If you’re navigating the Australian immigration process, you’ve probably come across the term Bridging Visa. But what exactly is it, and why might you need one? 

A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to legally stay in Australia while your new visa application is being processed, or in some cases, while you make arrangements to depart the country. Think of it as a “visa gap filler”—ensuring you maintain lawful status during transitions between visas. 

While Bridging Visas can provide important protections, they are not the same as a permanent visa and often come with specific conditions and limitations. Understanding your rights and responsibilities while holding a Bridging Visa is essential to maintaining your immigration status.

Types of Bridging Visas 

There are several types of Bridging Visas, but here are the most common: 

Bridging Visa A (BVA): Uusually granted automatically to individuals who apply for a new visa while they are in Australia and still hold a valid visa.

It allows you to remain in the country legally while awaiting a decision. 

A Bridging Visa A generally comes into effect when your current substantive visa expires. However, it does not allow you to leave and return to Australia. If you travel overseas while holding a BVA, it will usually cease and you may need another visa to return.

Bridging Visa B (BVB): Like a BVA, but with the added benefit of allowing you to travel overseas and return to Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed.

Requires a separate application.

A BVB is the only Bridging Visa that allows eligible holders to travel internationally and return to Australia while waiting for another visa decision. Applicants should ensure they have a valid BVB before leaving Australia.

Bridging Visa C (BVC): For applicants who apply for a visa while in Australia but do not hold a valid substantive visa at the time of application. A bridging visa is not deemed to be a ‘substantive’ visa.

Can take a little while to be granted, but is also usually automatic.

Bridging Visa E (BVE): Often granted to people who are in Australia unlawfully, allowing them to stay legally while they finalise immigration matters or make arrangements to leave.

Requires a separate application and may need the applicant to appear at a Immigration office in person.

What Can You Do on a Bridging Visa? 

Your rights on a Bridging Visa depend on the type of visa granted. Some Bridging Visas allow work and study rights, while others have restrictions. 

Some Bridging Visa holders may be eligible for access to Medicare depending on their visa type, application status, and country of citizenship. Others may need to maintain private health insurance while waiting for a visa decision.

It is important to check your individual visa conditions, as Bridging Visa holders may have restrictions around activities such as work, study, travel, and applying for further visas.

Common Bridging Visa conditions include:

8101 – No Work

8547 – Not work for one employer for more than 6 months

8501 – Maintain adequate health insurance

8607 – Must work only in nominated occupation

Can You Apply for Another Visa While on a Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa is a temporary solution and does not automatically provide a pathway to another visa. In some circumstances, you may be limited in the types of visas you can apply for while holding a Bridging Visa.

Bridging Visa holders in Australia who have had a visa refused are generally barred from applying for most visas while still onshore.

Changing Your Bridging Visa Conditions

If your circumstances change, you may be able to request changes to certain Bridging Visa conditions. This may include applying for:

  • Permission to work if your Bridging Visa does not currently allow work
  • A waiver of the six-month work limitation on Working Holiday visas in certain circumstances

Any request to change conditions must be supported by evidence and depends on your individual situation and visa type.

Why Bridging Visas Matter 

Bridging Visas are crucial for ensuring that you maintain lawful status while your visa application is pending. Becoming unlawful can lead to serious consequences, including detention or being barred from re-entering Australia. 

Staying informed about your visa conditions, keeping your details updated with the Department, and seeking advice if your circumstances change can help you avoid breaching your visa requirements.

Common Scenarios for Bridging Visas 

  • Applying for a new visa while already in Australia 
  • Waiting for a decision on a visa application
  • Wanting to travel overseas while awaiting a decision on a visa 
  • Making arrangements to leave the country voluntarily 

Need Help With Your Bridging Visa? 

At AVIE, we help clients understand their visa conditions and ensure they stay compliant every step of the way. Whether you’re waiting for your permanent visa, managing a refusal, or need to travel while a decision is pending—we’re here to guide you with clear advice and a tailored strategy. 

Want to know what type of Bridging Visa you might need? Get in touch with our team today for personalised advice.