Bridging Visa Australia
Bridging Visa Application
Bridging visas are temporary visas that allow you to remain lawfully in Australia while a substantive visa is being processed, your immigration status is being resolved, or you are making arrangements to depart Australia.
Types of Bridging Visas in Australia
Bridging visas carry different work rights depending on the class granted and your individual circumstances.
Bridging Visa A
A temporary visa for people who need to maintain lawful status while a substantive visa application is being processed onshore.
Bridging Visa B
A temporary visa that allows you to travel outside Australia and return while your substantive visa application is still being decided.
Bridging Visa C
A temporary visa for people who were unlawful at the time of lodging a substantive visa application.
Bridging Visa E
A temporary visa for urgent cases where immediate action is needed to resolve a person's immigration status in Australia.
Benefits of using an Amity Lawyer for your bridging visa
Our immigration lawyers apply their knowledge of migration law and relevant case law to your bridging visa application. We provide advice specific to your circumstances, prepare and manage your application through to grant, and address any additional requirements raised by the Department of Home Affairs along the way. If your application faces challenges, we can represent you in legal proceedings or appeals.
General Requirements
- Be in Australia at the time of application
- Have applied for a substantive visa while it is being processed, or immediately after a visa expires
- Have complied with the conditions of your previous visa
- Demonstrate financial hardship if applying for work rights on certain bridging visa classes
- Have a satisfactory character record
What Is a Bridging Visa?
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while a substantive visa application is being processed, reviewed or appealed. Each class carries different conditions and entitlements.
Visa | When It Applies | Work Rights | Travel |
Bridging Visa A (BVA) | While a substantive visa application is being processed | Depends on the substantive application | Cannot depart without first obtaining a BVB |
Bridging Visa B (BVB) | Allows travel while holding a BVA | Same as BVA | Yes — for a specified period |
Bridging Visa C (BVC) | Unlawful applicants lodging a substantive visa | Generally none — can apply separately | No |
Bridging Visa E (BVE) | Urgent cases to temporarily resolve status | Restricted | No |
Bridging visa costs involved
Bridging Visa A: There are no government fees associated with filing an application for BVA.
Bridging Visa B: This visa presently costs $190 AUD. Please note that this figure excludes any charges or professional fees for an immigration lawyer.
Bridging Visa C: There are no government fees associated with filing an application for BVC.
Bridging Visa E: There are no government fees associated with filing an application for BVE.
Processing Times
Bridging Visa A (BVA) Granted automatically when a valid onshore substantive visa application is lodged while the applicant holds a valid substantive visa.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) The Department of Home Affairs does not publish defined processing times for this visa.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) No defined processing times are published. A BVC may be granted automatically or following a separate application depending on your circumstances.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) The Department of Home Affairs does not publish defined processing times for this visa.