Bridging visa A (010)
Commonly associated with a valid onshore substantive visa application where the applicant held a substantive visa. It does not provide a right to leave and re-enter Australia.
OnshoreNo return travel
Bridging Visas A, B, C and E
A practical guide to staying lawful, checking when a bridging visa is in effect, understanding work conditions and planning travel while another immigration matter is unresolved.
Registered agent MARN 2519006 Time-sensitive matters Check VEVO and grant notices
What a bridging visa does
A bridging visa is temporary and is used in defined circumstances to keep a person lawful while an immigration process is underway or arrangements are being made. A grant does not necessarily mean it is already in effect; a substantive visa may continue first. Always check the grant letter and VEVO.
Bridging visa B (020)
Can provide a specified travel period for an eligible BVA or BVB holder who needs to leave and return while an associated matter is pending. It must be granted before departure.
Specified travelApply before leaving
Bridging visa C (030)
May be relevant after a valid onshore substantive visa application where the applicant did not hold a substantive visa. It ceases on departure and cannot be used to return.
OnshoreNo return travel
Bridging visa E (050/051)
Used in particular circumstances to remain lawful while finalising an immigration matter, making arrangements to depart or waiting for a decision. Conditions require close attention.
Urgent status checkConditions vary
Travel: do not rely on the word “bridging”
Travel is one of the most serious points of confusion. A BVA or BVC that is in effect ceases when the holder departs Australia and cannot be used to return. A BVB has a defined travel period; the grant must cover the planned return.
- Check the current substantive or bridging visa in VEVO before booking.
- Home Affairs currently suggests applying for a BVB no more than three months and not less than two weeks before travel; always check current instructions.
- Do not leave until the required BVB is granted and its travel facility is understood.
- Make sure the intended return date falls within the specified travel period.
Work rights are condition-specific
The bridging visa name alone does not prove permission to work. The grant letter and VEVO show the conditions. Depending on the visa and circumstances, a person without work permission may be able to apply for another bridging visa with different conditions, often requiring evidence such as financial hardship.
- Read every condition and the date the bridging visa comes into effect.
- Prepare income, savings, expenses and support evidence if financial hardship is relevant.
- Do not start or continue work unless the current visa permits it.
- Re-check VEVO after a new grant or a change in the associated immigration matter.
Bridging visa questions
Can I travel on a Bridging visa A?
A BVA does not allow the holder to leave and return. An eligible person may need a BVB granted before departure.
Can I work on a Bridging visa C or E?
It depends on the conditions applying to the individual visa. Check the grant notice and VEVO. A further application with supporting evidence may be possible in some circumstances.
Can I wait for citizenship on a bridging visa?
Home Affairs states that a bridging visa cannot be used simply while waiting for a citizenship application to be decided. The person's immigration status needs a separate lawful basis.
Unsure whether you are lawful, can work or can travel?
Provide your grant notice, VEVO details, pending matter and important dates for a registered-agent review.