What Are Bridging Visas?

Bridging visas are a set of subclasses that are granted to allow you to stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for the outcome of the permanent or temporary visa application that you have lodged. Bridging does not cancel your existing visa as it will only be active after your current visa has expired.

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

This visa is a visa granted so that you can stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for your visa application to be processed. This visa will mimic the visa conditions of the lodged visa, meaning that you are allowed to study or work if the visa that you lodged allows it, if you are not allowed to work, you can claim financial hardship so that the department of home affairs can look into your case and let you work if required. This visa will be active once your current visa is expired. This visa does not allow you to travel, you will lose this visa once you are overseas.

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

Note: COVID-19 has reduced the chance of getting this visa due to the travel restrictions and holder of this visa will not be able to enter Australia as the border is not currently open.
This visa must be requested when you are holding a valid bridging visa A even when the visa is not active yet, the visa conditions will mimic the same conditions as the bridging visa A except that this visa allows the holder to travel within a specific period of time. The purpose of this visa is the same as bridging visa A but this visa allows the holder to travel. You can also claim financial hardship just like bridging visa A. You will need a good reason for your travel, you can re-apply for the travel aspect if you need to travel again in the future.

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

This visa will be granted after the applicant lodges a visa application in Australia while not holding any valid visa OR lodges another visa while holding an active bridging visa A. Bridging visa C allows you to work ONLY if you are applying for subclass 132, 188, 888, 186, 187, 189, 190, and 489 otherwise, you will need to demonstrate financial hardship as a No work condition is automatically applied.

Bridging Visa E (BVE)

This visa allows you to stay in Australia to prepare you to leave the country. You can get this visa if you overstay for the duration of your valid visa. The visa grant letter will tell you if you are allowed to work, you can claim financial hardship so that you are allowed to work while holding this visa.