Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020): How I Help You Travel Safely While Your Visa Is Processing
By Nilesh Nandan – Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa® Immigration Lawyers
This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site.
Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.
Table of Contents
- What is a Bridging Visa B?
- Who is eligible for a Bridging Visa B?
- How long does Bridging Visa B last?
- BVA vs BVB vs BVC – which visas let you travel?
- How to apply for a Bridging Visa B
- Work rights on a Bridging Visa B
- Bridging Visa B processing times in 2025
- Mistakes I see people make
- Checklist before applying
- Real scenarios from my practice
- When to get legal advice
- Frequently asked questions
- Book a consultation
What is a Bridging Visa B?
A Bridging Visa B is a temporary visa that lets you leave and re-enter Australia during a set travel period while your main visa or review case is ongoing. It is the only bridging visa with a built-in travel facility.
When you apply for a new visa onshore, Immigration normally gives you a “stay” visa (BVA or BVC), but those do not let you return to Australia if you leave. A BVB protects your lawful status while you travel.
Think of it this way: your main visa is still processing in the background, and the BVB acts like a temporary “travel pass” that keeps everything intact.
Who is eligible for a Bridging Visa B?
You can only get a BVB if you already hold a bridging visa linked to a valid onshore application or review. These are the general requirements:
- You must be inside Australia when you apply.
- You must already hold a BVA or BVB.
- You must have a pending visa application, tribunal review or court review.
- You must have substantial reasons for needing to travel.
- You must plan to return before the travel facility expires.
Examples of reasons that are typically accepted
- Serious illness or death of a family member overseas
- Essential work or business obligations
- Important study or research commitments
- Significant family events
In my experience, the Department wants reasons that are more substantial than “just a holiday”. A holiday can work in the right circumstances, but it usually must be supported by context and evidence.
How long does Bridging Visa B last?
A BVB has two timeframes:
- Stay validity — usually lasts until your main visa is decided.
- Travel facility — this is the crucial part: a specific date range during which you are permitted to leave and re-enter Australia.
Travel facilities are often granted for 1–3 months, but every case varies. Importantly, you cannot extend a BVB. If you need more time or another trip, you must apply for a new one.
BVA vs BVB vs BVC
| Visa | Purpose | Stay in Australia? | Allow travel? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BVA (010) | Given after valid onshore visa lodgement | Yes | No |
| BVB (020) | For travel while visa is processing | Yes | Yes – during travel facility |
| BVC (030) | Given in limited situations, often if unlawful first | Yes | No |
How to apply for a Bridging Visa B
1. Apply at the right time
I usually recommend applying:
- At least 2 weeks before travel
- No more than 3 months before travel
Urgent cases (medical emergencies etc.) may be assessed quicker, but you need strong evidence.
2. Gather the right documents
- Form 1006 (if required)
- Your travel itinerary
- Proof of compelling reasons
- Evidence of your visa application or review
3. Lodge through ImmiAccount
- Log in to ImmiAccount
- Select your active visa application
- Choose the bridging visa application option
- Upload documents
- Pay the application charge
Work rights on a BVB
Your work conditions do not change on a BVB. They remain exactly the same as the bridging visa you currently hold.
If you have full work rights now, you usually keep them. If you have no work rights now, the BVB does not “upgrade” them.
Bridging Visa B processing times in 2025
The Department does not publish official processing times. Based on industry experience and my own practice, common patterns are:
- Simple BVB applications: 1–3 weeks
- Urgent cases: sometimes faster (with evidence)
- Complex cases: can take longer
Always plan ahead. If your travel is emotionally or financially important, don’t risk a last-minute application.
Common mistakes people make
- Leaving Australia before the BVB is granted
- Ignoring the travel end date
- Weak reasons with no evidence
- Applying too close to departure
- Assuming the whole family is covered automatically
- Overlooking past visa compliance issues
These mistakes are avoidable with proper planning.
Checklist: Are you ready to apply?
| Question | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Am I currently in Australia? | □ | □ |
| Do I hold a BVA/BVB or other eligible bridging visa? | □ | □ |
| Have I planned my dates clearly? | □ | □ |
| Do I have compelling evidence? | □ | □ |
| Have I applied early enough? | □ | □ |
Real scenarios I see as a lawyer
1. Skilled worker needing offshore work travel
An engineer with a pending 482 or 186 visa often needs to attend overseas training or meetings. The BVB can protect their lawful status while they do so.
2. Partner visa applicant with a sick parent
These cases move fast. We gather medical reports and outline the urgency clearly for the Department.
3. Graduate visa applicant wanting a short family visit
Students often don’t realise leaving on a BVA will cancel the visa. A BVB avoids that disaster.
4. Tribunal matters
Travel during a tribunal review is high-risk without proper strategy. We look at hearing dates, travel timing and future appeals.
When should you get legal advice?
You should get advice if you have:
- Previous refusals or cancellations
- Time spent unlawful
- A pending tribunal or court review
- Weak or complex reasons for travel
- A family group with mixed visa histories
A BVB might look simple, but the consequences of getting it wrong can be life-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend a BVB?
No. You must apply for a new BVB.
Can I get multiple entries?
Sometimes, yes. The grant letter will confirm this.
What happens if my BVB expires while I’m overseas?
You may be stuck outside Australia until your substantive visa is granted—if it is granted at all.
Is a BVB automatically granted?
No. Every application is assessed on its own merits.
Can a BVB be refused?
Yes. Weak evidence or unclear reasons often cause problems.
Book a Consultation
You can book a consultation with me to discuss your BVB, your travel needs and your long-term visa strategy.
Legal Disclaimer
By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa®️ Immigration Lawyers
This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.
MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice
