Is Bridging Visa Necessary while 887 being processed?

[Guest Jenni]

Hi All,

 

Wishing everyone a happy 2014!

 

Will be eligible for applying for a 887 visa in Feb 2014. Have booked and paid for tickets for a visit back home in April 2014 for 3 weeks. My substantive visa expires in November 2014. Plan to submit application in Feb 2014, my concern is will I require a Bridging Visa (B?) to return while 887 is being processed?

 

Is it possible/ sufficient to just inform processing officer after 887 has been submitted of travel arrangements?

 

Any advise please?

 

Many thanks in advance.

[Hutchy]

When we applied for our 887 visa last year, it was taking 6 months for the application to be even looked at...Yes, definitely, the bridging visa, as far as we were concerned, was necessary. It didn't cost any extra...just a safe guard..

[Blossom]

No. Tell then your plans. When you get back you will need to reapply for bridging visa a as it will have been cancelled when you left. I think it is free to reapply for bridging visa a (if you even need to, your visa may have been issued before your last visa runs out) whereas you have to pay for bridging visa b.

[Guest Jenni]

Thank you for your replies. Yesterday I managed to speak to a different officer from Immi Dept (the 1300) number and she said the same thing that you said Blossom. Thanks to all again