Geoff Toovey's six-month wait for a UK visa is over, enabling the former Manly NRL coach to begin overseeing Bradford's bid to avoid relegation into the English third tier.
Sea Eagles legend Toovey was announced as the Bulls coach in January, but the Championship club's financial woes meant he had to apply for a Border Licence before his visa application could be processed.
The Bulls sit last after 17 matches in the second division, having been docked 12 points at the start of the season after the club was liquidated and re-formed.
"It is pleasing that it is out of the way," Toovey told the west Yorkshire club's website.
"At the end of the day, we had to do the right things by the laws and we have done that now, so we can crack on.
"It was frustrating not knowing when it was actually going to happen, but I'm glad that it's out of the way."
Bulls co-owner, ex-NZRL chairman Andrew Chalmers, also regretted the delay in Toovey's arrival.
"I think it's a big milestone because of the difficulties and steps that we have had to go through and comply with all of the requirements with the border agency," he said.
"We need him out there, coaching, leading from the front and he hasn't been able to do it.
"He has a huge track record which will undoubtedly help the younger players."
Toovey, a former NSW State of Origin star and two-time premiership player, was dumped as Sea Eagles coach at the end of the 2015 NRL season and replaced by Trent Barrett.
The Sea Eagles were successful under his tutelage, reaching three finals series including the 2013 grand final, but they failed to reach the finals for the first time in a decade in his final year.
Heading into Sunday's clash with Rochedale, Bradford sit on minus-two points in the standings thanks to the deduction.
They face being involved in a play-off to avoid relegation at the end of the season next month.
"People should know that my history says I do not walk away from a challenge, so I am looking forward to cracking on," Toovey said.
"We have a fair task ahead of us as the last couple of months have been difficult, but this is one positive step.
"We need to get over this minus two that has been hanging around for too long. When we get past it we can set ourselves some new goals to achieve."
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