Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) Australia
Work Rights, Travel Rules & Eligibility
Last Updated: 27 May 2026
What Is a Bridging Visa A (BVA)?
A Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) is a temporary visa that allows a person to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for a decision on another visa application lodged in Australia.
As part of Australia's broader Bridging Visa system, it helps maintain lawful status after a substantive visa ends and before a decision is made on a new visa application. For a complete overview of all bridging visa types, see our Bridging Visa Australia guide.
A Bridging Visa A does not replace the substantive visa you currently hold. Instead, it generally remains inactive while your current visa is in effect and usually becomes active only after that visa ceases.
This allows eligible applicants to stay in Australia lawfully while awaiting a visa outcome. For the latest eligibility requirements, visa conditions and official guidance, refer to the Department of Home Affairs Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) page.
Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) – Key Facts
-
Visa type: Temporary visa
-
Location requirement: Applicants must generally be in Australia
-
Purpose: Allows lawful stay while a visa application is being processed
-
Travel rights: Does not provide overseas travel and return rights
-
Work rights: Depend on the conditions attached to the visa
-
Visa application charge: Usually no separate visa application charge
-
Processing: Often granted automatically when eligibility requirements are met
-
Permanent residency pathway: Not a permanent visa, but may support a pending permanent visa application
Who Gets a Bridging Visa A?
Most Bridging Visa A holders receive the visa after lodging a valid onshore application for another substantive visa while holding a valid substantive visa in Australia.
Common examples include applicants who apply onshore for:
-
Visitor Visa extensions where permitted
-
Other substantive visas that can be lodged in Australia
In many cases, the BVA is granted automatically as part of the substantive visa application process.
When Does a Bridging Visa A Become Active?
A Bridging Visa A usually does not become active immediately after grant.
Instead:
-
You continue holding your current substantive visa.
-
Your substantive visa eventually expires or ceases.
-
The Bridging Visa A then comes into effect.
-
You remain lawfully in Australia while awaiting the visa outcome.
Example
A Student Visa holder applies for a Partner Visa before their Student Visa expires.
-
Student Visa remains active until expiry.
-
Bridging Visa A is granted in the background.
-
Once the Student Visa ends, the BVA activates.
-
The applicant remains lawful while the Partner Visa application is processed.
This is one of the most common Bridging Visa A scenarios in Australia.
Who Is Eligible for a Bridging Visa A?
Generally, you may be eligible if:
-
You are in Australia.
-
You have lodged a valid application for a substantive visa that can be granted while you are in Australia.
-
You currently hold, or recently held, a substantive visa in circumstances allowed by legislation.
-
You meet the requirements for the grant of the bridging visa.
The exact eligibility requirements depend on the circumstances under which the BVA is being granted.
What Can You Do on a Bridging Visa A?
A Bridging Visa A allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your immigration matter is being resolved.
Depending on your visa conditions, you may be able to:
-
Live in Australia
-
Work in Australia
-
Study in Australia
-
Access certain services
-
Remain in Australia while awaiting a visa outcome
The conditions attached to your Bridging Visa A determine exactly what you can and cannot do.
Can You Work on a Bridging Visa A?
Yes, some Bridging Visa A holders can work.
Work rights depend on the conditions attached to the BVA. In many cases, the conditions reflect the circumstances of the substantive visa application and previous visa status.
If Your BVA Has No Work Rights
Some Bridging Visa A holders may apply for another BVA with permission to work if they can demonstrate financial hardship. Whether work rights can be granted depends on the individual circumstances and applicable legislative requirements.
How to Check Work Rights
Use the Department of Home Affairs' Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to confirm:
-
Work rights
-
Study rights
-
Travel conditions
-
Visa expiry information
-
Current visa conditions
Can You Travel Overseas on a Bridging Visa A?
No.
A Bridging Visa A does not allow you to leave Australia and return using that visa. This is one of the most important rules that applicants misunderstand.
If you leave Australia while relying on a Bridging Visa A:
-
The BVA may cease.
-
You may not be able to re-enter Australia on the same visa.
-
Your pending substantive visa application may be affected depending on the visa type.
What If You Need to Travel?
You should generally apply for a Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) before leaving Australia.
A Bridging Visa B provides a specified travel facility that allows eligible applicants to depart and return while waiting for a visa decision.
Differences Between Bridging Visa A and Bridging Visa B
Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010)
A Bridging Visa A allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for a visa decision. However, it does not provide travel rights. If you leave Australia while holding a BVA, you may not be able to return on that visa. Pending Visa Application Required, Commonly use for waiting for visa outcome.
Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020)
A Bridging Visa B provides the same lawful stay benefits as a BVA but also allows overseas travel and return during an approved travel period. Applicants commonly apply for a BVB when they need to travel while a visa application remains under assessment.
Summary
-
Both visas allow lawful stay in Australia.
-
Both generally require a pending visa application.
-
Only a Bridging Visa B provides travel rights.
-
Only a Bridging Visa B allows return to Australia after overseas travel.
-
A Bridging Visa B is generally required if you need to travel while awaiting a visa decision.
