400,000 Aussie Bridging Visa Holders Highlight System Failures
Australia’s Bridging Visa Surge: What It Means
A record number of bridging visa holders in Australia has surpassed 400,000 for the first time. This alarming figure underscores a growing backlog of temporary visa applications, leaving many individuals waiting for clarity about their future in Australia.
Reasons Behind the Surge
The surge in bridging visas is linked to several challenges in the immigration system. A lack of resources and poor policy decisions have contributed to the backlog. Since around 2015-16, immigration management has increasingly focused on boat arrivals, leading to a neglect of the visa processing system. Moreover, cuts to processing resources and restrictions on partner visas have further compounded delays.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these issues when international borders closed. Policies were adjusted to maintain temporary entrants in Australia to fill labour shortages. In 2023, the new Labor Government invested additional resources that successfully reduced the bridging visa backlog to approximately 191,000. However, this solution has not proven sustainable as numbers began to rise again in 2024, particularly for onshore students and temporary graduate visas.
Current Trends
By August 2025, records were broken for applications for onshore higher education and temporary graduate visas. There is strong ongoing demand for skilled temporary visas, and significant backlogs also persist for partner and permanent employer-sponsored visas, thus increasing the number of bridging visa holders.
Government Response and Future Solutions
In response, the Government is considering new legislation to enable more applications to be processed without hearings, aiming to alleviate some pressure. However, experts suggest that a comprehensive, long-term strategy is essential to manage the impact of rising net migration effectively.
How This Affects Visa Sponsorship and Employment
For those looking to work in Australia, understanding the bridging visa situation is crucial. Many international job seekers are exploring visa sponsorship opportunities to secure a long-term stay. If you’re interested in options like the 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) or permanent residency options like the 189 visa, keeping updated on these changes is vital for your plans.
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