Bridging Visas
Maintain lawful status while your substantive visa is being processed
What is a Bridging Visa?
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while your immigration status is being resolved. Bridging visas are granted when you apply for a substantive visa, when your current visa expires, or in certain other circumstances. They ensure you maintain lawful status during the processing of your substantive visa application.
Bridging visas are not permanent and do not lead to permanent residency. They are designed to 'bridge' the gap between your current visa status and the outcome of your substantive visa application. The conditions and work rights on bridging visas vary depending on the type.
Lawful Status
Maintain legal status in Australia while your visa application is being processed.
Temporary Solution
Provides temporary permission to stay until your substantive visa is decided.
Possible Work Rights
Some bridging visas allow you to work while waiting for your substantive visa decision.
Types of Bridging Visas
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
Granted automatically when you apply for a substantive visa while holding a valid visa in Australia.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
Allows you to travel outside Australia and return while holding a Bridging Visa A.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
For people who apply for a substantive visa while in Australia without holding a valid visa.
Bridging Visa D (BVD)
Short-term visa (maximum 5 working days) for unlawful non-citizens to resolve their immigration status.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
For unlawful non-citizens who are unable to be granted another bridging visa or are awaiting removal.
Can I Work on a Bridging Visa?
Work rights on bridging visas depend on the type of bridging visa and your previous visa conditions. Your bridging visa conditions are usually the same as your last substantive visa, unless otherwise specified.
Generally maintains the same work conditions as your previous substantive visa. If your previous visa had full work rights, your BVA usually will too.
Maintains the same work rights as your Bridging Visa A. The BVB only adds travel facility to your existing BVA.
Generally does not include work rights unless specifically granted. You must apply for work permission if you need to work.
Does not include work rights due to its very short validity period (maximum 5 working days).
Generally does not include work rights. Work permission may be granted in exceptional circumstances only.
Always check your individual visa grant notice or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm your specific work rights and conditions. Work rights can vary based on your circumstances and the substantive visa you have applied for.
When You Might Need a Bridging Visa
Applying for New Visa
When you apply for a new substantive visa while in Australia, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A to maintain lawful status during processing.
Visa About to Expire
If your current visa is expiring and you have applied for a new visa, a bridging visa ensures you can stay lawfully while waiting for the decision.
Need to Travel
If you hold a BVA and need to travel outside Australia temporarily, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B before departure.
Visa Refused - Appealing
If your visa is refused and you lodge an appeal, you may be granted a bridging visa to stay lawfully while your appeal is being considered.
Unlawful Status
If your visa has expired and you are unlawful, you may be granted a BVC, BVD, or BVE depending on your circumstances while you resolve your status.
Ministerial Intervention
While awaiting a decision on a ministerial intervention request, you may be granted a bridging visa to maintain lawful status.
Important Things to Know
Bridging Visa Conditions
When Bridging Visa Ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically get a bridging visa?
If you apply for a substantive visa while holding a valid visa in Australia, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A. You do not need to apply separately for it. However, if you need to travel (BVB) or if you are unlawful (BVC/BVE), you must apply separately.
Can I travel on a Bridging Visa A?
No, a Bridging Visa A does not allow you to leave and re-enter Australia. If you need to travel, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B before you leave. If you leave Australia on a BVA without a BVB, your BVA will cease and you may not be able to return.
How long does a bridging visa last?
Most bridging visas (BVA, BVB, BVC, BVE) last until your substantive visa application is decided. BVD is an exception with a maximum validity of 5 working days. Your bridging visa will end when your substantive visa is granted, refused, or withdrawn.
What happens if my substantive visa is refused?
If your substantive visa is refused, your bridging visa will continue for 35 days from the date of refusal (or until you leave Australia, whichever is earlier). This gives you time to make arrangements to leave Australia or lodge an appeal if eligible.
Can I apply for work rights on my bridging visa?
If your bridging visa does not include work rights (such as BVC or BVE), you can apply for work permission if you can demonstrate financial hardship. You must provide evidence that you cannot support yourself without working. Work permission is not guaranteed and is assessed case by case.
Need Help Understanding Your Bridging Visa?
Our registered migration agents can explain your rights and obligations on a bridging visa.
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