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Inquiry on Bridging Visa
I arrived in Sydney at the end of December 2023 with plans to apply for a partner visa. However, circumstances changed, and I decided to pursue further studies instead. With the support of friends, I enrolled in a CRICOS-registered school in Sydney, where I am completing a Graduate Diploma in Management (Leadership). I am now on a year-long bridging visa with no work rights.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing back home and have over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. I am currently in term 5 of my course, which is expected to finish by December 2025. Given my bridging visa status with no work rights, securing employer sponsorship for a 407 or 482 visa has been challenging. What do you think the best possible thing to do next is?
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3 Replies
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Hi Vera, welcome to our community! 😊
Thanks for sharing your situation. Based on your background and current status, here’s a clear path forward with some practical suggestions:
1. Consider applying for a new Student Visa (subclass 500):
If you’re currently on a Bridging Visa without work rights, applying for a proper Student Visa might be a smart move. The Student Visa typically includes limited work rights (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms), which may help with your finances and improve your employment prospects in Australia.Details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500
2. Look into Skilled Migration options (subclass 189, 190, 491):
Given your Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and your experience in the pharmaceutical industry, you might qualify under one of the skilled visas. However, eligibility depends heavily on your specific occupation’s ANZSCO code and whether it appears on a relevant skilled occupation list. For example:-
If your experience aligns with Sales and Marketing Manager (ANZSCO 131112), it is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), which supports permanent skilled migration options.
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Alternatively, if your experience is more aligned with Pharmaceutical Representative (ANZSCO 225412), this is on the STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), which is more restrictive but still supports options like the subclass 482 and 190 visas.
We can narrow this down further if you can describe your role in more detail.
3. Consider employer-sponsored pathways once your visa status allows work rights:
Sponsorship on a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or a Training Visa (subclass 407) is possible, but your current visa status makes it hard for employers. Once on a Student Visa with work rights, you’ll be in a stronger position to secure a job and build relationships that could lead to sponsorship.For employer-sponsored roles, start searching on:
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https://482jobs.com (our job board with only visa-sponsored roles)
Also consider uploading your resume to our recruiter database here: https://482jobs.com/candidates/submit-resume/ Recruiters search this regularly for visa-sponsored candidates.
4. Network with recruiters on LinkedIn:
Optimise your LinkedIn profile to attract attention from Australian employers. We’ve got a great article with tips here:
https://482jobs.com/15-expert-tips-to-get-noticed-by-australian-recruiters-on-linkedinI’d be happy to help you assess your eligibility for skilled migration or sponsorship pathways if you can share more about your job title, daily duties, and whether you’ve had any formal skills assessments done.
Hope this helps you feel more confident about your next steps. Let me know if you’d like help working through the skilled visa options based on your background.
Warm regards,
Markimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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Hi Mark,
Thank you for welcoming me into the community and for your helpful suggestions; I greatly appreciate it.
I just wanted to clarify something in your comment about switching to a proper student visa. Since I’m currently on a bridging visa while waiting for the finalization of my student visa, could you explain what you meant by transitioning to a “proper” student visa? I thought the student visa application was in progress, but I’d love to get your thoughts on whether there’s something I might have missed or need to address.
Also, regarding the skilled migration route you suggested (189, 190, 491), I may not be eligible due to my age (50), as these visas typically have age limits. Additionally, since I currently don’t have work rights on my bridging visa, securing an employer sponsorship is difficult.
I would love to share some of my details and would appreciate your insights on whether there are other options I might not have considered or what you recommend in my situation.
Thanks again for your time and advice
Vera
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Hi Vera, nice to hear from you 🙂
Thank you for your detailed message and for clarifying your situation. Let’s address your concerns/questions step by step.
1. Clarification on Transitioning to a “Proper” Student Visa:
Apologies for any confusion earlier. Since you’ve already applied for a Student Visa (subclass 500) and are currently on a Bridging Visa awaiting its outcome, you’ve taken the correct steps.
The term “proper” Student Visa simply refers to the substantive visa you’re awaiting. Once granted, this visa will provide you with work rights, typically allowing you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms. Until then, your Bridging Visa maintains your lawful status in Australia.
2. Age Considerations for Skilled Migration Visas:
You’re correct that age limits apply to certain skilled migration visas:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Applicants must be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Also requires applicants to be under 45 at the time of invitation.
Given your age, these pathways may not be available unfortunately ☹️
3. Employer-Sponsored Visas:
While securing employer sponsorship can be challenging, especially without current work rights, there are options without age restrictions:
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482): No age limit applies. This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for positions they can’t fill locally.
After working in Australia for a specified period, pathways to permanent residency may become available, though age limits and other criteria apply at that stage.
4. Alternative Visa Options:
Long shots (depending on your personal circumstances) 🙂 Consider exploring:
Partner Visa: If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this pathway doesn’t have age restrictions.
Parent Visa: If you have children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you might be eligible (though to be honest, the current processing times are very prohibitive).
5. Next Steps:
Await Student Visa Outcome: Once granted, you’ll have work rights, enhancing your employment prospects.
Network and Job Search: Utilize platforms like https://482jobs.com, Seek.com.au, and Indeed.com.au to find potential employers willing to sponsor.
Professional Advice: Consulting with a registered migration agent can provide personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances, we do have an agent we can refer you to though they will charge for an initial assessment (approx $100)
I hope this clarifies your concerns and questions Vera though please feel free to reach out with any further questions.
Best regards,
Mark
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