Bridging Visas in Australia

What is a Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while your immigration status is being resolved. You may need a bridging visa if:

  • Your previous visa has expired

  • You’re waiting for a decision on a new visa

  • You’re seeking judicial review

  • You’re arranging departure from Australia

  • Your visa has been refused or cancelled

 
There are six types of Bridging Visas: A, B, C, D, E and F – each with a different purpose.

Types of Bridging Visas

Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010

Feature Details:

  • Who it’s for: People who apply for a new visa while holding a valid visa

  • Stay duration: Until your new visa is decided

  • Travel: ❌ No travel allowed

  • Work rights: ❌ Not automatic – may require separate application

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You’re transitioning from one substantive visa to another and staying lawful between applications.

Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020

Feature Details :

  • Who it’s for: BVA/BVB holders who need to travel temporarily

  • Stay duration: Until your new visa is decided

  • Travel: ✅ Yes – for a set period

  • Work rights: ✅ If carried over from BVA

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You’re waiting for a decision on a visa but need to leave Australia briefly and return lawfully.

Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030

Feature Details: 

  • Who it’s for: Applicants who apply for a visa without holding any substantive visa

  • Stay duration: Until your visa is decided

  • Travel: ❌ No

  • Work rights: ❌ Not automatic

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You become unlawful but lodge a valid visa application after your previous visa expired.

Bridging Visa D (BVD) – Subclass 041

Feature Details:

  • Who it’s for: Unlawful non-citizens who want to make a valid visa application or need more time

  • Stay duration: 5 days

  • Travel: ❌ No

  • Work rights: ❌ No

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You visit a Department office to fix your visa status or get help making a valid application.

Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 050/051

Feature Details:

  • Who it’s for: People who are unlawful or have visa cancellations/refusals

  • Stay duration: Case-by-case

  • Travel: ❌ No

  • Work rights: ❌ Not automatic – based on financial hardship

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You’re awaiting departure, a decision on judicial review, or Ministerial Intervention.

Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 050/051

Feature Details:

  • Who it’s for: People who are unlawful or have visa cancellations/refusals

  • Stay duration: Case-by-case

  • Travel: ❌ No

  • Work rights: ❌ Not automatic – based on financial hardship

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You’re awaiting departure, a decision on judicial review, or Ministerial Intervention.

Bridging Visa F (BVF) – Subclass 060

Feature Details:

  • Who it’s for: Victims of human trafficking or slavery

  • Stay duration: Temporary until further arrangements

  • Travel: ❌ No

  • Work rights: ✅ Yes, under some conditions

  • Apply from: Onshore only

Used when: You are assisting authorities in trafficking investigations.

Work Rights on Bridging Visas

Not all bridging visas come with automatic work rights. If you hold a BVA or BVC, you may be able to request work rights by showing financial hardship or that your underlying visa allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I travel on a Bridging Visa A?

No. You must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to travel and return lawfully.

Some bridging visas allow work automatically (e.g. BVB), others (e.g. BVA, BVC) require a separate work rights application.

You must act fast. You may be able to apply for a BVD or BVE to regularise your stay and avoid detention.

No. A bridging visa is not a pathway visa but keeps you lawful while another application is in progress.

No. Bridging visas are for onshore applicants only.

Yes, but each person must apply for their own Bridging Visa, unless they’re included in the main visa application.

Need Help With a Bridging Visa?

Whether you’re applying for a new visa, dealing with a visa cancellation, or correcting your lawful status, Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services can help you apply for the correct bridging visa — fast and with full compliance.

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