Last Updated: 27 May 2026

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What Is a Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows a non-citizen to remain lawfully in Australia while an immigration matter is being resolved.

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Most commonly, a Bridging Visa is granted when a person lodges a valid visa application while already in Australia and is waiting for a decision.

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A Bridging Visa is not a permanent migration pathway and does not replace a substantive visa. Its purpose is to maintain lawful status while another visa application, review process or immigration matter is finalised.

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Key facts

• A Bridging Visa can only be granted while you are in Australia.

• It is usually temporary.

• Different Bridging Visa types provide different rights.

• Work rights depend on visa conditions.

• Travel rights depend on the Bridging Visa subclass.

• A Bridging Visa does not guarantee approval of the visa application linked to it.

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Why Does Australia Use Bridging Visas?

Bridging Visas prevent people from becoming unlawful non-citizens while they wait for a visa outcome.

Without a Bridging Visa, many applicants would lose lawful status after their current visa expires, even though their new visa application remains under assessment.

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The Bridging Visa system allows applicants to:

• Stay lawfully in Australia

• Continue waiting for a visa decision

• Access certain work rights where eligible

• Maintain immigration status during reviews or appeals

• Resolve immigration matters lawfully

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What Are the Different Bridging Visa Types in Australia?

Australia has several Bridging Visa subclasses, each designed for different circumstances.

The most common types are:

• Bridging Visa A (BVA)

• Bridging Visa B (BVB)

• Bridging Visa C (BVC)

• Bridging Visa D (BVD)

• Bridging Visa E (BVE)

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What Is a Bridging Visa A (BVA)?

A Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) is usually granted when a person applies for another substantive visa while holding a valid substantive visa in Australia.

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This is the most common Bridging Visa.

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Typical examples

You may receive a BVA after lodging:

• Partner Visa

• Student Visa

• Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

• Employer Sponsored Visa

• Skilled Visa

• Visitor Visa extension application

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Important points

• Allows lawful stay in Australia.

• Usually activates when the current substantive visa expires.

• May include work rights depending on circumstances.

• Does not allow overseas travel and return.

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Common misconception

Many applicants think their BVA becomes active immediately after grant.

In reality, a BVA often remains inactive until the current substantive visa ceases.

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What Is a Bridging Visa B (BVB)?

A Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) allows a person to leave and re-enter Australia while waiting for a visa decision.

It is the only commonly used Bridging Visa that provides travel rights.

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You may need a BVB if:

• You have a pending visa application.

• You need to travel overseas temporarily.

• You intend to return to Australia before a decision is made.

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Important points

• Must generally be applied for separately.

• Includes a limited travel period.

• Travel rights expire after the approved travel period.

• Returning outside the authorised period may cause significant visa complications.

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Key takeaway

If you hold a BVA and need to travel overseas, you should generally obtain a BVB before departure. Leaving Australia on a BVA may cause the visa to cease.

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What Is a Bridging Visa C (BVC)?

A Bridging Visa C (Subclass 030) is generally granted to people who apply for a substantive visa while they do not hold a substantive visa.

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This often occurs when a person lodges a visa application after their previous visa has expired.

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Important points

• Allows lawful stay in Australia.

• Does not provide travel rights.

• Generally does not include automatic work rights.

• Work rights may be requested in certain circumstances.

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Critical limitation

A BVC holder cannot simply convert their visa into a BVB for travel purposes.

Travelling outside Australia on a BVC generally causes the visa to cease.

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What Is a Bridging Visa D (BVD)?

A Bridging Visa D is a short-term visa designed for people who have become unlawful or are about to become unlawful.

Its purpose is to provide a short period to resolve immigration status issues.

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Important points

• Temporary and short duration.

• Usually provides time to lodge another visa application.

• Does not include travel rights.

• Does not generally include work rights.

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Typical use

A BVD is often used when someone needs a short period to regularise their immigration status before becoming unlawful.

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What Is a Bridging Visa E (BVE)?

A Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050 or 051) is generally used when a person no longer holds a substantive visa and needs lawful status while resolving an immigration matter.

