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Bridging Visa Australia
This temporary visa allows you to stay in Australia after your “current” substantive visa ceases and while your “new substantive” visa application is being processed.
It “bridges” your stay in Australia from the cease date of your current visa usually until 35 days after a final decision is made on your application.
How to apply for a bridging visa?
Most of the time you don’t need to make a formal application for a bridging visa. This is because it is granted to you by operation of law.
Is the application necessary?
A formal bridging visa application is usually not needed if you apply for a further visa while you are in Australia and you already hold a substantive visa at the time of making your further visa application.
Automatic grant
The reason why a formal visa application for a bridging visa might not be required is that by operation of law, the valid application for a further visa in Australia is typically (but not always) deemed to be an application for a bridging visa as well. That application is usually always granted, either manually or automatically.
Purpose
The purpose of a bridging visa is to bridge the gap, if any, between the time at which your current substantive visa expires and the point in time when your new substantive visa is granted.
The bridging visa is a mechanism for keeping you lawfully present in Australia.
Otherwise…
If a bridging visa was not to be granted, then it would mean that you would be an unlawful non-citizen, present in Australia for that period between when your substantive visa expires and your further visa is decided.
Types of bridging visas
The three most common types of bridging visas are a, b, and e.
Which do you have?
The most important thing to check is that you always have a visa whilst you are in Australia (if you’re not the holder of an Australian passport).
You can check the visa that you hold at any time by completing a VEVO check. It’s online and free.
Know this…
BVB limitation
Be careful with a bridging visa b (BVB). Its purpose is to allow you to leave and return to Australia whilst you are waiting on a further substantive visa to be granted to you; you may exit Australia for a very finite travel period and must re-enter Australia by a specified date.
BVB disaster
The biggest risk with a BVB is that you forget the period for which your BVB is granted, and you then fail to re-enter Australia before the date specified. Take very careful note to start returning to Australia several days before your BVB expires, so that you have ample time to re-enter Australia when you return.
Bridging visa after re-entry
When you re-enter Australia your bridging visa b does not change back to a BVA but will show as a BVB, allowing you to continue to stay in Australia but importantly does not then have any exit and return facility.
Second BVB
You will need to take care to lodge a further BVB if you wish to again exit Australia during the period in which you are waiting for the grant of your further substantive visa.
If you hold a BVA or a BVB you can apply for a further BVB.
Only one chance!
Unfortunately, if you hold a BVC or a BVD or a BVE then you can’t apply for a BVB. It’s like losing your virginity.
Think of it this way – if you hold a BVC or BVD or BVE, you can never go back to get a BVB, at least until after your further substantive visa application has been granted.
As explained above, bridging visas “bridge” you from the time an existing visa ceases to be “in effect” until the time a decision is made on any new visa you may have applied for.
Bridging visa lifespan after a decision on substantive application
Usually, the bridging visa will run for a period of up to 28 days (and possibly 35 days, depending on when you lodge your application and when your bridging visa is granted) after the decision of the Department to refuse your visa application, allowing you or your migration agent or immigration lawyer enough time to file an appeal.
Bridging visa to travel overseas
The Department of Home Affairs can issue you with a bridging visa if you intend to exit Australia. This is known as “bridging visa on departure grounds”. These visas are for a fixed period.
Extension of BVE
There may be some scope to have these extended if, for some reason, you can’t depart. This is subject to negotiation between you and the compliance officer at the Department of Home Affairs.
For example, you might be without a visa and need a week or so to get things in order before you can exit Australia.
Immigration will often grant you this type of visa for a fixed term which will allow you time to exit the country or lodge another application.
Depart on BVE – consequences
There are serious consequences that follow after you exit Australia on a BVE. This is known as “special return criteria” where you may suffer a period of exclusion from Australia or ban from having a further visa granted for Australia.
BVE ban duration
The duration of this ban will depend on the sort of visa you are applying for and your circumstances for something that I advise on regularly and you should get independent immigration legal advice if you wish to make an application for Australia after exiting on a BVE.
Bridging visa “in effect”
Although your bridging visa may be granted (and you may have received a letter from Immigration saying that you have been granted this visa) take care to note that this visa will usually only come “into effect” when your existing visa expires and will remain in place while your new visa application is being considered. For example, suppose you are a holder of a subclass 600 Visitor visa. And you apply for a subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa while onshore.
Check your precise visa status regularly on the Department’s site.
When your bridging visa kicks in
You will not automatically become the holder of a bridging visa as soon as you make that 482 visa application. You will still be on your subclass 600 until it expires. Your bridging visa will usually kick in, if at all, immediately upon the expiry of your subclass 600 Visitor visa.
