Can I Stay in Australia While My 482 Visa is Being Renewed?

Find out if you can stay in Australia while your 482 visa is being renewed. Learn about bridging visas, work rights, and staying lawful during processing.

Living and working in Australia under a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa provides skilled migrants with valuable opportunities to contribute to the workforce while enjoying life in the country. However, when the time comes to renew this visa, many people are uncertain about whether they can lawfully remain in Australia while waiting for their new application to be decided. This uncertainty often leads to confusion about important issues such as maintaining legal status, the role of bridging visas, work rights during the processing period, and the risks associated with overstaying.

Remaining lawful in Australia is essential, as even a short gap in visa coverage can affect future migration options and employment rights. Understanding the renewal process, bridging visa conditions, and processing timeframes can help applicants avoid unnecessary stress. This article outlines what happens if your 482 visa expires, how bridging visas operate, and how you can stay protected while your renewal is underway.

Can I Stay in Australia While My 482 Visa is Being Renewed?

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What Happens When Your 482 Visa Expires?

If your Subclass 482 visa expires and you haven’t lodged a new visa application, you become unlawful in Australia. This means you are staying in the country without a valid legal status, which can lead to serious consequences such as restrictions on future visas, loss of work rights, detention, or even removal from Australia.
Employers are legally obligated to ensure that their sponsored workers hold valid visas. Overstaying not only puts your immigration status at risk but could also cost you your job.
The Department of Home Affairs strongly advises applicants to renew their visas well in advance of expiry. If you apply on time, you are usually granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your new 482 visa application is being processed.

The Role of Bridging Visas in the 482 Renewal Process

Bridging visas are temporary visas that allow applicants to remain in Australia lawfully after their current visa expires and while their new visa application is under review. They prevent you from becoming unlawful during the transition.

Types of Bridging Visas

Bridging Visa A (BVA): This is the most common bridging visa. It is automatically granted when you apply for a new visa (like a 482 renewal) while your current visa is still valid. A BVA allows you to stay in Australia legally and generally includes the same work rights you had on your previous visa.

Bridging Visa B (BVB): This visa provides the same rights as a BVA but includes permission to travel outside Australia and return while your new visa application is being processed. A BVB is useful if you need to travel for personal or work-related reasons. You must apply for it separately.

Bridging Visa C (BVC): This is granted if you apply for a new visa after your previous one has expired. While it allows you to stay in Australia lawfully, it does not usually include travel rights and may impose restrictions on your ability to work unless you can prove financial hardship.

Do You Need to Apply for a Bridging Visa?

In most cases, no separate application is required for a BVA. It is automatically issued when you lodge a valid visa application before your 482 visa expires. However, if you need travel rights (BVB) or have already become unlawful, you will need to lodge a separate application for a different bridging visa.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a 482 Visa?

Renewal applications for a Subclass 482 visa typically take 2 to 6 months, although this can vary depending on several factors, including:

Whether the application and documents are complete
Whether your employer’s nomination has been approved
Department of Home Affairs processing priorities
Whether additional health or character checks are required
Changes to immigration policies or processing times

To avoid delays or complications, it’s critical to submit a complete application with all required documents well in advance of your current visa’s expiry date.

What If There Are Processing Delays?

If your visa renewal is delayed, here’s what you should do:

Check your application status: Log in to your ImmiAccount to review updates or requests for additional information.
Stay lawful: Make sure your bridging visa remains valid until a decision is made. Apply to renew your bridging visa if necessary.
Seek professional help: If your case is complex or significantly delayed, consider consulting a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.
Prepare for changes: If you need to travel or change your work situation, you may need to apply for a BVB or request changes to work rights conditions on your bridging visa.

Conclusion

Yes, you can stay in Australia while your 482 visa is being renewed—as long as you lodge your new application before your current visa expires and you hold a valid bridging visa. Applying early helps maintain your legal status and work rights and reduces the chance of unnecessary complications.

For personalised advice or to manage your visa renewal with confidence, consider contacting CMI Legal. Our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the process, ensure you remain compliant, and help protect your future in Australia.

FAQs

Am I allowed to stay in Australia after my 482 visa expires while my renewal is in progress?

Yes. If you apply for a new 482 visa before your current one expires, you’ll likely be granted a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to stay lawfully in Australia while your application is processed.

Will I automatically get a bridging visa when I renew my 482 visa?

In most cases, yes. A Bridging Visa A is granted automatically when a valid application is lodged on time. You’ll need to apply separately if you require travel rights (Bridging Visa B).

Can I keep working in Australia while on a bridging visa?

Yes, in most cases. If your previous 482 visa included full work rights, your bridging visa will generally allow you to continue working under the same conditions.

What happens if my 482 visa renewal is refused?

If your renewal is refused, your bridging visa will end shortly after the decision. You must act quickly—consult an immigration lawyer to explore appeal options or alternative visas.