Bridging Visa Australia: Everything You Should Know
VEM Visa | Bridging Visa Australia
A Bridging Visa (BV) in Australia is a temporary, transitory visa that allows an individual to remain lawfully in Australia while their immigration status is being resolved. It “bridges the gap” between a current visa and the final decision on a new substantive visa application. Dive in to know everything about Bridging Visa Australia.
Bridging Visa is a temporary visa for those who are already in Australia. It allows you to stay lawfully while your current visa expires or while waiting for the decision on your main visa application.
This visa helps you avoid being an unlawful resident in Australia during the period between your old visa expiring and the new visa being processed.
For individuals planning future work opportunities, it is useful to understand pathways like the skills in demand visa Australia or reviewing the 482 visa occupation list to identify eligible skilled positions while on a bridging visa.
what is bridging visa
What Is a Substantive Visa?
A Substantive Visa is any Australian visa that allows you to travel, live, and work for an extended period, such as a Skilled Visa, Partner Visa, Student Visa, or other visas, including temporary and permanent residence visas (PR visas).
A Bridging Visa is not a substantive visa. Its purpose is merely to maintain lawful status during a transition period.
Bridging Visas Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a Bridging Visa, an individual must generally:
Be in Australia when they apply.
Have made a valid application for a substantive visa (or for merits/judicial review) within the prescribed timeframes.
Comply with previous visa conditions (for BVA).
Meet character requirements.
bridging visa general requirements
Types of Australian Bridging Visas
There are five main types of Bridging Visas, each with specific eligibility criteria, work rights, and travel conditions.
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010
BVA is the most common type, automatically granted in the majority of onshore applications.
Feature
Details
Purpose/Eligibility
Granted to applicants who lodge a valid application for a substantive visa while they still hold a valid substantive visa.
Commencement
The BVA “springs into life” and takes effect immediately after the previously held substantive visa expires.
Work Rights
Generally retains the same work conditions as the previous substantive visa (except for partner visas). If the BVA has no work rights, the holder can apply for a new BVA with work rights if they demonstrate financial hardship.
Work rights may also be granted automatically for certain visa types (e.g., onshore Partner visa 820/801).
Travel Rights
None. If you leave Australia while holding a BVA, the visa will cease, and you cannot return on it. You must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to travel.
Cost
No government application charge.
bridging visa a
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020
The only Bridging Visa that allows travel outside Australia.
Feature
Details
Purpose/Eligibility
Allows an applicant who holds a BVA or another valid substantive visa to depart and return to Australia for a specified travel period (usually 3 to 12 months) while their substantive visa application is still being processed.
Requirement
You must have a substantial reason for wanting to leave and return to Australia and must be in Australia when you apply.
Work Rights
Generally carries the same work conditions as the BVA or substantive visa it replaces.
Travel Rights
Yes. Allows travel and re-entry during the specified travel period. You must return before the travel period expires.
Cost
Government fee applies (presently around AUD 190).
bridging visa b
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030
For individuals who did not hold a valid visa when they applied for a substantive visa.
Feature
Details
Purpose/Eligibility
Granted to individuals who are unlawful non-citizens (meaning they hold no visa, or their previous visa had expired) when they lodge a valid application for a substantive visa.
Work Rights
The initial BVC often has a “No Work” condition. The holder can apply for a new BVC with work rights if they can demonstrate financial hardship. Work rights may be granted automatically for certain SkillSelect visas.
Travel Rights
None. If you leave Australia while holding a BVC, the visa will cease, and you cannot return. You cannot apply for a BVB while holding a BVC.
Cost
No government application charge.
4. Bridging Visa D (BVD) – Subclass 041
This is a short-term safety net visa, with the following details:
Feature
Details
Purpose/Eligibility
BVD is a very short-term visa (valid for 5 working days) granted to people who are unlawful or whose substantive visa will expire within three working days. It provides time to prepare and lodge a substantive visa application or a Bridging Visa E (BVE) application.
Work Rights
None under any circumstances.
Travel Rights
None.
Cost
No government application charge for BVD.
bridging visa d
5. Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 051
Bridging visa E (BVE) is a temporary visa of last resort.
Feature
Details
Purpose/Eligibility
Usually granted to unlawful non-citizens to allow them to make arrangements to depart Australia, finalise their immigration matter, or await the final resolution of processes such as Ministerial Intervention.
