Working, Studying and Medicare While Your 820 Partner Visa Is Pending

Most people who apply for an onshore partner visa (820 and 801) receive a bridging visa that keeps them lawful while the application is processed. This guide explains what you can do on that bridging visa, including work, study, Medicare and travel.

Which bridging visa you get

Your status when you applied	Bridging visa usually granted
Held a substantive visa, such as a student, work or visitor visa	Bridging Visa A
Held a bridging visa (for example a Bridging Visa E) but no substantive visa	Often a Bridging Visa C
Unlawful (no visa)	Bridging Visa E

The bridging visa covers both the 820 and the 801. See Bridging Visa A and Bridging Visa C.

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Bridging Visa A or B: no conditions

Partner applicants get a clean bridging visa. A legislative instrument allows a Bridging Visa A or B linked to an 820 or 801 application to be granted with no conditions. That means you can work for any employer, work any number of hours, and study, even if your previous visa had limits. This applies to initial and replacement bridging visas, but not to a bridging visa granted for judicial review.

Your previous visa’s conditions stay in place until it ends. The bridging visa only comes into effect when your previous visa expires, so if you were on a student visa with work limits, those limits apply until the student visa ends.

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Bridging Visa C or E: possible work limits

The no conditions rule only covers the Bridging Visa A and B. A Bridging Visa C or E may be granted with a no work condition. You may be able to get work rights by showing a compelling need to work, such as financial hardship. Get advice on your situation.

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Medicare

Some onshore partner visa applicants may be eligible to enrol in Medicare while the application is processed, depending on Services Australia’s rules. Check your eligibility with our Medicare eligibility checker and then apply to Services Australia with your visa application acknowledgement.

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Travel

A Bridging Visa A does not allow you to return to Australia after travelling. If you need to travel, apply for a Bridging Visa B before you leave. Once the 820 is granted, it lets you travel in and out of Australia. See travelling while on an 820 partner visa.

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What you should do now

• Check your grant letter: confirm which bridging visa you hold and any conditions.
• Remember your current visa: its conditions apply until it ends.
• Enrol in Medicare: if you are eligible, once you have applied.
• Get a Bridging Visa B before travelling: a Bridging Visa A does not let you return.