What Are Bridging Visas?
Bridging visas allow you to stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for a substantive visa decision or while arranging to leave. They are automatically granted in most cases when you lodge a new visa application while your current visa is still valid. Understanding bridging visas is critical for maintaining lawful status in Australia.
Types
BVA (Bridging Visa A): Most common. Granted automatically when you lodge a visa application onshore. Allows you to stay until your application is decided. BVB (Bridging Visa B): Allows travel in and out of Australia. Must be applied for separately before travelling. Without a BVB, leaving Australia on a BVA cancels the bridging visa. BVC: For unlawful non-citizens who apply for a substantive visa. BVE: For people arranging to leave Australia.
Work Rights
BVA work rights usually match your previous visa. If your previous visa had work rights, your BVA will too. If not, you can apply for permission to work. BVAs granted while waiting for a protection visa decision include automatic work rights. Check your visa conditions in VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm your specific work rights.
Critical Warning
If you leave Australia on a BVA without first obtaining a BVB, your BVA is cancelled and you CANNOT return to Australia until your visa application is decided (offshore). This catches many people unaware. Always apply for a BVB before any overseas travel. BVB applications cost $165 and take 1-14 days to process — apply well before your planned travel.