Types of Bridging Visas
Bridging visas allow you to remain lawfully in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs decides your visa application or while you make arrangements to leave. The most common bridging visas are:
Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Automatically granted when you apply for a new substantive visa while holding a substantive visa. It allows you to stay lawfully in Australia but does not permit re‑entry if you depart.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Lets you travel overseas and return during a specified travel period. You must already hold a BVA or BVB and be in Australia to apply.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Granted when you apply for a visa after becoming unlawful. It provides lawful stay but does not allow travel.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) – For people who are unlawful or awaiting a decision on a ministerial intervention request. It provides short‑term lawful stay but also does not allow re‑entry.
Travel and Work Rights
A BVA typically has the same work rights as your previous substantive visa. If your previous visa did not permit work, you can request work rights by applying for a new BVA with work conditions. However, leaving Australia cancels a BVA; if you depart you cannot return on that visa.
A BVB is the only bridging visa that allows overseas travel. When the Department gives a BVB, it sets a travel period. This time frame depends on why you are traveling. It also depends on how long your main visa application is expected to take. You can depart and return multiple times during this window. If you are outside Australia when the travel period ends, your BVB will stop. You cannot return until your new visa is granted.
BVCs and BVEs are strictly on‑shore bridging visas. If you leave Australia on a BVC or BVE, the visa ceases and you will be unable to return on that visa.
Applying for a BVB
To obtain a BVB you must:
Hold a BVA or another BVB and be in Australia.
Have a substantive visa application in process.
Provide evidence for why you need to travel (family emergency, work commitments, etc.).
You can apply through your ImmiAccount and you will be charged a visa application fee. Submit your application well before your travel date to avoid delays.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest regulations and seek professional guidance for your circumstances.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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