400,000 Bridging Visas: Insights from Australia’s Migration Hold-up

Australia’s Bridging Visa Surge: A Growing Concern

Australia’s migration system is currently facing a significant challenge, with over 400,000 individuals now holding bridging visas. Dr Abul Rizvi, former Deputy Secretary at the Department of Immigration, describes this as “an astonishing number of temporary entrants whose applications sit in a processing backlog.” He points to flaws in visa design, processing capacity, and government priorities that date back nearly ten years.

Understanding the Reasons Behind the Backlog

Dr Rizvi highlights that the government’s focus has concentrated largely on border security, overlooking the need for smooth administrative management. He criticises former Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and his team for underestimating the complexities of the visa system.

The backlog has been growing since about 2015-16, worsening during the COVID pandemic. By August 2025, the number of bridging visas peaked, reflecting how processing delays have worsened over time. Annual statistics illustrate the impact of policy changes and operational bottlenecks.

Temporary Migration Trends and Their Consequences

A report from the Parliamentary Library in 2010 cautioned against misreading migration figures, particularly regarding temporary versus permanent migration. The data shows a rising number of temporary entrants, such as students and skilled workers.

Dr Rizvi argues that this temporary setback has morphed into a structural problem. The notable increase in onshore higher education and temporary graduate applications indicates that relief from this backlog may take considerable time.

During the pandemic, decisions favouring temporary entrants to address labour shortages exacerbated these challenges, leading to greater demand as borders reopened. Presently, the Administrative Review Tribunal (A.R.T.) has nearly 60,000 migration-related cases waiting for resolution, alongside more than 40,000 asylum applications. This results in many applicants remaining in Australia on bridging visas, waiting indefinitely.

Government Reforms: More Needs to Be Done

Recent legislative changes aimed at processing more cases “on the papers” are seen as short-term solutions. Dr Rizvi insists these measures do not fix the underlying issues stemming from years of neglect. As onshore applications surge again, the backlog is expected to continue growing into 2024 and 2025.

The shift from structured migration plans to reactive management has created instability in the system. Historically, permanent migration was carefully monitored and adjusted, but now temporary migration is largely reactive, contributing to ongoing uncertainty.

Dr Rizvi believes that the increase in bridging visas reflects the system’s reliance on reactive strategies rather than proactive management. He advocates for a complete overhaul of the migration framework to tackle these persistent issues effectively.

Implications for Future Migration and Visa Options

The sharp rise in bridging visas is significant for those considering work opportunities in Australia. For potential migrants looking at options such as the 482 visa (a temporary skilled visa) or the 189 visa (a permanent residency option for skilled workers), understanding the current migration landscape is essential. Staying informed about visa sponsorship processes and application expectations can greatly help navigate this complex system.

What do you think?

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