Bridging Visa
Home / Bridging Visa
Purpose of Bridging Visas
A Bridging Visa allows you to lawfully remain in Australia while your new visa application is being processed, or while you make arrangements to depart the country. It acts as a temporary visa to ensure you maintain legal status between the expiry of your current visa and the decision on your new or pending application.
Bridging visas are commonly granted automatically when you apply for another substantive visa in Australia, such as a student, skilled, or partner visa. The visa type granted depends on your specific circumstances and previous visa history.
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010
A Bridging Visa A is usually granted automatically when you lodge a valid application for a new substantive visa while holding a current substantive visa. It allows you to remain lawfully in Australia until your new visa is finalised.
However, a BVA does not allow you to travel overseas if you depart Australia, your BVA will cease automatically.
Key Points:
Maintains lawful status in Australia
Usually carries the same work and study rights as your previous visa
Automatically ceases upon departure from Australia
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020
A Bridging Visa B is the most beneficial of all bridging visas because it allows both travel and work rights while your substantive visa application is being processed. To be eligible for a BVB, you must already hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or have previously held a BVB.
Key Points:
Allows you to leave and re-enter Australia within a specified travel period
Lets you work and remain lawfully in Australia while your main visa is under consideration
Must apply before travelling overseas if granted, the travel period is typically valid for 3 months
Example:
If you have applied for a Student, Partner, or Skilled visa and hold a BVA but need to travel home temporarily, you must apply for a BVB before leaving Australia.
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030
This visa is granted when you apply for a new substantive visa but do not currently hold a substantive visa.
It allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your new application is processed. However, a BVC does not permit travel overseas, and work rights are not automatic you must demonstrate financial hardship to be granted work permission.
4. Bridging Visa D (BVD) – Subclass 040 & 041
A Bridging Visa D is a short-term visa allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia for a very limited period if:
You are unable to lodge a valid visa application; or
You are making arrangements to leave Australia.
It does not allow work and is typically granted for 5 days to give you time to resolve your immigration situation.
5. Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 050 & 051
A Bridging Visa E is granted to people who are unlawfully in Australia and wish to either regularise their status by lodging a new visa or make arrangements to depart.
It may also be granted to people waiting for a decision from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or Ministerial Intervention.
Key Points:
Allows you to remain in Australia lawfully
Usually has strict reporting and work conditions
Does not allow travel
Work and Study Rights on Bridging Visas
Work rights vary depending on the type of bridging visa you hold and the visa you applied for.
BVA and BVB: Generally, carry the same work rights as your previous visa.
BVC: No work rights unless you can prove financial hardship.
BVD and BVE: Very limited or no work rights.
If your bridging visa is granted with “no work” conditions, you may request a waiver by demonstrating compelling need to work or financial hardship.
Visa Costs and Application
Most bridging visas (BVA, BVC, BVD, BVE) are free of charge.
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) has a small application charge, typically payable at the time of lodgement.
Need Help with Your Visa?
Let Our Experts Guide You Through the Process. Book a free consultation.
Call: +61 424 568 461
Email: info@visa1migration.com
How Visa 1 Migration Can Help
At Visa 1 Migration Pty Ltd, we assist clients in determining the most suitable bridging visa option to maintain their lawful status in Australia.
We provide expert advice on eligibility, work rights, travel permissions, and condition waivers, ensuring your bridging visa aligns with your ongoing visa application or appeal process.
Contact Visa 1 Migration today to discuss your bridging visa options and ensure you remain lawful in Australia while waiting for your next visa outcome.