When people apply for a new visa in Australia but their current visa is about to expire, they often need another visa to stay lawfully while waiting for a decision. This is where a Bridging Visa comes in. Bridging Visas in Australia allows you to remain legally in the country until your visa application is processed, or in some cases, until you can make arrangements to leave.
It is not a permanent visa and does not always come with full work or travel rights. Instead, it acts as a temporary bridge between your old visa and the new one.
Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
There are several types of Bridging Visas. Each one has different rules, conditions, and purposes:
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA – Subclass 010)
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Given when you apply for a new substantive visa while holding another valid visa.
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Lets you stay in Australia lawfully while you wait for your new visa decision.
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Usually comes with the same conditions as your previous visa.
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You cannot travel outside Australia on BVA.
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB – Subclass 020)
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Allows you to travel outside Australia while waiting for your substantive visa decision.
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It’s the only bridging visa that gives travel rights.
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Must be applied for separately, before leaving Australia.
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC – Subclass 030)
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For applicants who apply for a new visa but don’t hold any current visa.
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Lets you stay lawfully while waiting, but it has no travel rights.
Work rights are limited and need to be applied for separately.
4. Bridging Visa D (BVD – Subclass 040 & 041)
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It is usually valid for up to 5 working days, but the main purpose is to give you time to lodge a valid visa application or make arrangements to leave Australia.
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Usually granted when your visa has expired, and you need time to apply for another visa or leave the country.
5. Bridging Visa E (BVE – Subclass 050 & 051)
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Given to people who are unlawful (no valid visa) or in immigration detention.
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Lets you stay legally while you prepare to leave, finalize immigration matters, or wait for another visa decision.
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Often comes with strict conditions.
Key Features of Bridging Visas
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Temporary visa only – not a pathway to permanent residency.
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Work rights – depend on which bridging visa you hold. Some have no work rights unless you apply and prove financial hardship.
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Travel rights – only Bridging Visa B allows travel. Others cancel if you leave Australia.
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Validity – it usually becomes active only after your current visa expires.
Why Are Bridging Visas Important?
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They keep you lawful in Australia while your new visa is being processed.
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They help avoid becoming an unlawful non-citizen, which could affect future visa applications.
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They provide peace of mind while you wait for important visa decisions.
Example Scenario
Let’s say you’re on a student visa that expires in one month. You apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Your student visa will eventually expire, but you still need to stay in Australia while your 485 application is being assessed.
In this case, you’ll automatically be granted a Bridging Visa A to keep you lawful in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bridging Visas in Australia
1. What is a Bridging Visa in Australia?
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that lets you stay legally in Australia while you wait for another visa decision or prepare to leave.
2. Do I need to apply for a Bridging Visa?
In most cases, a Bridging Visa is granted automatically when you apply for a new visa inside Australia.
3. Which Bridging Visa allows me to travel overseas?
Only >Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows travel outside Australia.
4. Can I work on a Bridging Visa?
It depends on the type of Bridging Visa. BVA may allow work if your previous visa allowed it. BVC and BVE often require a separate work rights application.
5. How long is a Bridging Visa valid?
It is valid until a decision is made on your new visa application or until you make arrangements to leave Australia.
6. Will I get Medicare on a Bridging Visa?
Some Bridging Visa holders can access Medicare, usually depending on the type of substantive visa they have applied for (e.g., partner visas).”
7. What happens if I leave Australia on a Bridging Visa A?
Your Bridging Visa A will automatically cease when you leave Australia. You must apply for a BVB if you want to return.
8. Can I study on a Bridging Visa?
Yes, many Bridging Visas allow study, but conditions may vary depending on your previous visa.
9. Can a Bridging Visa be refused?
Yes. If you do not meet eligibility requirements or you applied incorrectly, the Department of Home Affairs can refuse it.
10. What if my visa expires before I apply for a new one?
You may be given a >Bridging Visa E to stay lawful, but it can have strict conditions.
11. Can I switch from Bridging Visa C to BVA or BVB?
No, you cannot directly switch. The visa type depends on your situation at the time of applying for a substantive visa.
12. How do I check the conditions of my Bridging Visa?
You can check your visa conditions on VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).
13. Do Bridging Visas cost money?
Most Bridging Visas are free of charge, but the visa you applied for (main application) may have fees.
14. Can I include family members on a Bridging Visa?
Yes, if they were included in your main visa application, they can also be granted a Bridging Visa.
15. Is a Bridging Visa a pathway to PR?
No, a Bridging Visa itself is not permanent. But it allows you to remain lawful while waiting for a visa that may lead to permanent residency.
Conclusion
A >Bridging Visa in Australia is a temporary solution to ensure you remain lawful while waiting for a decision on your new visa application. It’s not permanent, and the rights you get (work, travel, Medicare) depend on the type of bridging visa you hold. If a bridging visa is not managed correctly, it may impact your lawful status and future visa applications.
If you are unsure which Bridging Visa applies to you, or if you want to apply for one with the right conditions, it’s best to get professional advice.
At World Class Consultants, we guide students, skilled workers, and families through every step of the visa process — including Bridging Visas. Contact us today for expert advice and stress-free visa assistance.