Bridging Visas in Australia

Bridging visas play an essential role in Australia’s immigration system by allowing individuals to legally stay in the country while their visa applications or other immigration matters are being processed. These visas ensure that applicants maintain lawful status during transitions between visas or while awaiting decisions.

A bridging visa grants temporary stay in Australia under specific conditions until a decision is made on a new visa application or while arrangements are made to depart the country.

Australia offers five types of bridging visas, each with its own rules and conditions tailored to different situations.

For expert guidance on selecting and applying for the right bridging visa, the team at K1 Migration is here to assist you throughout the process.

Schedule A Call
Call Us Now

Bridging Visa Requirements & Conditions

Bridging visas are critical for maintaining lawful status in Australia during visa application processing, preventing individuals from becoming unlawful residents. They grant certain rights and benefits, including work rights and access to Medicare (in some cases), depending on the visa type.

  • Bridging visas may have conditions that restrict travel, work, or study, so it’s crucial to understand and adhere to these conditions.
  • Violating bridging visa conditions can result in visa cancellation and potential deportation.

Application Process:

  • Bridging visas are typically granted automatically when eligible applicants apply for a new substantive visa or lodge an appeal or review request.
  • In some cases, individuals may need to apply for a specific bridging visa, such as a BVB for travel purposes or a BVD in exceptional circumstances.
  • Accurate documentation and timely submission of applications are crucial for obtaining and maintaining bridging visas.

Different Bridging Visas

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

The Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to legally stay in Australia while they wait for the outcome of their new substantive visa application. It serves as a safeguard, ensuring that applicants do not become unlawful residents after their previous visa expires. 

The BVA typically grants work rights similar to those of the applicant's previous visa, though additional permission may be required if the prior visa did not allow work. While the BVA permits domestic travel within Australia, it does not allow international travel. If the visa holder leaves Australia, the BVA will become invalid. Those needing to travel overseas must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to maintain their ability to return to Australia.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa that allows individuals holding a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa C (BVC) to leave Australia temporarily and return while their substantive visa application is still being processed. This visa is essential for applicants who need to travel overseas but wish to maintain their legal status in Australia. It’s important to follow the travel conditions carefully to avoid complications when re-entering the country.

Holders of the BVB can also continue working in Australia under the same conditions as their previous bridging visa or the substantive visa they held before applying. This ensures that their employment rights remain uninterrupted during this transitional period.

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

The Bridging Visa C (BVC) is a temporary visa for individuals in Australia who no longer hold a substantive visa but want to stay in the country legally. It is commonly granted to those who are waiting for a decision on a new visa application, facing visa cancellation, or have overstayed a previous visa.

The BVC generally does not provide work rights, but applicants can request permission to work if they can demonstrate a compelling need. These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Home Affairs.

Additionally, the BVC typically does not allow international travel. However, in exceptional circumstances involving compelling or compassionate reasons, applicants may seek approval to travel overseas.

Bridging Visa E (BVE)

The Bridging Visa E (BVE) is a temporary visa for individuals in Australia who do not hold a substantive visa and are unable to apply for another type of visa. It allows them to remain in Australia legally while they resolve their immigration matters, such as preparing to depart the country, finalizing a visa application, or appealing a visa refusal or cancellation.

The key difference between the Bridging Visa D (BVD) and the BVE is that the BVE is typically granted to individuals who have lodged a further appeal against a visa refusal or cancellation. Like the BVD, the BVE comes with restricted work and travel rights, and any permission to work or travel must be specifically requested and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Apply for a Bridging Visa

The first step in applying for a Bridging Visa is to get in touch with the team at K1 Migration and arrange a discovery call.  Understanding your background and your goals will ensure we develop the right visa pathway that suits your circumstances.  

We take each step with you and provide help and advice throughout your migration journey.    

  • icon 3

    Step 1

    Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

  • icon 1

    Step 2

    From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

  • icon 2

    Step 3

    Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!

Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?

Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options. 
Get in touch

Want to speak to someone about your case?

Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.
Consult

Know what you need and want some pricing?

Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.
Get a quote

Frequently Asked Questions

A Bridging Visa allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while you wait for a decision on a new visa application, prepare to depart Australia, or make arrangements for another visa. It is commonly used when your current visa is about to expire, and you need to maintain legal status during the transition. There are several types of Bridging Visas (A, B, C, D, E), each serving different purposes depending on your situation.

You cannot travel outside Australia on a Bridging Visa A (BVA)—if you leave the country, your BVA will cease. To travel overseas and return while awaiting a visa decision, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before departing. The BVB allows you to leave and re-enter Australia within a specified travel period.

Whether you can work on a Bridging Visa depends on the type of Bridging Visa you hold and the conditions attached to it:

  • Bridging Visa A (BVA): May allow work if your previous visa allowed it or if you can demonstrate financial hardship.
  • Bridging Visa B (BVB): Usually carries the same work rights as your previous visa.
  • Bridging Visa C (BVC): Often has no work rights unless you can prove financial hardship.
  • Bridging Visa E (BVE): Typically has limited or no work rights unless hardship is demonstrated.

 

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you don’t miss an update.

Subscribe Now
Name
Name

Visa Resources

Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.

Strategic partnership signing ceremony between Yarraland Hanoi and K1 Migration: comprehensive solutions for investment and migration in Australia

January 16, 2025
Hanoi, Vietnam – January 14, 2025 – Yarraland Hanoi and K1 Migration officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement, ...
Read More →

Prepare for major changes to the 482 visa and take action now!

January 12, 2025
The Australian Government is preparing to replace the 482 visa with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa ...
Read More →

Australia Introduces MATES Visa for Indian Professionals

January 12, 2025
Overview of the MATES Visa Regulations Effective from 12 November 2024, the Australian Government has launched the Mobility ...
Read More →

Jobs and Skills Australia releases 2024 Occupation Shortage List

January 12, 2025
Jobs and Skills Australia has published the 2024 Occupation Shortage List (OSL), offering crucial insights into national and ...
Read More →

Australia Travel Declaration (ATD): What you need to know before your trip

January 12, 2025
Australia has modernized its entry process with the introduction of the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD), a digital alternative ...
Read More →

Enhancing Visa Processing with the New Australian Immi App

January 12, 2025
In a strategic effort to streamline visa processing and strengthen regional connectivity, the Department of Home Affairs has ...
Read More →