Conditions
Can have very restrictive conditions, including regular and intrusive reporting requirements and restrictions on applying for further substantive visas while in Australia.
Work Rights
Initially, they may have no work rights. Work rights can be applied for if the holder can establish they are in financial hardship.
Travel Rights
None. The visa ceases upon departure from Australia.
Cost
No government application charge.
bridging visa e
Key Differences: BVA vs. BVC
The fundamental distinction between the two most common Bridging Visas lies in the applicant’s status at the time of lodging the substantive visa application.
Feature
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
Eligibility
Granted to a person who applied for a substantive visa while holding a valid substantive visa.
Granted to a person who applied for a substantive visa while being an unlawful non-citizen (holding no visa).
Lawful Status
Maintains continuous lawful status.
Provides a legal status to an unlawful non-citizen.
Work Rights
Maintains previous work rights. Can apply for full work rights based on financial hardship.
Initial grant is usually “No Work.” Can apply for work rights based on financial hardship.
Travel Rights
None, but the holder is eligible to apply for a BVB to gain travel rights.
None, and the holder cannot apply for a BVB.
Flexibility
Offers greater flexibility and rights (e.g., BVB pathway).
Offers less flexibility.
Application
Often granted automatically when the substantive visa application is lodged.
May be granted automatically or require a separate manual application, depending on circumstances.
Bridging Visa Application Process
If you have a bridging visa, you can later switch to a substantive visa if eligible. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check eligibility
Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements. This depends on your current temporary visa status and whether you need to travel outside Australia while waiting for your main visa.
Step 2: Prepare documents
Gather all necessary documents, including:
Valid passport and ID
Proof of your current visa
Details of your substantive visa application
Any other supporting documents
Step 3: Complete the application form
Fill out the correct Bridging visa form (A, B, C, D, or E) carefully. Mistakes or missing information can cause delays or refusal.
Step 4: Submit your application and pay fees
Submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs. Bridging Visa B (BVB) currently has a fee of AUD 190; most other bridging visas may be free.
Step 5: Provide additional information if requested
The Department may ask for extra documents or an interview to clarify your application.
Step 6: Wait for approval
Processing time varies depending on case complexity and workload.
Step 7: Receive your bridging visa
Once approved, your Bridging visa will include specific work, study, and travel rights depending on the visa type.
Step 8: Follow visa conditions
It’s important to comply with all visa obligations. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation or legal issues.
Step 9: Monitor your substantive visa application
Keep track of your main visa application while holding a bridging visa. VEM can help monitor updates and inform you of any progress.
Step 10: Transition to the substantive visa
When your main visa is approved, you will automatically move to the new visa. If refused, you may need to appeal or plan to leave Australia.
bridging visa application process
Tips For a Successful Bridging Visa
When applying for a bridging visa, keep the following points in mind:
Processing time: Approval can take longer if your case is complex or the Department of Home Affairs is handling many applications. Check your visa status regularly and contact the Department if processing seems unusually slow.
Documentation: Incomplete or incorrect documents are common reasons for delays or refusals. Make sure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
Update information: Notify the Department of any changes to your address, job, family status, or residence.
Financial capability: Ensure you can support yourself during the waiting period. Plan your finances, have backup funds, and explore available support programs.
Legal issues: Some applications may involve complex legal matters. Seek advice from a lawyer or registered migration agent to reduce the risk of visa refusal.
tips for successful bridging visa
Strategic Considerations
Bridging visas let you stay legally in Australia while waiting for a final decision on your visa, an ART (Administrative Review Tribunal) review, or a court review. This period can last for months or even years. During this time, you can live, work, and meet requirements for a permanent visa, like relationship duration.
It’s important to follow the visa conditions, especially rules about work and travel, because breaking them can result in your visa being cancelled.
Contact VEM and consult with Mr. Peter Cao, a registered migration agent (MARN: 1577877) and member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), to ensure your visa application is properly prepared and legally compliant.
By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent
A Bridging Visa B (BVB) lets you leave and re-enter Australia within a set travel period while your main visa application is being processed. The duration of a BVB can range from three to twelve months, depending on the purpose of your travel and your individual circumstances.
Approval for a bridging visa usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks. However, processing times can be longer depending on factors such as the completeness of your application and the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs. To help speed up the process, make sure all documents are accurate and submitted in full, particularly if you require urgent travel.
Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.
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