Bridging visas

Is a bridging visa a substantive visa?

No. A bridging visa is not a substantive visa, even though it is still a visa.

Bridging visas Needs review
Short answer

No. A bridging visa is not a substantive visa, even though it is still a visa.

If your bridging visa is in effect, you can be lawful in Australia. However, holding a bridging visa is not the same as holding a substantive visa.

This matters because some visa rules refer specifically to whether a person holds a substantive visa. In those situations, a bridging visa usually does not count as a substantive visa.

Source

This answer is based on official bridging visa information.