Full work rights inherited
If your previous visa had unlimited work rights (e.g. 482, 485), the BVA usually mirrors that. Full-time work permitted.
Bridging Visa A · BVB Travel · Medicare Access
Most onshore partner visa applicants can work full-time while waiting. But not all.
The rules are not the same for every applicant. Your existing visa status at the time of lodgement, any prior bridging visa, and whether your visa was lodged before or after a prior visa expiry all change the answer.
The core rule
BVA inherits the previous visa work rights.
Work rights on a partner visa bridging visa depend on what your substantive visa allowed before it was replaced.
48-hour cap inherited
If your previous visa was a student visa with condition 8105, the 48-hour fortnight cap flows through until the 820 is granted.
No work rights inherited
If your previous visa was a visitor visa with condition 8101, you usually have no work rights on the bridging visa.
BVC applicants
If lodged without a substantive visa, you get a BVC with no work by default. Form 1005 hardship application required for work rights.
Partner visa-specific rules
When work rights can be upgraded.
For partner visa bridging visas, work rights can sometimes be expanded once the application reaches late-stage processing.
Late-stage processing upgradeOnce the Department moves toward grant, work rights can often be relaxed from the restrictive inherited limits. Advice needed on timing.
Form 1005 hardship for BVCsForm 1005 is the pathway for BVC partner visa applicants with restrictive work conditions.
BVB for travelIf travel is needed during processing, a BVB can be applied for. Work rights usually continue on return.
Medicare accessPartner visa applicants from some countries (reciprocal health agreement countries) may access Medicare during processing. Rules vary by country.
Offshore applicants
No bridging visa. No onshore work.
Offshore partner visa applicants (309) do not receive bridging visas. Work rights only begin on visa grant and entry to Australia.
Offshore processing
During 309 processing, the applicant remains overseas. Australian work rights do not begin until visa grant and entry.
Visitor visa during 309
Some 309 applicants visit Australia on visitor visas during processing. Visitor visas do not permit work.
Work offshore
The applicant can work in their country of residence during 309 processing. Australian work is not permitted.
Student-to-partner transitions carry the 48-hour cap longer than most applicants expect.
A student visa holder who lodges partner visa keeps the 48-hour cap through the entire bridging visa period, which can be 18-30 months. Only when the 820 is granted does unlimited work begin. Plan accordingly.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For work rights interpretation, book with Neha Sharma or Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can my employer verify my work rights?
Yes, via VEVO. Your employer can check your visa status and conditions with your consent.
Does Medicare apply during 820 processing?
For applicants from reciprocal health agreement countries (UK, Ireland, some others), yes. Many other applicants have access through the partner visa itself.
What if I want to change jobs during 820 processing?
Generally permitted under inherited work rights. Unless your previous visa was employer-specific (482), no restriction.
Can I start a business on my partner visa bridging visa?
Work rights generally include self-employment. Running a business is usually permitted with full work rights.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.