When you apply for a new visa while in Australia and your current visa expires before a decision is made, a bridging visa keeps you lawful. Bridging visas are some of the most misunderstood visas in the Australian system — and getting them wrong can have serious consequences.
Types of bridging visas
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
The most common bridging visa. Automatically granted when you lodge a valid visa application while holding a substantive visa in Australia. Key features:
- Only activates when your current substantive visa expires
- Work rights depend on your circumstances — usually granted if you had work rights on your previous visa
- No travel rights — if you leave Australia on a BVA, it ceases and you cannot return
- Remains in effect until your visa application is decided
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
A travel-enabled bridging visa. You must apply for a BVB before leaving Australia if you want to return while your application is pending. Key features:
- Allows you to travel and return to Australia
- Must be applied for while you hold a BVA
- Has a specified travel period (usually 3 months) — you must return before it expires
- Costs $165
Critical warning: If you leave Australia on a BVA without obtaining a BVB first, your bridging visa ceases. You will be unable to return to Australia and your pending visa application may be affected.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
Granted when you apply for a visa while already on a bridging visa or while unlawful. BVCs generally do not have work rights and do not allow travel. They're more restrictive than BVAs.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
For people who are unlawful (no current visa) and are making arrangements to leave Australia or have lodged a protection visa application. This is essentially a last-resort bridging visa to prevent detention while departure is being arranged.
Work rights on bridging visas
Work rights on bridging visas are not automatic. They depend on:
- Whether you held work rights on your last substantive visa
- The type of visa you've applied for
- Whether you've applied for work rights specifically
If you're granted a BVA without work rights and need to work, you can apply for a work permission (condition 8101 removal). DHA considers your financial circumstances and the merits of your pending application.
Medicare on bridging visas
Bridging visa holders may be eligible for Medicare if they have applied for a permanent visa or if their home country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia. This varies by visa type and circumstances — check your specific eligibility with Medicare directly.
What happens when your bridging visa ends
Your bridging visa ends when:
- Your visa application is granted — you move onto your new visa
- Your visa application is refused — your bridging visa typically ends 35 days after the refusal (or 28 days if you have review rights and lodge a review)
- You leave Australia on a BVA (without a BVB) — it ceases immediately
- You withdraw your visa application — the bridging visa ends
If your visa application is refused and you want to challenge the decision at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), you'll generally be granted a new bridging visa while the review is pending.
Tips for bridging visa holders
- Never leave Australia on a BVA — always apply for a BVB first if you need to travel
- Keep your address updated with DHA — failure to update your address can mean you miss important correspondence
- Respond to DHA requests promptly — delays in responding can lead to refusal of your pending application
- Understand your visa conditions — check VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm your current conditions
Bridging visas are a critical part of the immigration process, and mistakes can have irreversible consequences. If you're unsure about your bridging visa status or conditions, consult a registered migration agent.