What Happens If Your Visa Application Is Refused?
A Bridging Visa A does not guarantee approval of the substantive visa application.
If the substantive visa application is refused:
-
The BVA generally continues only for a limited period or until review rights are exhausted.
-
Different rules apply depending on whether review rights are available.
-
Judicial review and other legal processes may affect ongoing lawful status.
Applicants should seek professional migration advice if a refusal occurs.
Can Family Members Be Included?
Family members who are included in the substantive visa application may also receive corresponding bridging visas where eligible. The specific outcome depends on the substantive visa application and each family member's circumstances.
Common Bridging Visa A Scenarios
Student Visa to Partner Visa
A student lodges a Partner Visa application before their Student Visa expires.
Result:
-
Student Visa remains active.
-
BVA is granted.
-
BVA activates after Student Visa expiry.
-
Applicant remains lawful while waiting for the Partner Visa outcome.
Visitor Visa to Another Visa
Some applicants lodge an onshore visa application while holding a Visitor Visa.
However, eligibility may depend on:
-
Visa conditions
-
Schedule 3 requirements
-
Whether a No Further Stay condition applies
-
The visa being applied for
Applicants should verify eligibility before lodging.
Skilled Visa Application While in Australia
An applicant holding another substantive visa may lodge an eligible skilled visa application in Australia.
The Bridging Visa A may allow the applicant to remain lawfully while waiting for:
-
Skilled Independent Visa outcomes
-
State Nominated Visa outcomes
-
Employer Sponsored Visa outcomes
Common Misconceptions About Bridging Visa A
"A Bridging Visa A Is My New Visa"
Incorrect.
A BVA is a temporary visa that maintains lawful status while another visa application is processed. It is not the substantive visa you applied for.
"I Can Travel Overseas"
Incorrect.
A BVA does not provide travel rights. Leaving Australia without appropriate arrangements can create immigration complications.
"I Automatically Have Full Work Rights"
Incorrect.
Work rights depend on the conditions attached to the Bridging Visa A. Always verify conditions through VEVO.
"My Bridging Visa Starts Immediately"
Usually incorrect.
Most Bridging Visa A grants remain inactive until the current substantive visa ceases.
How to Check Your Bridging Visa Conditions
The Department of Home Affairs recommends using VEVO to verify:
-
Visa status
-
Work rights
-
Study rights
-
Travel conditions
-
Visa conditions and restrictions
Never rely solely on a grant notice from years ago because visa status and conditions should always be verified through official records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridging Visa A granted automatically?
In many onshore substantive visa applications, a Bridging Visa A is granted automatically if eligibility requirements are met.
How much does a Bridging Visa A cost?
There is generally no visa application charge for a Bridging Visa A.
Can I study on a Bridging Visa A?
Potentially yes. Study rights depend on the visa conditions attached to the BVA.
Can I apply for permanent residency while on a Bridging Visa A?
A Bridging Visa A itself is not a permanent residency pathway. However, many applicants hold a BVA while awaiting decisions on permanent visas such as Partner Visas or Skilled Visas.
Can I buy a house while on a Bridging Visa A?
Immigration status and foreign investment rules are separate matters. Property purchase eligibility depends on individual circumstances and applicable regulations.
Can I apply for a Bridging Visa B while holding a Bridging Visa A?
Yes. Eligible Bridging Visa A holders may apply for a Bridging Visa B if they need to travel overseas and return while awaiting a visa decision.
What happens when my substantive visa is granted?
Once the substantive visa is granted, the Bridging Visa A generally ceases because it is no longer required.
Related Visa Pathways
Need Help Understanding Your Bridging Visa Conditions?
Bridging Visas can be confusing. Many visa holders are unsure whether they can work, travel overseas, remain lawfully in Australia, or what happens if their substantive visa application is refused.
Because every Bridging Visa comes with different conditions, relying on assumptions can lead to costly mistakes. For example, leaving Australia on a Bridging Visa A may affect your ability to return, while work rights can vary depending on your visa conditions and personal circumstances.
Why Choose RACC Australia?
-
Over 20 years of Australian migration experience
-
Registered Migration Agents (MARN 1572962, MARN 1172003, MARN 2518802)
-
Assistance understanding Bridging Visa conditions and obligations
-
Advice on work rights, travel rights and visa status issues
-
Support following visa refusals and review options
-
Guidance on preparing supporting documents for ongoing visa applications
-
Assistance with police checks and required documentation
-
Advice regarding health examinations and insurance requirements where applicable
-
Support for applicants both inside and outside Australia
-
Multilingual team speaking English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa Indonesia, Sinhalese, Malay, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi and more
-
Rated 4.8 out of 5 for customer satisfaction
Don't Risk Your Visa Status
A simple misunderstanding about Bridging Visa conditions, travel arrangements or work rights can create serious immigration complications. Obtaining the right advice early can help you understand your options and maintain lawful status while your immigration matter is being resolved.
Contact RACC Australia today to discuss your Bridging Visa situation and receive professional migration advice tailored to your circumstances.
