If you are in Australia and your visa is expiring, pending, or under review, a bridging visa may be essential to maintain your lawful status. Bridging visas allow you to remain lawful while your substantive visa application is processed, an appeal is underway, or other immigration matters are being resolved.
This guide explains the different types of bridging visas in Australia 2025, their eligibility, work and travel rights, and how to stay compliant with Australian immigration law.
What Is a Bridging Visa?
A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay lawful in Australia while your immigration matter is addressed. It provides a legal way to remain in the country between visas and prevents you from becoming unlawful. Bridging visas are available only to people already in Australia and do not grant entry if you are outside the country. Conditions vary depending on the subclass, including work rights, travel rights, and reporting obligations.
Why a Bridging Visa May Be Important
Holding a bridging visa ensures you stay lawful in Australia and protects your eligibility for future visa applications. Depending on the visa subclass, it may allow you to work or study and provides time to plan travel or make departure arrangements if needed. Without a bridging visa, you risk becoming unlawful, which can have serious consequences for future immigration applications.
Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
There are several bridging visa subclasses, each suited to different circumstances:
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Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010: For applicants who lodge a new visa application while holding a valid visa. It maintains lawful status during processing but does not allow travel outside Australia. Work rights may depend on the previous visa or financial hardship.
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Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020: Allows temporary travel outside Australia while waiting for a visa decision, usually up to three months. Travel must be approved before leaving.
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Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030: Designed for applications lodged after a previous visa has expired. It keeps you lawful despite being previously unlawful but generally does not allow travel, and work rights may be limited.
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Bridging Visa D (BVD) – Subclass 040 and 041: Short-term visa for people whose visa is about to expire or has already expired, providing a brief period to lodge a new application or arrange departure. Work rights are not granted.
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Bridging Visa E (BVE) – Subclass 050 and 051: For individuals who are unlawful but taking steps to resolve immigration matters. Reporting obligations apply, and work rights may be restricted. This visa is often used while awaiting protection outcomes, reviews, or departure.
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Bridging Visa F (BVF) – Subclass 060: Granted to people assisting with investigations into serious crimes, with limited duration and strict conditions.
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Bridging Visa R (BVR) – Subclass 070: For individuals in immigration detention who cannot be removed immediately. It is granted only in exceptional circumstances and comes with strict residence and reporting requirements.
Work and Travel Rights
Work and travel rights vary depending on the bridging visa subclass. Some visas automatically allow work, while others require proof of financial hardship. Travel outside Australia is generally not permitted, except on Bridging Visa B (BVB), which allows temporary travel. Always check your visa conditions to understand your entitlements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridging Visas
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Can I work while on a bridging visa?
Work rights depend on the visa subclass. Some bridging visas automatically allow you to work, while others require proof of financial hardship or special permission. Always check your visa conditions before starting any employment. -
Am I allowed to study on a bridging visa?
Many bridging visas permit study in Australia, but conditions vary. Some visas, like Bridging Visa E (BVE), may restrict study. Confirm your visa subclass conditions before enrolling in a course. -
Can I travel outside Australia while on a bridging visa?
Only certain bridging visas, such as Bridging Visa B (BVB), allow temporary travel outside Australia. Other bridging visas do not permit leaving the country and returning. -
Can I hold more than one bridging visa at the same time?
No. You can only hold one bridging visa at a time. If you apply for a new visa while holding a bridging visa, your current visa is usually replaced with the new one. -
What happens if my substantive visa application is refused?
If your main visa is refused, your bridging visa may continue to be valid while you seek a review, such as through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Failure to act within the required timeframe could result in your bridging visa expiring and your stay becoming unlawful. -
Can I apply for a different visa while on a bridging visa?
Yes. Holding a bridging visa does not prevent you from lodging a new visa application. However, some bridging visas, such as BVC and BVE, may limit the types of visas you are eligible to apply for. -
Can my bridging visa be cancelled?
A bridging visa can be cancelled if you breach its conditions, such as working without permission, failing to report as required, or providing false information. Cancellation may result in detention or being unlawful in Australia. -
How long does it take to get a bridging visa?
Processing times vary depending on the subclass. Bridging Visa A (BVA) is often granted automatically when lodging a substantive visa application. Bridging Visa B (BVB), which allows travel, may take several days to a few weeks. -
What should I do if I am already unlawful and need a bridging visa?
If your visa has expired or you are otherwise unlawful, you may be eligible for Bridging Visa E (BVE) to resolve your status. Acting promptly is crucial, as being unlawful can impact future visa applications and limit your options.
Choosing the Right Bridging Visa
Selecting the correct bridging visa depends on several factors, including whether your current visa is valid or expired, the type of visa you are applying for, whether you need to travel outside Australia, and whether you are appealing a refusal or seeking a review. For most applicants, Bridging Visa A, B, or C are the most commonly issued.
Stay Lawful in Australia
If you think you may need a bridging visa to remain lawful while waiting for a visa decision, appealing a refusal, or for any other immigration matter, professional guidance can make a significant difference. Experienced migration lawyers can assess your situation, recommend the appropriate bridging visa, and ensure you remain compliant with Australian immigration law.
Contact us today to book a consultation and secure your lawful stay in Australia.