Bridging visas explained
Which bridging visa do you need?
| Visa | Who it is for | Travel | Work | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA (010) | You held a substantive visa and applied for another, or for review | No. Ends if you leave | Depends on conditions; can ask for work if in financial hardship | Free |
| BVB (020) | You hold a BVA or BVB and have substantial reasons to travel | Yes, during the set travel period | Follows the visas you held and applied for | A$575 |
| BVC (030) | You applied in Australia for a visa but did not hold a substantive visa | No | Not at first, unless your application is for a listed skilled or business visa | Free |
| BVE (050, 051) | You are unlawful, hold a BVE, or are a protection visa applicant | No | Only if your grant letter allows | Free |
How long do they last?
All four last until your application or review is decided. For a BVA, BVB or BVC granted on or after 19 November 2016, the visa ends 35 calendar days after a refusal, Tribunal decision, invalid application or withdrawal, and 28 calendar days after a judicial review outcome. None can be extended, and BVA, BVC and BVE end immediately if you leave Australia. See visa refused and visa expired.
How do you apply?
Nearly all bridging visas are granted with your substantive visa application, and you are told when that happens. Where a separate application is needed, BVA, BVB and BVC applications are made online through ImmiAccount or the online webform. Judicial review applicants use the webform. You cannot use a bridging visa while you wait for a citizenship decision.
FAQ
Can I travel on a BVA?
No. You need a BVB granted before you leave.
Can I work on a bridging visa?
It depends on your conditions. See work rights.
Do I get a bridging visa automatically?
Usually yes, when you apply for a substantive visa in Australia. Check VEVO.
What is a Bridging visa C?
See the BVC page.
How long does a bridging visa last?
Until a decision, plus 35 days after a refusal for most BVAs, BVBs and BVCs. The grant notice shows exact dates.
In this section
- Bridging visa A (subclass 010)What a Bridging visa A is, when you get one, your work rights, how long it lasts, why you can't travel on it and what ends it.
- Bridging visa B (subclass 020)How a Bridging visa B lets you leave and re-enter Australia: who can apply, the fee, when to apply, the travel period and work rights.
- Bridging visa C (subclass 030)What a Bridging visa C is, who gets one, why work is restricted unless your earlier visa allowed it, how long it lasts and what ends it.
- Bridging visa E (subclasses 050 and 051)What a Bridging visa E is, who can apply, the difference between subclass 050 and 051, work rights and why you can't travel on it.
- Bridging visa work rightsWork rights on bridging visas A, B, C and E, what condition 8101 means and how to ask for permission to work.