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This may include arranging departure, waiting for a decision, or progressing review proceedings.

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Important points

• Allows lawful stay in Australia.

• Does not provide travel rights.

• Work rights vary according to individual circumstances and conditions.

• Often used in more complex immigration situations.

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Can You Work on a Bridging Visa?

Sometimes.

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Work rights depend on:

• The Bridging Visa subclass

• Visa conditions attached to the grant

• Whether financial hardship provisions apply

• The visa application connected to the Bridging Visa

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Common scenarios

BVA

• May carry work rights from the previous visa.

• May include unrestricted work rights in some cases.

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BVC

• Often granted without work rights initially.

• Work rights may be requested where eligible.

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BVE

• Depends on individual circumstances and visa conditions.

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Important warning

Never assume you can work simply because you hold a Bridging Visa.

Always check your visa grant notice or verify conditions through VEVO.

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Can You Travel Overseas on a Bridging Visa?

Usually not.

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The most important rule is:

Only a Bridging Visa B generally permits overseas travel and return while waiting for a visa decision.

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Travel rights by visa type

BVA

• No travel rights

BVB

• Travel permitted during authorised period

BVC

• No travel rights

BVD

• No travel rights

BVE

• No travel rights

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Common mistake

Many applicants leave Australia while holding a BVA and later discover they cannot return on that visa.

Always obtain appropriate travel permission before departure.

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When Does a Bridging Visa Become Active?

A Bridging Visa is often granted immediately but may not become active immediately.

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In many cases:

1. The Bridging Visa is granted.

2. The applicant continues holding their current substantive visa.

3. The Bridging Visa activates only when the substantive visa expires.

This is particularly common with Bridging Visa A.

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What Is a Substantive Visa?

A substantive visa is any visa that is not:

• A Bridging Visa

• A Criminal Justice Visa

• An Enforcement Visa

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Examples include:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500)

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

• Partner Visa

• Skills in Demand Visa

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Understanding whether you hold a substantive visa often determines which Bridging Visa may be available.

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What Happens If Your Visa Application Is Refused?

The outcome depends on:

• The visa applied for

• Whether review rights exist

• Whether a review application is lodged

• The Bridging Visa conditions

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In some cases, lodging a valid merits review application may allow a Bridging Visa to continue while the review is underway.

In other situations, the Bridging Visa may cease after refusal.

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Because refusal outcomes vary significantly, applicants should assess their options immediately after receiving a refusal decision.

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Which Visa Applications Commonly Lead to a Bridging Visa?

Many Australian visa applications can result in a Bridging Visa being granted.

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Common examples include:

• Partner Visa

• Student Visa

• Graduate Visa

• Skills in Demand Visa

• Employer Sponsored Visas

• Skilled Migration Visas

• Parent Visas

• Other family visas

The Bridging Visa itself is not the migration pathway. It simply allows lawful stay while the substantive visa application is processed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows a person to remain lawfully in Australia while an immigration matter or visa application is being finalised.

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Is a Bridging Visa a permanent visa?

No. A Bridging Visa is temporary and exists only to maintain lawful status while another matter is resolved.

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Which Bridging Visa allows travel?

Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) is generally the Bridging Visa that permits overseas travel and return.

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Can I work on a Bridging Visa?

Possibly. Work rights depend on the visa conditions attached to your specific Bridging Visa.

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Can I leave Australia on a Bridging Visa A?

You can leave Australia, but a BVA does not provide re-entry rights. Travelling without appropriate arrangements can affect your ability to return.

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Does everyone get a Bridging Visa automatically?

No. Eligibility depends on the type of application lodged and individual circumstances.

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Can I apply for a Bridging Visa from outside Australia?

No. Bridging Visas are generally only granted to people who are in Australia.

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Related Visa Pathways

• Partner Visa Australia

• Student Visa Australia

• Graduate Visa Australia

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

• Employer Sponsored Visas

• Skilled Migration Visas

• Family Visas Australia

• Visa Refusals and Appeals

• Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Contact RACC Australia today to discuss your Bridging Visa situation and receive professional migration advice tailored to your circumstances.