Bridging visas explained (BVA/BVB/BVC): How you stay in Australia while you wait

If your current visa is ending while you wait for a new decision, a bridging visa can keep you lawful in Australia. Understanding how bridging visas work can help you know what to expect while your main visa application is being processed.

What Is a Bridging Visa?

A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your main, or substantive, visa is being processed, reviewed, or resolved.

In many circumstances, it starts when your current visa ends. This means you can continue staying in Australia while you wait for a decision on your new visa application.

The type of bridging visa you hold and the conditions attached to it can affect what you are able to do while you remain in Australia. This is why it is important to understand your specific bridging visa and its conditions.

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is usually granted automatically when you apply onshore for a new substantive visa before your current visa ends.

It allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while waiting for a decision on a substantive visa, but it does not include international travel rights.

Because the timing of your visa applications matters, it is important to understand when your current visa ends and when your new application needs to be lodged.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

A Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to leave and re-enter Australia.

This can be essential if you need to travel overseas while waiting for your new visa application to be decided. You need a Bridging Visa B to travel, and you must apply for and receive the grant of the BVB while you are still in Australia. Departing before the BVB is granted will cause your existing bridging visa to cease, leaving you without a right to re-enter.

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

A Bridging Visa C (BVC) is for people who applied for a substantive visa when they did not hold one.

A BVC can keep you lawful in Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed. However, it usually does not provide travel rights and has limited work rights unless those rights are approved.

Work, Travel and Medicare

Your rights while holding a bridging visa depend on which bridging visa you hold and the conditions attached to it.

This can include your ability to work, travel, and Medicare while you remain in Australia. The conditions can differ depending on your circumstances, so you should not assume that the rights attached to one bridging visa will be the same as another.

We confirm exactly what you can and cannot do and apply for work or travel rights where possible.

How can we help?

The timing of visa applications and bridging visas is important when you are waiting for a decision. We help you manage the timing of your applications to help you maintain lawful status in Australia. We also help you apply for the right bridging visa and request travel or work rights when you need them.

You focus on your life we manage the process.

Book your consultation here. We will assess your case and guide you forward.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not personal migration advice. Bridging visa types and conditions depend on your individual circumstances and can change. You should confirm your exact situation with a registered migration agent before making decisions about your visa status.