Bridging visas are a commonly misunderstood area of Australian immigration law.
Many people only hear about them when they’re in a stressful situation, such as when their current visa is about to expire and a new visa application is still pending. But bridging visas play a crucial role in keeping your lawful status in Australia, and understanding how they work can prevent costly mistakes and unnecessary risks.
What is a bridging visa?
A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows you to legally remain in Australia while your substantive (main) visa application is being processed, or in some cases, while you make arrangements to leave the country.
There are several types of bridging visas, but the most common are:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA): For applicants who apply for a new visa while they are still in Australia and hold a valid visa. It lets you remain lawfully in the country until a decision is made.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB): Similar to a BVA, but it also allows you to travel overseas and return while your new visa is processing.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC): For people who apply for a new visa while in Australia but no longer hold a valid visa (or are already on a Bridging Visa A or B). It generally has stricter conditions.
- Bridging Visa E (BVE): For people who are unlawful (without a visa) or waiting for Ministerial Intervention. This visa should be avoided unless there are no other options, as it can carry very restrictive conditions and impact future visa options.
How do you get a bridging visa?
In most cases, a bridging visa is granted automatically when you apply for a new visa inside Australia. For example:
- If you are on a Student visa and apply for a Graduate visa before your Student visa expires, you’ll usually receive a Bridging Visa A that activates when your current visa ends.
You may also apply separately for a bridging visa if your situation requires it, such as when you need the travel rights of a BVB.
Important: A bridging visa is only valid while you are in Australia. If you leave without the right travel facility (BVB), your bridging visa will cease, and you may not be able to return.
Risks and common mistakes
While bridging visas seem straightforward, there are significant risks if handled incorrectly.
1. Not applying onshore in time
If your substantive visa expires before you lodge a new visa, you lose the right to a BVA, would become unlawful for a period, and would end up on a less favourable bridging visa.
2. Relying on a Bridging Visa E (BVE)
A BVE is designed for people who are already unlawful or seeking certain appeals. It often comes with no work rights and can make future visa pathways much harder. Where possible, avoid falling onto a BVE.
3. Travel issues
Many people assume a BVA allows travel, but it does not. If you need to leave Australia, you must apply for a BVB in advance, and these can take several weeks to be approved.
4. Breaching conditions
Some bridging visas have work or study restrictions. Breaching these can lead to visa cancellation and affect your future options.
Key conditions
Depending on the bridging visa granted, you may need to comply with:
- Restricted work or ‘no work’ conditions (unless work rights are granted).
- ‘No study’ conditions.
- Reporting requirements.
- Informing the Department or your immigration agent of changes to your situation.
- Remaining in Australia unless you have a BVB.
The Department of Home Affairs closely monitors compliance. Failing to follow conditions can make it harder to secure permanent visas later.
When should you consider a bridging visa?
Bridging visas are not visas you “choose”; they are usually a by-product of applying for another visa. But you should pay attention to them in situations like:
- Applying for a new visa onshore before your current visa expires.
- Waiting for a Tribunal or Court decision on a refusal or cancellation.
- Wanting to travel while your new visa is in process (BVB).
- Accidentally becoming unlawful and needing to rectify your status.
Get expert support
Navigating bridging visas can be complicated, especially if your current visa is close to expiring or has already expired. The wrong choice—or no action—can severely limit your options in Australia.
You can contact a registered migration agent using the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) registry, or contact an immigration lawyer:
Nicole Kirkwood
Australian Visa & Immigration Experts
MARN: 0962323
Email: email@avie.com.au
Website & book a consultation: www.avie.com.au
What we do: Provide expert migration advice, assist and lodge all skills assessments and visa applications, state and regional sponsorship, ART and all other migration matters.
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