Advice

[mppc]

Hi, just looking advice on my visa situation. I have applied for a 309/100 almost a year ago. My visitor visa is due to run out in a few weeks. Can I apply for a new visitor visa or an extension while I await a decision on my spouse visa? 

[paulhand]

It’s not clear from your post whether you are in Australia or not?

[mppc]

Sorry I am in Australia waiting on a decision for a spouse visa. My visitor visa ends in a few weeks and I would like to stay if possible under an extended visa but I'm not sure if I can request to do this. 

[Wonderingaloud]

I always thought that if you apply for another visa whilst the current one is still active, you automatically go onto a bridging visa when it expires. The bridging visa carries the same rights as the visa you were previously on, and lasts until a decision is made on the next visa I.e. your partner visa. It’s not something you apply for separately. 
This is assuming your current visa didn’t come with a ‘no further stay’ condition.

Having said all this Paul above knows what he is talking about so with any luck he will put you on the right track on way or the other. 
 

Good luck 

[paulhand]

You can apply onshore for a new visitor visa (but this would be different to an eVisitor if that is what you currently hold, as this can only be applied for offshore). Whether it is granted will depend, amongst other things, on how long you have been in Australia. As you know, you need to be offshore to have your 309 visa granted. 
 

Any bridging visa for an onshore application will be until the visitor visa is decided, not the partner visa.