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What is a bridging visa?

A bridging visa is a temporary visa used in particular immigration circumstances. It may be granted after a valid onshore application for another visa, during an eligible review process, or while someone makes arrangements to depart. A bridging visa does not itself decide the outcome of another visa application.

A bridging visa can be granted before it starts operating. If your substantive visa is still in effect, check which visa is currently active and when your bridging visa would take effect

Common bridging visa types

Visa When it may be relevant Travel and return
BVA (010) Often associated with an eligible onshore application made while holding a substantive visa. The BVA does not itself allow departure and return.
BVB (020) May be available to an eligible BVA or BVB holder with a pending onshore substantive visa application who needs to travel. Departure and return are permitted during the travel period granted.
BVC (030) May be relevant to an eligible onshore substantive visa applicant who did not hold a substantive visa when applying. The BVC does not allow departure and return.
BVE (050) May apply in specified circumstances while a person resolves their status, awaits a decision or arranges departure. The BVE does not allow departure and return.
BVE (051) A distinct pathway for eligible people connected with a Protection visa application. The BVE does not allow departure and return.

These are common situations, not complete eligibility tests. Home Affairs assesses each application against the requirements of the particular subclass.

When does a bridging visa start?

If you apply for another visa while your current substantive visa remains valid, a bridging visa may be granted to cover a later period. The grant notice explains its commencement and conditions. Check your current in-effect visa in VEVO; do not assume the bridging visa has already started.

Can you work on a bridging visa?

Work permission depends on the conditions attached to your individual visa. Some bridging visas have restrictions, and a person may be able to seek different conditions only in particular circumstances. Check your grant notice and VEVO before starting or continuing work. Do not assume the work rights on an earlier visa carry over.

Travelling while you wait

If you intend to leave Australia and return while a substantive visa application is pending, check your travel rights before you book or depart. A Bridging Visa B permits an eligible holder to leave and return during its specified travel period. Departing on another bridging visa can cause that visa to cease. Check the BVB grant dates before travelling.

If your visa has expired

Check your immigration status promptly. An expired visa does not automatically qualify you for a bridging visa, and applying for one does not itself give you work or travel rights. What you can apply for depends on your visa history, your location and the requirements for a valid application.

How Kritin Global can assist

Kritin Global’s registered migration agent can check your visa history and current conditions, explain the relevant bridging visa options, prepare an application where required and help you understand what to check before working or travelling.

Discuss Your Visa Situation
Frequently Asked Questions

It may allow you to remain lawfully in Australia while a visa application or another immigration matter is resolved. Its purpose and conditions depend on the subclass and your circumstances.

Not always. If you still hold a valid substantive visa, your bridging visa may come into effect later. Check your grant notice and your current in-effect visa in VEVO.

It depends on the conditions attached to your visa. Check your grant notice and VEVO before starting or continuing work.

A BVA does not itself allow you to leave and return to Australia. If you need to travel while awaiting a substantive visa decision, check whether you are eligible for a BVB before departure.

Only during the travel period specified in your BVB grant. Check the dates on your grant notice before arranging your return.

Your situation needs prompt assessment. The options depend on your visa history and the requirements for making a valid application. Do not assume a bridging visa will be granted automatically.

Possibly. The answer depends on the decision, any review rights and deadlines, your visa history and your current status. Check the decision notice before assuming you can remain, work or travel.

No. A bridging visa does not itself provide permanent residence. Any substantive visa application is assessed under its own requirements.

Timing depends on the subclass and individual circumstances. If your current visa is nearing expiry or you plan to travel, check the requirements promptly and do not assume a decision will arrive by a particular date.

Disclaimer

Fees and eligibility criteria are reviewed periodically. Always verify current figures and process requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging. This page is general information - contact us for advice specific to your situation.

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