Bridging Visas Australia: Types & How They Work

A bridging visa is a temporary visa that keeps you lawful in Australia while you wait for a decision on another visa application (your "substantive" visa). Think of it as a safety net — it bridges the gap between your current visa expiring and your new visa being decided.

You don't usually apply separately for a bridging visa. In most cases, you're granted one automatically when you lodge a valid visa application while you're in Australia and hold (or held) a substantive visa.

Bridging visas don't give you a new visa — they maintain your lawful status while the Department of Home Affairs processes your application.

### Bridging Visa A (BVA)

The most common type. You get a BVA when you lodge a new visa application while you're in Australia on a substantive visa (like a student visa, working holiday, etc.).

Key features: - Comes into effect when your current visa expires - Usually has the same conditions as your current visa (e.g., work rights) - You can't travel on a BVA — if you leave Australia, the visa ceases - Lasts until your new visa application is decided

### Bridging Visa B (BVB)

This one lets you travel in and out of Australia while waiting for your visa decision. You need to apply for it separately — it doesn't come automatically.

Key features: - Replaces your BVA if you need to travel - Has a specific travel period (usually up to 3 months) - You must return to Australia before the travel period expires - Costs a fee to apply

### Bridging Visa C (BVC)

Granted when you apply for a visa but you're not holding a substantive visa at the time (e.g., you're already on a bridging visa or your previous visa has expired).

Key features: - No travel rights — you can't leave and return - May have limited or no work rights - Generally more restrictive than a BVA

### Bridging Visa E (BVE)

For people who are unlawful (no current visa) and are making arrangements to leave Australia or have engaged with the Department.

Key features: - Short-term visa — usually 28 days or until departure - Limited conditions - Designed to give people time to make departure arrangements

There's also a Bridging Visa D, which is a very short-term visa (usually 5 working days) granted to give someone time to lodge a substantive application.

It depends on your circumstances:

BVA: Usually mirrors the work rights of your last substantive visa. If your student visa had work rights, your BVA likely will too. If your previous visa had no work rights, you may need to apply to change your BVA conditions.

BVB: Same work rights as your BVA.

BVC: Often comes with no work rights unless you can demonstrate financial hardship. You can apply to have work permission added.

BVE: Generally no work rights, though exceptions exist.

If you need to work and your bridging visa doesn't allow it, a migration agent can help you apply to have the conditions changed. This isn't guaranteed, but it's possible in many situations.

"My student visa is expiring and I've applied for a skilled visa" You'll get a BVA that kicks in when your student visa expires. You can usually keep working. You can't travel unless you get a BVB.

"I'm on a [partner visa](/visa/partner-visa) and want to travel home" If you're on a BVA waiting for your partner visa decision, you'll need a BVB to travel. Apply before you book flights.

"My visa was refused and I want to appeal" If you appeal to the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal), you may be granted a BVA while the appeal is processed. This keeps you lawful in Australia during the appeal.

"I've overstayed my visa" If you've become unlawful, options are limited. You may be eligible for a BVE to make departure arrangements, or in some cases, to lodge a new visa application. This is where you absolutely need a migration agent — the stakes are too high to DIY.

Bridging visas have conditions. Breaching conditions (like working when you're not allowed to) can result in visa cancellation and a ban on future visas.

A BVA can last years. With processing times blowing out for some visa categories (partner visas, skilled visas), people can spend 2–3+ years on a BVA. It's not ideal, but you remain lawful.

You can apply for a different visa while on a BVA. If your circumstances change and a different visa would be better, you can lodge a new application. Your bridging visa status adjusts accordingly.

Medicare eligibility varies. Some bridging visa holders are eligible for Medicare, others aren't. It depends on your underlying visa application and your country of citizenship.

Don't let your bridging visa lapse. If you leave Australia on a BVA (without getting a BVB), the visa ceases and you may not be able to return.

Bridging visas are usually straightforward, but get an agent involved if:

• - You need to change visa conditions (add work rights, get travel permission)
• - You've become unlawful and need to sort out your status
• - You're waiting a long time and want to explore other options
• - You need to travel urgently but are on a BVA
• - Your application has been refused and you're considering an appeal
• - You're confused about which bridging visa you're on and what you can and can't do

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