Bridging visa A (subclass 010)

When do you get a BVA?

Nearly all bridging visas are granted as part of applying for a substantive visa, and you are told when that happens. A BVA comes into effect when it is granted (if your substantive visa has already ended, or the BVA is better than your current bridging visa), when your current substantive visa ends, or when a less favourable bridging visa ends. You can check whether you already hold one in VEVO.

You may need a separate BVA application if: - your substantive visa application did not also count as an application for a BVA, - an earlier BVA or BVB has ended and you meet the requirements for another, - you want a BVA without work restrictions, or - you have applied for judicial review.

A bridging visa cannot be used while you wait for a citizenship application.

Who is eligible?

• You hold or have held a substantive visa. A substantive visa is any visa except a bridging, criminal justice or enforcement visa.
• You are in Australia when you apply and when it is granted.
• You have a valid application for a substantive visa that is not finally decided, or you applied for judicial review within the time limit and it is not finished.
• If you are applying for a review, you applied within the time limit. Judicial review must be sought within 35 days of the Tribunal's decision.
• You meet the character requirement.
• There is no age limit, and the visa is free.

Applications for a BVA, BVB and BVC must be made online through ImmiAccount or the online webform. If you have applied for judicial review you can only apply by webform.

Can you work on a BVA?

Maybe. Your grant letter lists the conditions, and you can see any work restrictions in VEVO. If your BVA does not let you work, you can apply for another BVA that does. You will usually have to show financial hardship. If you do not meet the requirements, you get a new BVA with the same work restriction. You cannot get a new BVA that lets you work if your current BVA restricts work and was granted because you applied for judicial review or a protection visa. See bridging visa work rights.

How long does it last?

It lasts until your substantive visa application is finally decided. It ends immediately if you leave Australia, if you are granted the substantive visa or another bridging visa for the same application, or if the BVA or your substantive visa is cancelled. Otherwise the end date depends on the outcome:

• BVA granted on or after 19 November 2016: it ends 35 calendar days after a refusal decision, a Tribunal decision, a finding that your application is invalid, or your withdrawal of the application or review.
• It ends 28 calendar days after a judicial review body upholds the refusal or you withdraw a related judicial review application.
• BVA granted before 19 November 2016: 28 days after the same events.

Once you are notified of an outcome, VEVO shows exactly how long you can stay. You cannot extend a BVA. You would need to apply for a new visa. See visa refused.

Can your family be included?

If you and your family applied together for a substantive visa, they may have a BVA together with you. If you apply separately, you can include family members who are in your substantive application. Each is assessed separately.

Can you travel?

No. A BVA does not support return to Australia, and it ends when you leave. To travel and come back while your application is processed, you need a Bridging visa B granted before you leave.