging Visa?

Here’s where many applicants get caught off guard. 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.

So, if you plan to visit family or travel for work while waiting for your visa outcome, make sure you secure a BVB first. It will preserve your lawful status and ensure you can return to Australia without issues. Timing is crucial here, so apply well before your travel dates.

How Employers View Bridging Visa Workers

If you’re starting a new job while waiting for your 485 decision, your employer might have questions about your right to work. Don’t worry — this is completely normal. 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 and are happy to hire graduates in this position.

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 and is replaced by your new visa, which comes with its own work rights and travel permissions.

However, if your 485 application is refused and you don’t appeal, your bridging visa will expire shortly after the refusal notice, meaning you’ll need to either leave Australia or apply for another visa to stay lawful.

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.

It’s more than just a waiting period — it’s an opportunity to establish yourself, earn income, and plan your next steps with confidence.

If you want to make sure you’re taking full advantage of your bridging visa’s work rights while staying compliant with Australian immigration rules, consider speaking with Unique Migration Services. As a trusted migration law firm, they can guide you through every stage of your visa journey — from understanding your work rights to exploring your long-term residency options.

Final Thoughts

The 485 bridging visa is a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates who want to transition smoothly from student life to full-time work in Australia. Understanding when your work rights begin, how they apply, and what conditions to follow ensures that you can make the most of your post-study experience without risking your visa status.

If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, or if you want expert help with your temporary graduate visa subclass 485 application, a migration professional can make all the difference. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, getting the right legal advice now can set you up for a strong start in your Australian career.

Author Bio: Jeryl Damluan is a seasoned SEO Specialist and Outreach Specialist at Justice Network. She excels in building authority links and amplifying online presence for law firms and businesses through strategic content creation and digital marketing.