Can You Apply for a Visa in Australia While Waiting for an Appeal?

If your visa has been refused or cancelled in Australia, it can be a really stressful time. You might be wondering what to do next especially if you’ve already lodged an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). A big question that pops up for many people in this situation is: Can I apply for another visa while I wait for the outcome of my appeal?

The short answer? It depends.

Let’s walk through it in plain language, without the legal jargon.

What It Means to Be “Waiting for an Appeal”

So, you’ve appealed a visa refusal or cancellation—that’s a good step. Appeal process provides hope for overturning unfavorable outcomes. It can be a lengthy procedure sometimes taking months—or even years—depending on the complexity of your case. While your appeal is being looked at by the ART, you’ll usually be allowed to stay in Australia on a bridging visa. Most of the time, it’s a Bridging Visa A (BVA).

But just because you’re still in the country doesn’t always mean you can apply for another visa straight away.

Here’s Where It Gets Tricky: Section 48 (S48)

There’s this rule called Section 48 of the Migration Act. It basically says that if you’re onshore, you’ve had a visa refused (or cancelled), and you’re now holding a bridging visa instead of a regular visa, then your hands are a bit tied. You can’t just apply for any visa from within Australia.

It’s frustrating, but the idea behind Section 48 is to stop people from applying for one visa after another just to avoid leaving the country.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes! Thankfully, there are still a few visas you can apply for while you’re in this situation. These include: Partner visa (820), Bridging visa (if needed again), Protection visa, some Child visas, certain Skilled Regional visas like the 491 or 494, but only if you’re in a designated regional area.

So, if you’re thinking of switching to a new visa, you’ll need to check if it’s one of the allowed options under Section 48.

What If You Leave Australia?

You might be thinking, “Okay, I’ll just go overseas and apply from there.” Sometimes that can work

But be careful—if you’re on a Bridging Visa A, it will usually end as soon as you leave. To be able to return, you’d need to get a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before you go.

Also, leaving Australia can complicate your appeal process, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get the new visa from offshore. It’s risky, so don’t make any big moves without speaking to a migration expert first.

Can You Work or Study While Waiting?

This really depends on the kind of bridging visa you hold. Some come with work rights, and some don’t.

If yours doesn’t allow you to work, you might be able to apply for permission—especially if you’re facing financial difficulties. But again, it’s not automatic and you might need to prove your situation.

What Happens If the ART Backs You?

Let’s say the ART finds in your favour—great news! That usually means your original visa application goes back to the Department of Home Affairs for review. If everything lines up, your visa might get approved.

But if your appeal is denied, your options become more limited and you may be required to leave Australia—unless you qualify for another type of visa or decide to take the matter to court.

So, What Should You Do?

If you’re in this situation, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. The rules can be confusing, and one wrong step can set things back. Here’s some advice:

✔️ Don’t guess. Talk to a registered migration agent or lawyer.

✔️ Know your bridging visa conditions—can you work? travel?

✔️ Don’t rush into applying for another visa without checking if you’re even allowed to.

Think ahead—what’s your plan if the appeal doesn’t go your way?

Final Thoughts

Waiting for an appeal decision can feel like your life is on hold. And the truth is, applying for another visa during this time isn’t always straightforward.

But you’re not alone. Many people go through this and with the right advice, you can figure out the best path forward.

At Pathway to Aus, we’ve helped lots of people in exactly this situation. Whether you want to know your options, check if Section 48 applies to you, or get help preparing for what comes next—we’re here to make it easier.

The above information is general in nature and it may not be suitable for your situation. Watch our video above to see how we guided a client through applying for another visa while awaiting their appeal decision. It’s a great way to understand the steps involved based on the client’s situation and how we helped make the process smoother. Reach out to our migration team for personalised advice and real support.