A bridging visa is a temporary visa that can help you remain lawful in Australia while a substantive visa application, review, or another immigration matter is being decided.
Bridging Visa (BVs)
Bridging Visa (BVs)
Bridging Visas (BVs) are temporary visas that help eligible people remain lawful in Australia while a substantive visa application, merits review, judicial review, or another immigration matter is being resolved.
Common bridging visas include Bridging Visa A (BVA - Subclass 010), Bridging Visa B (BVB - Subclass 020), Bridging Visa C (BVC - Subclass 030), and Bridging Visa E (BVE - Subclass 050/051). The right option depends on your current visa status, whether you need travel permission, and the conditions attached to your grant.
A bridging visa does not itself provide permanent residency. Its main purpose is to protect lawful status while your next immigration step is processed, so getting the timing, visa type, and conditions right is critical.
Stay Lawful During Processing
Travel Needs the Right BV
Work Rights Depend on Conditions
Key Highlights of Bridging Visas
Four Common BV Streams
BVA, BVB, BVC and BVE cover the most common situations for temporary lawful stay in Australia.
Travel Usually Needs a BVB
Only a Bridging Visa B allows you to leave and return to Australia during an approved travel period.
Conditions Matter
Work rights and other conditions are not automatic and must be checked carefully in your grant notice or VEVO.
Temporary, Not Permanent
A bridging visa helps you remain lawful while another visa application or immigration matter is being decided.
Types of Bridging Visas
BVA and BVC
Bridging Visa A - Subclass 010:
Generally lets you stay in Australia after your current substantive visa ceases while your new substantive visa application is being processed.
Bridging Visa C - Subclass 030:
May be available in some onshore situations where you do not hold a substantive visa when you lodge a valid substantive visa application.
BVB for Travel
Bridging Visa B - Subclass 020:
Lets you leave and return to Australia during the travel period granted on the visa while your substantive visa application is still being processed.
If you need to travel, apply before departure. Leaving Australia on another type of bridging visa will generally cause that visa to cease.
BVE for Status Resolution
Bridging Visa E - Subclass 050:
Lets you stay lawfully in Australia while you make arrangements to leave, finalise your immigration matter, or wait for an immigration decision.
Bridging Visa E - Subclass 051:
Lets you stay in Australia while your Protection visa application is being processed.
Need help with a Bridging Visa?
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Key Eligibility & Pathway Overview
When a Bridging Visa May Be Available
- In Australia and linked to a visa process: BVA, BVB and BVC are commonly used in onshore situations connected to a substantive visa application or review process.
- Current status matters: Whether you hold a substantive visa, have become unlawful, or need review-related lawful status can affect which bridging visa class may apply.
- BVE for urgent lawful status issues: If your visa has expired or you need short-term lawful status while resolving an immigration matter, a BVE may be relevant.
Travel, Work & Compliance
- Travel rights are limited: Only a BVB allows departure and return during the granted travel period. Other bridging visas generally cease if you leave Australia.
- Work rights depend on conditions: Some bridging visas include work rights, while others do not. In some cases, changed conditions may be requested with evidence such as financial hardship.
- Follow all visa conditions: Always check your grant letter or VEVO for work, travel, reporting, and other conditions before making plans.
Bridging Visa (BVs) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. What is a Bridging Visa in Australia?
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2. What is the difference between BVA, BVB, BVC and BVE?BVA generally covers people waiting in Australia for a substantive visa decision, BVB adds travel permission, BVC may apply in some cases where a person did not hold a substantive visa when lodging, and BVE is used for status resolution, departure arrangements, or certain protection-related matters.
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3. Can I work on a Bridging Visa?It depends on the conditions attached to your visa. Work rights are not automatic for every bridging visa, so you should check VEVO or your grant notice before starting or changing employment.
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4. Can I travel outside Australia on a Bridging Visa?Usually only a Bridging Visa B allows you to leave and return to Australia during a specified travel period. If you depart while another bridging visa is in effect, that visa will generally cease.
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5. Does a Bridging Visa lead directly to permanent residency?No. A bridging visa is not a permanent residence visa by itself. Your long-term outcome depends on the substantive visa application or immigration matter connected to your case.
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6. What should I do if my visa has already expired?You should act urgently. If your visa has expired and you are unable to leave Australia immediately, a Bridging Visa E may be needed to help you become lawful again while you resolve your immigration status.