What’s a Visa?

Visas can be classed under four different categories; Temporary, Permanent, Protection and Bridging. Within these four categories, it is further divided in 100’s of other classes. Those visiting Australia on a temporary basis (such as tourists or businessmen) can apply for a temporary visa which is valid for a short duration. For those who wish to settle down permanently in Australia, they must apply for a Permanent visa. Individuals fleeing their country from persecution other factors can apply for what is called a ‘Protection Visa’ and will be issued with refugee status. These three categories of visas are termed as substantive visas. The final category is called a ‘Bridging visa’. These visas are usually approved for those visitors who are currently residing inside the country and are waiting for a one of the previously described ‘substantive visa’. for instance, if a person on a temporary visa gets married to an Australian citizen, they are then entitled to apply for a permanent visa. During the interim period of the application, the individual may be issued a ‘Bridging visa’ in order to entitle her to a stay in the country legally.