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🇦🇺 Interim & Bridging Visas 2025: Countries That Keep You Legal Between Permits

Waiting for a new visa can leave you in limbo. The good news — several countries now run interim or bridging schemes that let you stay, study, or work lawfully while your next permit is processed. Below is a quick-read guide to the best options in 2025.

   
Table of Contents

Australia: Bridging Visas A–E

Australia’s system is the gold standard. Each subclass fits a different gap:

Bridging VisaPurposeTravel Rights
BVA (010)Stay in Australia while a new substantive visa is assessed❌
BVB (020)Leave and re-enter during processing✅
BVC (030)Apply after the previous visa has lapsed❌
BVE (050/051)Finalise departure, seek ministerial help, or await protection decision❌

2025 update: validity for some BVs now auto-extends, reducing last-minute renewals. Official details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/bridging-visa-a-010

New Zealand: Automatic Interim Visas

Apply for another temporary visa and your old one lapses? NZ now issues an interim visa automatically for up to six months.

  • Keeps your study or work rights intact.
  • Expires if you leave the country.
  • April 2025 reform: students moving to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) keep full work rights while they wait.

More info: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/waiting-for-a-visa/interim-visas-so-you-can-stay-here-lawfully/

Recommended: Victoria’s 2025 Skilled Visa Nomination Program Now Open – Here’s How to Apply

Ireland: Stamp 2 Bridging Permission

  • Who? English-language students shifting to a higher-education course.
  • Window: Apply 1 May – 31 Aug 2025.
  • Validity: Covers you until 30 Sept 2025 so you start college in October without gaps.

Check exact steps on Ireland’s immigration notice boards.

Digital-Nomad & Temporary-Stay Visas

Need a legal base while you line up a longer permit? The following nations run one-year (often renewable) digital-nomad or temporary-stay schemes:

Portugal • Spain • Italy • Croatia • Estonia • Germany • Greece • Malta • Norway • Iceland • Panama • Belize • Thailand • Japan (launching 2025) • Dubai (UAE) • South Korea

Perfect for remote workers who plan to switch to work, study, or residence visas later.

United States: H-2B Quota Boost

The seasonal H-2B visa isn’t branded “interim,” yet it delivers short-term status plus work rights in hospitality, landscaping, and construction. FY 2025 sees an expanded cap, giving more applicants a bridge into the U.S. labour market.

Hungary: New Temporary Residence Permits

From 1 Jan 2025, Hungary offers TRPs for guest workers and general employment. Good for those taking short contracts before aiming at longer EU options. Note: special limits apply to some nationalities.

Lithuania: Flexible TRPs

Lithuania continues to issue temporary residence permits for:

  • Employment
  • Studies
  • Family reunification
  • Independent professional activities

A handy springboard for wider EU mobility once you meet stay requirements.

Why These Interim Visas Matter

  1. Stay lawful — no overstay penalties while you change visa type.
  2. Keep working or studying — most schemes preserve your job or course rights.
  3. Plan calmly — extra months mean time to gather documents for long-term visas.

Bookmark the official links, set reminders for opening dates, and you’ll bridge any visa gap like a pro in 2025.

More Opportunities:

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