What Are Bridging Visas?
Bridging visas allow you to stay in Australia lawfully while your substantive visa application is being processed, or while you are making arrangements to depart Australia. They are temporary visas that bridge the gap between your current visa expiring and a decision on your next visa application. For Chinese Australians with long processing times (partner visas: 18-30 months, parent visas: 15-30 years), bridging visas are a critical part of maintaining lawful status.
Types of Bridging Visas
| Type | When Granted | Work Rights | Travel | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA (Bridging A) | Applied for visa while in Australia on valid visa | Same as your last substantive visa | Cannot re-enter if you leave Australia | Free (auto-granted) |
| BVB (Bridging B) | Requested while holding BVA | Same as BVA | Can travel and return within specified period | $165 |
| BVC (Bridging C) | Applied for visa while unlawful or on expired visa | Usually no work rights | Cannot travel | Free |
| BVD (Bridging D) | Temporary — granted in emergencies | Case by case | Cannot travel | Free |
| BVE (Bridging E) | Unlawful non-citizens making departure arrangements | Usually no work rights (can apply) | Cannot travel | Free |
Key Issues for Chinese Applicants
- Travel trap: A BVA does NOT allow you to re-enter Australia if you leave. If you need to travel to China (family emergencies, business, Lunar New Year), you MUST apply for a BVB BEFORE departing. If you leave on a BVA, you lose your bridging visa and may not be able to return.
- Work rights: Your BVA work rights mirror your last substantive visa. If your student visa had work conditions (40 hours per fortnight), your BVA will have the same. You can apply to change work conditions if you have financial hardship.
- Medicare access: If you are applying for a permanent visa (partner, skilled, parent), you are generally eligible for Medicare while on a BVA. Enrol at a Medicare office with your BVA grant letter and visa application receipt.
- Processing times: Partner visa BVA holders may wait 18-30 months. Parent visa applicants on BVA may wait many years. During this time, you have lawful status but limited travel ability.
- Visa expiry awareness: Your BVA only activates when your substantive visa expires. Until then, you remain on your substantive visa with its conditions. Keep track of all visa expiry dates.
How to Apply for BVB (Travel)
- Log into your ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au
- Select New Application then Bridging Visa B
- Provide reasons for travel (family emergency, work commitment, medical treatment)
- Specify travel dates — BVB is granted for a specific period
- Pay $165 application fee
- Decision usually within 2-5 business days
- Travel within the approved dates and return before the BVB expires
Critical Advice: Never leave Australia on a BVA without first obtaining a BVB. This is one of the most common and devastating mistakes Chinese visa applicants make — leaving for China for Lunar New Year or a family visit without realising they cannot return. Apply for BVB at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date. Keep copies of all visa grant letters and ImmiAccount login details. If your visa situation is complex, consult a registered migration agent before making any travel decisions.