Why Visa Interactions Matter
Many parent visa applicants lodge their substantive visa applications while visiting Australia on a short-term visa such as an eVisitor. Understanding how your visitor visa interacts with the Bridging Visa A (BVA) granted on lodgement is crucial to staying lawful and avoiding unintended consequences.
Multiple Visas at Once
Under section 82 of the Migration Act, you can hold more than one visa at the same time, but only one will be “in effect.” When you arrive in Australia on an eVisitor, that visa takes effect and remains active until it expires, is cancelled or you depart.
When Bridging Visas Activate
- When you lodge a parent visa application onshore, the Department grants a Bridging Visa A.
- The BVA remains dormant while you continue to hold a valid substantive visa, such as an eVisitor. It only comes into effect once you no longer have a substantive visa in effect.
- If your eVisitor is still valid, your BVA will not activate, and you cannot rely on its conditions until the eVisitor expires or ceases.
Travel Complications
- Departure ceases your eVisitor: If you leave Australia while holding both an eVisitor and a BVA, the eVisitor ceases on departure under section 82.
- Returning requires a Bridging Visa B (BVB): To travel and return lawfully while waiting for your parent visa, you must apply for and be granted a BVB before you depart. The BVB allows you to leave and re-enter Australia during a specified travel period.
- No returning on an eVisitor: After your eVisitor ceases on departure, you cannot return using the same eVisitor, even if it would otherwise still be valid.
Practical Planning Tips
- Check the expiry of your current visitor visa and understand when your BVA will come into effect.
- If you need to travel, apply for a BVB well before departure and ensure you return before the travel period ends.
- Be mindful that holding multiple visas does not permit you to choose which one applies; the rules determine which is in effect.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Visa interactions are complex, and individual circumstances vary. For personalised advice, please consult a registered migration agent.
📞 Book a Consultation
Planning travel while holding both a visitor visa and a Bridging Visa A? VisaTasker can explain how the visas interact and help you secure the right travel permissions.
[Book Your Consultation Now]
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.
Clear advice. Practical next steps.
Discuss your circumstances with a registered migration agent
Book a focused 30-minute consultation to understand the options, risks and evidence relevant to your matter.