What happens the moment you apply for 820?

Hi,

I am currently on a WHV and will be applying for a partner visa at the end of December once we meet the 1 year of living together criteria on 20/12. My WHV will be up on 9/1/19.

I am currently on a six month contract in work which will end Christmas Eve. Both myself and my employer want me to continue working once my bridging visa starts on the 10/1. However I am afraid they won't offer me a new contract without being able to show I have full working rights. Once I pay for the visa and submit my application at the end of December, will I get a notice of my bridging visa then? Or do you get a notice right before your new visa begins?

I would just like to know so I can let my employer know, and also have some reassurance that I will be going back to a job after Christmas!

Hope this all makes sense.

Thanks.