Bridging visa might never activate
The Department may grant your 482 visa application while your subclass 600 visa is still in effect. This means the bridging visa granted to you in association with your subclass 482 visa application will be extinguished and never come into effect.
Bridging visa not automatically granted
Don’t stress. Be vigilant with your follow-up as to why it could be that your application might not have been a valid one.
Consider making a separate application for a bridging visa if your recent assistance visa application was valid but has not yet yielded a bridging visa grant – this usually wakes up case officers!
Practice tip!
Stay onshore (inside Australia) if your bridging visa is not yet in effect.
Exiting Australia will usually extinguish this visa and you may well find yourself stuck offshore. This can be tricky and I would recommend you get some advice about any planned exit from Australia.
Your experience?
Please share your comments with me.
I’d love to know more about your experience with applying for this visa subclass!
Hi Nilesh! Thanks a lot about your article.
Our scenario is the worst one I think. At the moment my farther is on Bridging visa E, we were staying on this visa longer than 1 year waiting for ATT and we had a hearing and lost it. Now we have to depart Australia in 35 days!
The question is the following: how can i find out what kind of problems dad can face when we apply for new 600 or 870 visa? I am Australian citizen and the only child. To make things more complicated , my dad is disabled moving in wheelchair as he had a stoke in the past and we are from Russia as well 😓he is very scared to go back 😪 i was thinking to send him to Bali for half a year ( thats is the max visa I can do) and apply for new 600 visa meantime. BUT OUR IMMIGRATION AGENT NEVER ADVISED US THAT WE MIGHT BE HAVING PROBLEMS DUE TO STAYING ON BRIDGING VISA E.
Thanks
Kate
Thank you for your patience.
Yes. You have a number of problems:
1. Exiting on a bvE – A 3-year ban applies in certain circumstances only Android if it does apply there is scope for seeking waiver of the ban. You’ll need to get some specific advice about this. It’s possible but not easy.
2. The current medical condition of your father is relevant in relation to any new visa application that is made, in so far as meeting the health criteria.
3. Have you investigated other permanent options such as a parent visa.
4. Note that there are two streams for the sublease 600.
You can book in here: https://myvisa.com.au/10-minute-chat
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer
MyVisa.com.au/about
Hello Nilesh,
Firstly, Thanks a ton for giving us your valuable time and information. There are hardly any from this profession who takes that extra step to help people. Highly appreciate your efforts.
I had applied for my BVB on 16th of April , Intended date of travel being 10th of May which is tomorrow. No response from the department yet, not even requesting any documents. I contacted them multiple times all they have got to tell is “waiting is the only option.”
Please advice what can be done.
Thanks
Hi Sushmita
Thank you for your kind words.
The first thing I would like to say is that you must definitely not exit unless your Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) is granted.
I would send another email to the email address noted in your previous grant letter. I would try this email in relation to Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) is bvb@homeaffairs.gov.au
Also consider making a complaint using this website which I appreciate is not easy given the options they give you in the limited categories.
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/complaints-compliments-and-suggestions
If all else fails then I would advise you call your travel agent and reschedule your flight and accept that the Department is not perfect. Sorry!
Unlike substantive Visa’s immigration really gives us no idea in terms of processing times for Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020)applications. Arrrgh!!
I am of course assuming that you are currently the holder of a Bridging Visa “A” Class (.Subclass 010).
Do check whether or not you hold a substantive Visa still. If there is some significant time period left in respect of any substantive Visa (such as a subclass 485 Visa ) then you might risk travelling, making sure you re-enter before the expiration of that substantive Visa.
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
Hi Nilesh,
I’ve just graduated from my post-grad study and currently awaiting for my 485 Visa being granted. I am currently under BVA but I need to get a BVB as soon as possible because of important family issue in about one month. Do I need to provide my flight tickets detail while submitting the application form for BVB? I am just worrying what if I can’t get BVB on time and my flight ticket would go to waste. Is there a possibility that application for BVB would get rejected? Shall I wait for the confirmation of BVB then only I buy the flight tickets?
Hi Jacky
You’ll need to contact the travel agent who will provide you with an itinerary without necessarily paying in full for the tickets. The second option is to purchase tickets which are able to be changed without significant additional cost in case the Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) is not granted in time.
In my experience it is very rare that the application for any produce Visa be is rejected particularly if it is for less than a period of 12 weeks. More recently have seen Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) granted for a period of 12 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
Hello, I have a question in regards to BVB and BVA.
My question is I am holding 489 visa at the moment and will expire on 8th of June 2022, I have applied for BVB as I have BVA granted but not active yet, I have received the grant for BVB but not active as well until 8 June.
