Bridging Visas in Australia — What You Need to Know

What Bridging Visas Are For

A bridging visa allows you to stay lawfully in Australia between the expiry of one visa and the grant of another, or while a visa application or review is being processed. They are temporary by nature and are not a destination — they are a bridge. The most common situations where bridging visas arise are when you lodge a new visa application while your current visa is still valid, when your visa application is being processed and your substantive visa expires, and when you lodge an ART review after a visa refusal.

The Main Types of Bridging Visas

Bridging Visa A (BVA) is the most common — it is usually granted automatically when you lodge a valid visa application while holding a substantive visa in Australia. It activates when your substantive visa expires and generally carries conditions similar to your previous visa. Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to travel outside Australia and return while your visa application is being processed — you need to apply for this specifically before travelling. Bridging Visa C (BVC) may be granted in certain circumstances where you do not hold a substantive visa. Bridging Visa E (BVE) is for people who are unlawful or whose circumstances require a specific bridging arrangement.

Work Rights on Bridging Visas

Whether you can work on a bridging visa depends on the conditions attached to it. Some bridging visas carry full work rights. Others have no work permission. Others have limited work conditions. The conditions are not always the same as those on your previous visa. If work rights are critical to you — for paying rent, supporting your family, or maintaining your lifestyle — you need to understand what conditions your bridging visa carries before your substantive visa expires. An agent can advise on this and, in some cases, help you apply for a change of conditions.

The Travel Trap

One of the most dangerous mistakes people make with bridging visas is travelling overseas without a Bridging Visa B. If you leave Australia on a Bridging Visa A, it ceases when you depart and you may not be able to return. You need to apply for a BVB before travelling. This is time-sensitive and cannot be done from overseas. An agent helps you plan travel during processing and ensures you do not accidentally lose your right to return.

Bridging Visas After Visa Refusal

If your visa application is refused while you are in Australia, you may receive a bridging visa that allows you to remain while you lodge an ART review — but only if you act within the deadline. The bridging visa after refusal may have different conditions than the one you held during processing. Understanding these conditions is critical, especially regarding work rights and the obligation to depart if you do not lodge a review in time.

When an Agent Helps with Bridging Visa Issues

An agent is particularly valuable when your bridging visa conditions are unclear or restrictive, when you need to travel and require a BVB, when your substantive visa is about to expire and you need to understand the transition, when your application is refused and you need to act quickly to preserve your bridging visa, or when you need to apply for a change of bridging visa conditions. These are situations where mistakes have immediate practical consequences.

Can I work on a bridging visa?

It depends on the conditions attached to your specific bridging visa. Some allow work, others do not. Check your visa conditions or ask your agent.

Can I travel on a bridging visa?

Not on a Bridging Visa A — it ceases if you leave Australia. You need a Bridging Visa B to travel and return. Apply before you travel.

What happens to my bridging visa if my application is refused?

You may receive a different bridging visa with a limited period to either lodge an ART review or depart Australia. Act quickly.

How long does a bridging visa last?

Until a decision is made on your substantive visa application, or until a specified date depending on the type of bridging visa.

Can I apply for a bridging visa from overseas?

Generally no. Bridging visas are designed for people in Australia. If you are overseas, you need a different visa to enter.