If you’re applying for a new visa or waiting on a decision from the Department of Home Affairs, you may be granted something called a Bridging Visa – but what exactly does it mean, and how does it affect your right to stay, work or travel in Australia?
Let’s break it down.
What is a Bridging Visa?
A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while your immigration status is being resolved. Think of it as the legal “bridge” between your expired or expiring visa and the outcome of your new visa application, an appeal or a ministerial intervention.
For example: If your Student Visa is about to expire and you apply for a Graduate Visa in time, you’ll likely be granted a Bridging Visa A to stay in Australia while waiting for a decision.
Who Might Need a Bridging Visa?
You may need or be eligible for a bridging visa if you:
- Have applied for another substantive visa and are waiting for a decision;
- Are appealing a visa refusal or cancellation at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART);
- Are undergoing a judicial review of your visa decision;
- Have submitted a Ministerial Intervention request;
- Are an unlawful non-citizen and making arrangements to leave Australia.
How Long Does a Bridging Visa Last?
The duration of a bridging visa depends on the type of visa granted and your individual immigration circumstances. In most cases, it remains in effect until a decision is made. However, it may cease once you depart Australia, so understanding the travel conditions is crucial.
Types of Bridging Visas (and Which One You Might Need)
Australia offers five main types of bridging visas – here’s what each one means:
- The most common type.
- Granted when you apply for a new visa while holding a valid visa.
- Lets you stay in Australia but does not allow you to travel overseas.
- May allow you to work, depending on conditions.
- Like a BVA, but with travel rights.
- If you need to temporarily leave Australia while your application is processing, you’ll need a BVB.
- Must be applied for separately and prior to departure from Australia – don’t travel without one.
- For people who apply for a visa while not holding a valid substantive visa.
- Allows you to stay lawfully in Australia during processing.
- Generally no travel rights and may come with work restrictions.
- For those who are unlawful or about to become unlawful and need a few days to lodge a valid visa application.
- Usually valid for up to five working days.
- No work or travel rights.
- Considered a short-term solution to avoid becoming unlawful.
- For individuals who have overstayed or are otherwise unlawful, but are now seeking to:
o Depart Australia,
o Lodge another visa application,
o Request a review or intervention. - May include reporting conditions or restrictions on work and travel.
Bridging Visa Types Comparison
| Visa Type | When to Apply | Rights | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BVA | Awaiting new visa decision | Usually no travel rights, can apply for work rights | Ceases if you leave Australia |
| BVB | Need to travel while waiting for a decision | Allows legal travel & re-entry, can apply for work rights | Limited travel period granted |
| BVC | Applied after overstaying | No work rights unless granted | Ceases if you leave, affects records |
| BVD | Visa expired, cannot apply immediately | Very short lawful stay (max 5 days) | For urgent bridging only |
| BVE | Unlawful stay, seeking to regularise or depart | No work rights, no travel | May negatively impact future visa applications |
Which Bridging Visa is Right for You?
That depends on:
- Your current visa status
- The visa you’ve applied for (or plan to apply for)
- Whether you are lawful or unlawful
- Whether you need to travel, work or remain in Australia temporarily
Each visa comes with different entitlements, conditions and risks. Selecting the wrong visa – or breaching its terms – can have serious consequences, including detention or removal from Australia.
Need Help Navigating the System?
Bridging visas are not one-size-fits-all and the stakes are high. Whether you’re transitioning from a student visa, facing a cancellation, or need to regularise your status, getting it wrong can cost you your future in Australia.
At Brightstone Migration, our experienced migration lawyers can:
- Help you understand which bridging visa you may qualify for
- Explain your rights and obligations under your current immigration status
- Assist in navigating complex applications or appeals
Please feel free to contact us today for professional advice and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to stay legally in Australia while awaiting a new visa, appeal, or immigration decision.
Applicants waiting for a visa decision, appealing a refusal, or those whose visa has expired but need to stay in Australia.
Some Bridging Visas allow work or travel (e.g., BVB for travel), others may not. It depends on your visa type and circumstances.
Generally valid until a visa decision is made or your status is resolved. It may cease if you leave Australia.
Properly holding a Bridging Visa won’t affect future applications, but breaching visa conditions might.
