Bridging Visas

Bridging Visas for Australia

A bridging visa maintains lawful status in Australia while a substantive visa application is being processed. Without a bridging visa, a person whose substantive visa has expired becomes an unlawful non-citizen, subject to detention and removal. Understanding the type, conditions, and limitations of the applicable bridging visa is essential.

Speak with a Migration Lawyer View Bridging Visa Types

What is a bridging visa?

A bridging visa is a temporary visa granted to a person who has applied for a substantive visa in Australia. It activates when the current substantive visa expires and remains in effect until the new application is decided, subject to the 35-day rule following a refusal.

Bridging visas are not stand-alone visas. They are dependent on the existence of an active substantive visa application or a review application. The conditions attached — covering work rights, travel, and reporting — vary significantly between bridging visa types and must be checked before taking any action.

Departing Australia on most bridging visas causes the visa to cease immediately, barring re-entry. Only a Bridging Visa B (BVB) permits international travel. Leaving Australia without a granted BVB while holding a BVA, BVC, or BVE is one of the most consequential errors made by visa holders.

Critical rules for all bridging visa holders

Do not travel without a BVB

Departing Australia on a BVA, BVC, or BVE causes the visa to cease. You cannot return to Australia on that visa. A BVB must be granted before departure.

Check work rights on VEVO

Work rights on a bridging visa depend on the conditions attached and the type of substantive visa applied for. Do not assume work is permitted. Verify conditions via VEVO before commencing any employment.

The 35-day rule after refusal

If the substantive application is refused, the bridging visa ceases 35 days after the date of receiving the decision. Departure or a further application must occur within that window.

Bridging visas are not renewable

A bridging visa cannot be renewed in the standard sense. A new bridging visa can only be granted if there is an active application to which it can attach.

4 types

BVA, BVB, BVC, BVE

35 days

Grace period after refusal

BVB only

Permits international travel

VEVO

Always verify conditions

Bridging visa types

Each bridging visa type applies in different circumstances. Select the applicable type to understand the conditions, work rights, and travel entitlements.

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

The most common bridging visa. Granted automatically when a substantive visa application is lodged while a valid visa is held. No travel rights.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

Allows BVA holders to depart and return to Australia within an approved travel period. Must be applied for before departure.

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

Granted where a substantive application is lodged after the previous visa has already expired. Generally no work rights and no travel rights.

Bridging Visa E (BVE)

Granted in limited circumstances, often following visa cancellation or to allow an unlawful non-citizen to regularise status or arrange departure.

Conditions assessment

Bridging visa conditions are not uniform. We confirm the exact work and travel conditions attached to your bridging visa before you take any action that could place your status at risk.

BVB applications

A BVB must be granted before departure. We manage BVB applications with sufficient lead time and advise on the grounds required to obtain one.

Status recovery

Where a person has become unlawful due to a missed bridging visa or travel error, we advise on the available options for regularising status and the consequences for future applications.

Bridging visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Conditions, work rights, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.