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.
Types of Bridging Visas
There are several types of Bridging Visas that cater to different immigration situations:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)
🔍 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
Visa Fees & Processing Time
| Type | Details & Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 🪪 Visa Fee: | Free (for most Bridging Visas) |
| ⏳ Processing Time: | Varies depending on the Bridging Visa type and individual circumstances |
Briding Visa Frequently Asked Questions
A Bridging Visa allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for the outcome of your visa application.
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.
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.