Does Australian PR overwrite pending work visa status?

If you have applied for both Permanent Residency (PR) and a work visa extension in Australia at the same time, and your PR is granted before the work visa extension, then the PR will take precedence and your work visa extension will not override or cancel your permanent residency. Here is a detailed explanation:

PR Takes Precedence Over Temporary Visas:

• Once your permanent residency is granted, your status changes from a temporary visa holder to a permanent resident of Australia.

• The grant of PR cancels any existing temporary visa you may be on, including a work visa, because the PR gives you unrestricted rights to live and work in Australia.

What Happens to the Work Visa Extension Application:

• If the PR is approved first, your work visa extension application becomes irrelevant, as you are no longer a temporary visa applicant.

• The Department of Home Affairs will usually automatically close or cancel the pending work visa application once PR is granted, since you no longer need it.

Bridging Visa and Processing Implications:

• While both applications are being processed, you are typically placed on a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows you to remain in Australia lawfully until a decision is made.

• Once the PR is granted, the Bridging Visa and temporary visa applications no longer apply.

No Risk of PR Being Overwritten:

• The work visa extension cannot overwrite or override your PR once it is granted.

• Australia's visa system prioritizes the most beneficial visa outcome for the applicant — in this case, PR is more advantageous than a temporary work visa.

Summary:

• If your PR is granted before your work visa extension, the PR status becomes your official immigration status.

• The work visa application will become redundant and will not impact or cancel your permanent residency.

• You do not need to withdraw your work visa application unless advised by immigration, as it will automatically lapse after PR approval.

It is always advisable to keep track of communication from the Department of Home Affairs and ensure your ImmiAccount is up to date for any status changes.