Bridging Visa B — Subclass 020
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
The Bridging Visa B is the only bridging visa that permits international travel. It must be applied for and granted before the holder departs Australia. It cannot be applied for once the applicant has left the country. Failure to obtain a BVB before departure results in the BVA ceasing and prevents re-entry.
How the BVB works
The BVB is available to holders of a BVA or an existing BVB who need to depart and return to Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed. It specifies an approved travel period, which is the window during which the holder may depart and must return.
The Department considers the reason for travel when deciding a BVB application. Family emergencies, essential business travel, and other substantial grounds are weighed against the applicant's circumstances. The approved travel period is set at the time of grant and is matched to the requested travel dates.
If the approved travel period expires while the holder is overseas, they cannot return to Australia on the BVB. A new BVB application, or a separate visa, would be required. Applicants must plan their travel carefully and apply well in advance of any departure date.
BVB conditions
Must be granted before departure
A BVB cannot be applied for from outside Australia. The application must be lodged and granted while the applicant is in Australia. Apply well before the planned departure date.
Approved travel period
The BVB specifies the dates within which the holder may travel. The holder must return to Australia before the approved travel period expires.
Work rights carry over
In most cases, the work rights attached to the BVB mirror those of the underlying BVA. Verify conditions in the grant notice or via VEVO.
BVA resumes on return
When the BVB travel period expires after the holder has returned to Australia, the BVB continues in force as a BVA equivalent. Travel rights are no longer available under that BVB.
020
Subclass
Travel
Only bridging visa with travel rights
Before
Must be granted before departure
Period
Return by approved date
Why instruct Visa Plan?
Timely BVB applications
BVB applications require lead time. We lodge applications well before the planned departure and manage correspondence with the Department to ensure the grant arrives before travel.
Grounds for travel
The Department assesses the reason for travel. We prepare submissions that clearly state the grounds and match the request to circumstances the Department considers favourably.
Travel period planning
We advise on appropriate travel period requests so the holder has sufficient flexibility without creating unnecessary risk of overstaying the approved period.
Bridging Visa B information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Conditions and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.