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Stay Lawfully in Australia with a Bridging Visa

A Bridging Visa allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for the outcome of your visa application or resolving your immigration status.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

🧾 Visa Snapshot

Type: Temporary Visa

Pathway to PR: Not a direct pathway to Permanent Residency, but allows lawful stay while awaiting a visa decision

Processing Time: Varies depending on the Bridging Visa type (A, B, C, D, E, F). Processing time typically ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on the case.

Work Rights: Varies by Bridging Visa type. Bridging Visa A typically does not allow work rights unless granted under specific conditions. Bridging Visa B allows re-entry and may provide work rights depending on the application. Bridging Visa C may allow work rights depending on your situation.

Family Inclusion: Yes, you can include your spouse, children, or other dependents

Post-Visa Pathways: Not a direct path to permanent residency. However, applicants may transition to permanent residency through other visa subclasses (e.g., 186 , 189, etc.) if eligible.

English Proficiency: No English proficiency requirement for the Bridging Visa itself. However, applicants for permanent visas will need to meet English proficiency requirements.

Health & Character: Must meet health and character requirements depending on the Bridging Visa type.

Types of Bridging Visas

There are several types of Bridging Visas that cater to different immigration situations: 

Bridging Visa A (BVA)
Subclass 010

  • Purpose: For individuals in Australia unlawfully who wish to remain lawfully while waiting for a visa decision.
  • Work Rights: No work rights by default unless granted under specific conditions.
  • Travel Rights: No travel rights; applicants must stay in Australia.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)
Subclass 020

  • Purpose: For people who need to leave Australia temporarily and re-enter while awaiting a visa decision or processing.
  • Work Rights: Work rights are granted based on the specific circumstances of the application.
  • Travel Rights: Allows the applicant to leave and re-enter Australia during the visa’s validity.

Bridging Visa C (BVC)
Subclass 030

  • Purpose: For applicants who have overstayed their visa and need to apply for a new visa while remaining lawfully in Australia.
  • Work Rights: Work rights may be granted depending on the applicant’s situation.
  • Travel Rights: No travel rights; applicants must remain in Australia.

Bridging Visa D (BVD)
Subclass 041

  • Purpose: For people who are unlawfully in Australia but have applied for a new visa and are awaiting a decision
  • Work Rights: Typically does not grant work rights.
  • Travel Rights: No travel rights.

Bridging Visa E (BVE)
Subclass 050

  • Purpose: For individuals who have overstayed their visa and need to apply for a new visa while remaining lawfully in Australia.
  • Work Rights: Work rights may be granted under specific circumstances, based on the applicant’s situation.
  • Travel Rights: No travel rights.

Bridging Visa F (BVF)

  • Purpose: For individuals applying for a Bridging Visa while their original visa has expired or their visa application has been refused, and they need to remain in Australia.
  • Work Rights: Typically, no work rights are granted unless the applicant meets specific criteria.
  • Travel Rights: No travel rights; applicants must stay in Australia.

Why Apply for a Bridging Visa?

Ideal for individuals awaiting a decision on their visa application, or for those needing to extend their stay in Australia while awaiting a decision or resolving an immigration matter.

Allows you to remain lawfully in Australia if your current visa has expired or if you are transitioning between visa subclasses.

Bridging Visa B allows you to leave Australia temporarily and re-enter while your visa is being processed.

Bridging Visa E allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while applying for a new visa or resolving immigration matters after overstaying your previous visa.

Eligibility Criteria & Points Test

To be eligible for a Bridging Visa, applicants must: 

Be in Australia unlawfully and need to apply for a new visa

Meet health and character requirements for visa approval

Provide proof of identity, including passport details

Be in good standing with Australian immigration laws

Applicants for Bridging Visa B must also show a need for travel rights (i.e., they need to leave and return to Australia while their visa application is pending)

📥 Download Eligibility Checklist

🔍 Step-by-Step Guide for Bridging Visa

1
Check eligibility: Confirm which type of Bridging Visa (A, B, C, D, E, or F) suits your needs based on your situation.
2
Submit your Bridging Visa application via ImmiAccount.
3
Provide required documentation, including passport details, visa history, and identity documents.
4
Complete health and character checks if applicable.
5
Wait for Bridging Visa decision: Processing times vary depending on the Bridging Visa type and your individual circumstances.
6
Receive your Bridging Visa with specific conditions, such as work rights or travel rights, depending on your type of visa.

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

Incomplete documentation or missing key forms (e.g., passport details, visa history)

Failing to comply with Bridging Visa conditions, such as overstaying or not adhering to the travel rights

Not checking eligibility requirements before applying for the Bridging Visa

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Double-check all application forms and ensure they are fully completed

Ensure your visa history and identity documents are clearly presented

Provide full details about your situation, such as why you need a Bridging Visa (A, B, C, D, E, or F)

Required Documents What You’ll Needz​

For the Applicant

Passport

Visa history or evidence of prior visa applications

Evidence of current visa status (if applicable)

Health and character documents (if required)

Partner / Dependents

Proof of Relationship

Health and character documents for dependents

📥 Download Full Bridging Visa Checklist

Family Members You Can Include 🛤️ After Visa Grant

Eligible family members can accompany the primary visa applicant, including:

Family Members You Can Include

Spouse / de facto partner

Dependent children under 18

Children over 18( If Dependent)Children over 18 (if financially dependent on the applicant)

All family members must meet health and character requirements for inclusion in the visa application.

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
🪪 Visa Fee:Free (for most Bridging Visas)
⏳ Processing Time:Varies depending on the Bridging Visa type and individual circumstances

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Download Subclass 190 Migration Pack
Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack
Discover
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Download EOI Guide
Download EOI Guide

❓Frequently Asked Questions

A: A Bridging Visa allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for the outcome of your visa application.

A: Work rights are generally not included with Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa C, but can be granted in specific circumstances. Bridging Visa B does not usually include work rights unless specified. 

Bridging Visa B allows you to travel and re-enter Australia, but the other Bridging Visas do not have travel rights. 

A: The length of your Bridging Visa depends on the conditions of your visa application and the visa type. You will need to ensure you comply with the visa conditions for an extended stay. Accordion Content

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.