If you've applied for a new visa while in Australia, you've probably heard about bridging visas. These are temporary visas that keep you lawful while you wait for a decision on your substantive visa application. But the different types — A, B, C, D, E — can be confusing.
This guide focuses on the three most common bridging visas: BVA, BVB, and BVC.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BVA | BVB | BVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Bridging visa A | Bridging visa B | Bridging visa C |
| How granted | Automatically with valid visa application | Applied for separately | Automatically (applied from bridging visa) |
| Travel permitted? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (within specified period) | ❌ No |
| Work rights? | Mirrors previous visa (or applied for) | Same as BVA it replaces | Not by default (can apply) |
| Cost | Free (part of visa application) | AUD $185 | Free |
| When it activates | When current visa expires | When granted | When current visa expires |
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
When You Get One
A BVA is granted automatically when you lodge a valid application for a substantive visa while you are in Australia holding a valid visa. You don't need to apply separately — it's part of your visa application.
Example: You're on a Student visa (Subclass 500) that expires on 30 June. On 15 June, you lodge a Skilled Worker visa application. A BVA is automatically associated with your application. On 1 July, when your Student visa expires, the BVA activates and you remain lawful.
Work Rights on a BVA
Your BVA work rights depend on your circumstances:
| Situation | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| Applied for a visa that allows work | Full work rights (usually) |
| Applied for a visa that doesn't allow work | No work rights (can apply for permission) |
| Previous visa had work conditions | Similar conditions may apply |
If your BVA doesn't include work rights and you need to work, you can apply to the Department for work permission under regulation 050 (Condition 8501 modification).
Travel on a BVA
A BVA does not allow you to travel. If you leave Australia on a BVA, the visa ceases and you cannot re-enter.
If you need to travel while waiting for a visa decision, you must apply for a Bridging visa B before you leave.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
What It Does
A BVB allows you to travel outside Australia and return while your substantive visa application is being processed. It essentially replaces your BVA with travel rights for a specified period.
How to Apply
- You must already hold a BVA (or be eligible for one)
- Apply for a BVB through ImmiAccount or in person at a Department office
- Pay the application fee (AUD $185 as of 2026)
- Specify your travel dates — the BVB is granted for a specific period (usually up to 3 months)
- You must return to Australia before the BVB travel period expires
When to Apply
- Before booking flights — processing takes 1–7 days
- Before leaving Australia — you cannot apply for a BVB from overseas
- Each time you travel — a BVB is usually granted for a single travel period; you may need to apply again for subsequent trips
Key Rules
- If you do not return before the BVB travel period expires, the BVB ceases and you lose your right to return
- If your substantive visa is granted while you're overseas, the BVB ceases and your new substantive visa takes effect
- If your substantive visa is refused while you're overseas, the BVB ceases when the refusal takes effect
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
When You Get One
A BVC is granted automatically when you lodge a valid visa application while you're in Australia on a bridging visa (rather than a substantive visa).
Example: Your Student visa expired, your BVA activated, but that visa application was refused. While on the BVA (before it ceases), you lodge another application. This time, you receive a BVC instead of a BVA.
Limitations
A BVC is more restrictive than a BVA:
- No travel — you cannot leave Australia
- No work rights by default — you must apply separately for work permission
- Cannot be upgraded to a BVB — you cannot obtain travel rights on a BVC
- Signals immigration complexity — being on a BVC generally means you've been through multiple visa applications
Other Bridging Visas (D and E)
For completeness:
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bridging visa D (BVD) | Short-term visa (5 days) to give you time to arrange your departure or lodge a substantive visa application |
| Bridging visa E (BVE) | Granted to unlawful non-citizens to arrange departure from Australia |
Common Scenarios
"My visa expires next week — should I apply for a bridging visa?"
You don't apply for a bridging visa directly. You apply for the substantive visa you actually want (student visa, partner visa, skilled visa, etc.). The BVA is granted automatically as part of that application.
"I'm on a BVA — can I travel home for a family emergency?"
Apply for a BVB immediately. Do not leave Australia without a granted BVB — your BVA will cease and you won't be able to return.
"My visa application was refused — am I unlawful?"
Not immediately. When a visa application is refused, there is usually a period (28 or 35 days) during which you can apply for review. Your BVA typically remains in effect during this period. Check your refusal letter for the specific timeframe.
Practical Tips
- Never leave Australia on a BVA — apply for a BVB first
- Apply for your next visa before your current one expires — this ensures you get a BVA
- Check your bridging visa conditions — work rights vary. Use VEVO to check
- Keep your contact details updated with the Department — visa decisions are sent to your registered email/address
- Don't delay if your substantive visa application is refused — you have limited time to act before your bridging visa ceases
Official Resources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Bridging visa rules are complex and vary by circumstance. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.