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Bridging Visa
A bridging visa in Australia is a temporary visa that allows you to stay lawfully in the country while your immigration matter is being processed. It does not provide permanent residence but is essential for maintaining lawful status between visas.
Many applicants ask:
“What is a bridging visa in Australia?”
“Do I need a bridging visa while I wait?”
There are several types of Australian bridging visas (BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD, BVE), and each one serves a different purpose.
You may need a bridging visa for Australia if:
A bridging visa bridges the gap between two substantive visas or between visa expiry and departure.
This visa is typically granted automatically when a person applies for a new visa while still holding a substantive visa. It allows the applicant to remain lawfully in Australia while the new visa is being processed. However, it does not allow travel outside Australia unless special permission is granted.
This visa allows individuals to travel overseas and return to Australia while holding a Bridging Visa A and waiting for a decision on another visa application. It must be applied for separately and approved before the applicant departs Australia. It includes limited travel rights for a specified period.
This visa is available to individuals who lodge a new visa application while not holding a substantive visa, but before becoming unlawful. It does not provide travel rights, and in many cases, it restricts the ability to apply for certain other visas while holding the BVC.
This is a short-term visa granted to individuals who are trying to resolve their immigration status. It may apply when someone needs a short window to lodge a new visa application or make arrangements to depart Australia. It is generally valid for up to five days and offers very limited rights.
This visa is for individuals who are unlawful non-citizens and need to either regularise their immigration status or prepare to depart Australia. It carries strict conditions and may limit work rights unless permission is granted.
Read more about BVE and unlawful stay
It provides temporary lawful status in Australia while the person is being assessed or assisting authorities in an investigation. The BVF is granted under exceptional circumstances and usually involves referral by the Australian Federal Police or a support agency.
Bridging visas often come with specific conditions, including:
You must check your visa grant notice for conditions — breaching them can lead to cancellation.
A substantive visa is any visa other than a bridging, enforcement, or criminal justice visa. If you don’t hold a substantive visa, you may face issues like:
At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we assist clients with:
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Find answers to common questions about our Bridging Visa services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.
It’s a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia while your immigration matter is processed.
Sometimes. A BVA is usually granted automatically when you apply for another visa. Others (like BVB) must be applied for.
It depends on your visa type and whether work rights have been granted.
Only on a Bridging Visa B (BVB). All other bridging visas do not allow travel.
You become unlawful, which can affect future visa options. Seek legal advice immediately.