Countries Offering Multi-Purpose Interim/Bridging Visas in 2025
In a world where visa transitions can feel like walking a tightrope, several countries are stepping up in 2025 by offering interim or bridging visa solutions—designed to keep you legally in place while waiting for your next visa move. These temporary visas act as lifesavers for individuals who are switching from one visa type to another, applying for residence, or awaiting approvals while working, studying, or preparing to leave a country.
Whether you’re a student finishing English courses in Ireland, a digital nomad waiting for a long-term work visa, or a guest worker transitioning between contracts—here’s your essential 2025 guide to countries offering interim visas:
1# Australia: World-Class Bridging Visa System (BVA to BVE)
Australia leads the way with a structured interim visa system through Bridging Visas A to E, tailored for nearly every transitional scenario.
- Bridging Visa A (BVA – Subclass 010): Allows legal stay while waiting for a new substantive visa. No travel rights.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB – Subclass 020): Enables overseas travel and re-entry during visa processing.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC – Subclass 030): For those applying after a previous visa has expired.
- Bridging Visa E (BVE – Subclass 050/051): For arranging departure, ministerial intervention, or awaiting protection visa results.
2025 Update: Recent legislation from January extended the validity of certain bridging visas for smoother transitions as per this https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/bridging-visa-a-010.
2# New Zealand: Automatic Interim Visas Now Enhanced for AEWV
New Zealand issues interim visas automatically in 2025 when one temporary visa expires before a new one is granted. These visas can last up to 6 months but become invalid if the holder leaves NZ.
April 2025 Reform: Under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway, interim visas now allow continued work rights for student and other visa holders switching to AEWV without interruption according to this update https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/waiting-for-a-visa/interim-visas-so-you-can-stay-here-lawfully/.
3# Ireland: Stamp 2 Bridging Permission for Students
Got an English language course wrapping up and aiming for higher education? Ireland’s short-term bridging permission (Stamp 2) is here to save the gap.
- Valid until: September 30, 2025
- Application Window: May 1 – August 31, 2025
- Target Group: English language students transitioning to higher education programs starting by October 2025.
4# Other Countries: Temporary Residence & Interim Stay Visas in 2025
These aren’t explicitly “interim visas,” but they serve the same purpose—bridging periods for work, study, digital nomad life, or waiting on another visa type.
Digital Nomad / Temporary Stay Visas Offering Countries List
These allow remote workers to legally reside in a country while working for foreign employers. Often valid for 6 to 12 months, with some being renewable:
- Portugal
- Spain
- Italy
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Germany
- Greece
- Malta
- Norway
- Iceland
- Panama
- Belize
- Thailand
- Japan (planned for 2025)
- Dubai (UAE)
- South Korea
These can serve as creative “interim” solutions while waiting for other visa types or planning longer stays.
5# United States: Temporary Worker Visas (H-2B Expansion in 2025)
The H-2B visa for non-agricultural temporary workers sees a quota boost in FY 2025. While not formally called interim, this visa provides temporary legal status and employment rights for seasonal industries like hospitality, landscaping, and construction (Ref).
6# Hungary: New 2025 TRP Options for Workers
Starting January 1, 2025, Hungary introduced Temporary Residence Permits for guest workers and general employment (Ref).
Note: Restrictions apply—especially for Georgia and Armenia citizens.
7# Lithuania: Temporary Residence Permits (TRP)
Lithuania offers TRPs for:
- Employment
- Studies
- Family reunification
- Legal professional activities
Perfect for those using Lithuania as a base for EU residence transitions (Ref).
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