My question is if I traveled before 8 of June, is still BVB and BVA can getting active while I am offshore.
Thank you
Menna
This is a great question. There are a number of rules which you need to consider in these circumstances. I explain these in my book so keep an eye out for that. I hope to have to have it published in the coming months.
Firstly in relation to application X which you have made you have been granted a Bridging Visa “A” Class (Subclass 010) . That bridging Visa was superseded by the grant of your Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) .
Your Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) is active but will not come into effect as the Visa you hold until midnight on the last day of your substantive Visa subclass 489.
So it simply depends on whether you are travelling and returning before the expiry of your subclass 489 Visa.
If yes then you will simply be exiting and returning on your 489.
If no then you will be returning on your Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) .
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
Hi, I hold a 3 year multi entry 600 visitor visa that expires 23 Jan 2023. Each stay has a max length of 3 months. I last entered Australia 22 March 2022. I’m currently onshore.
I have recently applied for. A 804 and have just been informed that I have been granted a Bridging visa A.
What confuses me is that it says the bridging visa is not in effect until my visitier visa expires. Question: does my visitor visa expire 90 days from my last entry or does it expire in 2023? Ie when will the bridging visa come into effect and do I need to do anything?
Dear X
Your current Visa allows you to stay for a period of 90 days after which time your lawful period of stay will end. Your Visa does not expire until 2023. However you should note that only 90 days of stay is permitted after every entry into Australia.
If you do nothing, the bridging Visa that you have been granted will come into affect on midnight of the 90th day. You can then stay until such time as your substantive Visa application is decided.
The confusing thing is that if you exit on a Bridging Visa “A” Class (Subclass 010) then the Bridging Visa “A” Class (Subclass 010) Will extinguish unless you have made a priority application and have been granted a Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) prior to exiting.
Another complication is that if you exit without any Bridging Visa “B” Class (Subclass 020) and you were to later enter into Australia before 2023 then you’ll need to apply for the Bridging Visa “A” Class (Subclass 010) in association with your subclass 804 Visa to be re-instated.
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hi Nilesh,
Thank you for such helpful information on your page. I had one question and hoping you could help me out. I am currently on my BVB and outside Australia. I have already applied for my 485 visa. It looks like I will not be able to return back to Australia within the time frame of my BVB because of some important family commitments. I just want to know what are my options here? I have looked into it and found that I might have to apply for visitor visa and enter Australia and then apply for my BVA again. If this is the only option, what are risks here? and is this a common course of action that people take who are in the same situation as me? I would also like to know if there are any other options. I really appreciate your time and Thank you for your help and guidance.
Hi Saket
1. Return now anyway and get a fresh BVB to exit second time or wait in Oz until the 485 is granted.
2. Stay in India and apply for a visitor Visa to re-enter and when back in Oz, seek to have your Bridging Visa “A” Class (Subclass 010) originally granted an association with the reinstated.
Don’t get confused with concessions which are available to actual holders of Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa who are stuck offshore. You are not in this circumstance as you are yet to have any 485 granted in the first instance.
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
Hi Nilesh,
After applying for 887 VISA I didn’t receive bridging VISA-A (Which all the other applicants received automatically as soon as the 887 application was lodged).
In the Immi account, it says bridging VISAs are granted for all the applicants. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive an e-mail notification or cannot access the bridging VISAs from the immi account.
Called to immi support No. & they’ve no clue what has happened. They recommend me to apply for a bridging VISA-A later this year if I didn’t receive it as my current 489 VISA expires on January 2023.
I sent an e-mail inquiry also, still waiting for a response.
What you recommend me to do to get this bridging VISA-A.
Thank you.
Sanjaya.
Hi Sanjaya
Firstly you must be absolutely sure that you have made a valid application for your Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa. You will need to scrutinise the application and the response you received from the department at the time of application to determine whether you have met valid application requirements for the Subclass 887 Skilled Regional Visa.
I would contact the Department after a reasonable period has expired. You could also make a formal application for a bridging A and they will either contact you at that time asking you to withdraw the application or they will refuse it and give some reasons which may also give you clues in relation to what happened in these very weird circumstances.
*In the interest of speed, my communications are transcribed and transmitted using voice-to-text software – please ignore any unintended typographical or interpretation errors. Please also see the standard Notes and Disclosures which apply to my communications. These are located at the footer of my work emails.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) MBA(IntBus)
Immigration Lawyer | Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
Hope this helps. Please help me answer more questions like these by leaving an honest review here: https://g.page/r/CfBw8UcKreaaEAg/review
Hi Nilesh,
Thank you very much for your reply.
Kind regards,
Sanjaya.