If you’re on a Bridging Visa A (BVA) and need to travel overseas urgently, you’ll need a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to be able to return to Australia. But what happens when your travel is urgent and the BVB application is taking too long to process? This is a common and stressful situation that many visa applicants face.
What Is a Bridging Visa B?
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A Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to travel outside Australia and return while your substantive visa application is being processed. Unlike a BVA, which only allows you to remain in Australia, a BVB includes travel rights. If you leave Australia on a BVA without first obtaining a BVB, your BVA will cease and you may not be able to return.
How Long Does a BVB Take to Process?
BVB processing times can vary significantly. While some applications are processed within days, others can take several weeks — particularly during busy periods such as the end-of-year holiday season. The Department of Home Affairs can be flooded with BVB applications at certain times of the year, leading to longer than expected processing times.
What to Do If Your Travel Is Urgent
If you’ve lodged a BVB application and need it processed urgently, here are some steps to try:
- Email the processing centre: For employer-sponsored visa holders, the ESPD (Employer Sponsored Processing Direction) email can be contacted directly. For other visa types, contact the relevant processing centre.
- Use the Global Feedback form: The Department’s global feedback mechanism can sometimes escalate urgent requests.
- Call the Department: While the call centre may have limited ability to intervene, it’s worth documenting your attempts to contact the Department.
- Provide evidence of urgency: If your travel is for a medical emergency, family emergency, or essential business purpose, include evidence with your application and in any follow-up communications.
- Contact your local MP: In some cases, contacting your local Member of Parliament’s office can help escalate urgent visa matters.
Tips to Avoid BVB Delays
- Apply well in advance: Don’t wait until the last minute. If you know you’ll need to travel, lodge your BVB application at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
- Apply at the same time as your main visa: Some applicants apply for a BVB at the same time as lodging their substantive visa application, even if they don’t have immediate travel plans. This provides flexibility.
- Avoid peak periods: Processing times tend to blow out around Christmas and New Year. If possible, plan your BVB application to avoid these busy periods.
- Keep your contact details updated: Make sure the Department can reach you if they need additional information for your BVB application.
What If You Can’t Wait?
If you absolutely must travel before your BVB is granted, be aware that leaving Australia on a BVA will generally cause the BVA to cease. This could leave you unable to return to Australia or affect your pending visa application. In genuine emergency situations, speak with a registered migration agent before making any travel arrangements to understand the full implications.
Urgent travel situations require careful handling. If you need a BVB processed quickly, our team can help you navigate the process and explore all available options.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered migration agents for advice tailored to your specific situation.
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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