Bridging Visa Australia: Types, Validity, Definition & More

A Bridging visa Australia is a very unique visa that one can avail while waiting for their visa application. This visa can help an individual stay in Australia while the substantive visa application is being processed. While immigrating to Australia is a goal for many people, there are some individuals using this Bridging Visa Australia for a variety of reasons. In this blog, we have covered all the information regarding the Bridge visa, including what is Bridging visa in Australia, bridge visa b Australia, bridging c visa Australia, partner Bridging visa Australia, bridging visa australia validity, can you work in Australia on a bridging visa & more

Latest Facts and News

• As of February 2025, the Australian government has streamlined the Bridging Visa application process, reducing processing times by 30%.

• Recent changes allow certain Bridging Visa holders to apply for work rights online through their ImmiAccount.

• The Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new Bridging Visa subclass for individuals affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions.

• Statistics show a 15% increase in Bridging Visa grants in the past year due to visa processing backlogs.

• New legislation passed in January 2025 extends the validity period of some Bridging Visas to better accommodate applicants during visa transitions.

What is Bridging Visa in Australia?

If you are here to find out what is Bridging visa in Australia is, then here it is. A Bridging Visa in Australia serves as a temporary legal status for individuals awaiting the outcome of their substantive visa application. Bridging visas work as essential migration vehicles. They enable overseas residents to stay lawfully while their prolonged visa applications are being processed. The Australian Department issues different types of Bridging Visas. There are A, B, C and E classifications to serve unique visa applicant requirements. The duration of these visas spans from the date of the current visa expiration until the point following the determination of their new application.

Also Read: Working Visa Australia Awaits - Unlock Your Future

Types of Bridging Visa Australia

Below is the comprehensive list of different types of bridging visas for Australia:

Here are the types of Bridging visa Australia in detail:

1. Bridge Visa A Australia (BVA) - Subclass 010

This visa is typically granted automatically when you apply for a new substantive visa. This is granted while in Australia on a valid visa.

 Key features include:

• Allows you to stay legally in Australia while your new visa application is processed

• Does not permit international travel

• Work rights depend on your previous visa conditions

• Can apply for work rights if facing financial hardship

2. Bridge Visa B Australia (BVB) - Subclass 020

Designed for those who need to travel overseas while their substantive visa application is being processed. 

Important points:

• Allows international travel and re-entry to Australia

• Usually valid for three months

• Must apply 2-3 weeks before intended travel

• Work rights based on a previous visa or new application

3. Bridging Visa C Australia (BVC) - Subclass 030

Granted to those who apply for a new visa after their previous visa has expired. 

Notable aspects:

• Provides lawful status while waiting for visa decision

• No international travel is allowed

• Work rights may be restricted

4. Bridge Visa D (BVD) - Subclass 040 and 041

A short-term visa for those needing to make arrangements after visa expiry. 

Key features:

• Valid for five working days

• No work rights

• No re-entry if leaving Australia

5. Bridge Visa E (BVE) - Subclass 050 and 051

Typically granted to those who need to make arrangements to leave Australia or are waiting for a ministerial intervention. Subclass 051 is specifically for those applying for a protection visa. Characteristics include:

• May have strict conditions, including reporting requirements

• Usually, there are no work or study rights, but you can apply for these in some cases

• No international travel is allowed

Bridging Visa Australia Eligibility in 2025

Eligibility for a Bridging Visa in Australia varies depending on the specific type of Bridging Visa. However, there are some general eligibility criteria that apply to most Bridging Visas:

General Eligibility Requirements: 

Here are the general eligibility requirements of Bridging Visa Australia:

1. Current or Previous Visa Status: You must hold or have held a substantive visa in Australia.

2. Location: You must be in Australia at the time of application and grant for most Bridging Visas.

3. Pending Application: You should have a substantive visa application that has not been finally determined. Applicants should have applied for a judicial review of a decision relating to their substantive visa application within the prescribed frame.

4. Character Requirements: You must meet all character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Specific Eligibility for Common Bridging Visa Types in Australia

Below is a comprehensive table for eligibility requirements:

Bridging Visa Australia Validity

The Bridging Visa Australia validity varies depending on the specific type and individual circumstances. Here's an overview of the validity periods for different Bridging Visa types:

1. Bridging Visa A (BVA) - Subclass 010

The validity of the BVA continues until authorities decide on the substance of the visa application. A BVA ends after 35 days, starting from when the decision about the visa application is received. This specific visa begins after the expiration of an active substantive visa.

2. Bridging Visa B (BVB) - Subclass 020

Onshore Visa Grant Letters provide information about the exact validity period of three months. This duration becomes specified on the document. The length of BVB permission spans between three to 12 months based on travel reasons.

3. Bridging Visa C (BVC) - Subclass 030

A Bridging Visa C (BVC) Under Subclass 030 Exists as a Migration Program.

This visa remains valid until the authorities complete their substantive visa application review.

4. Bridging Visa D (BVD) - Subclass 040/041

A holder of this visa type has five working days to use the visa starting from its issuance date. The small-duration visa enables people to organise their new Australian visa application and departure plans from the country.

5. Bridging Visa E (BVE) - Subclass 050/051

The assessing case officer determines how long the validity period of the BVE will be under specific individual conditions. This visa ends according to its specific expiration date or duration or certain circumstances.

Also Read: Australia Work Permit from India: Latest Guide

Can You Work in Australia on a Bridging Visa?

The ability to work in Australia on a Bridging Visa depends on the specific type of Bridging Visa and individual circumstances. Here's an overview of work rights for different Bridging Visa types:

1. Bridge Visa A Australia (BVA)

Your BVA grants you complete work authorisation regardless of having held a Working Holiday visa.

• Students who received their visas through Student status could work no more than 40 hours each fortnight when classes were active.

• People who entered the country on a Visitor visa do not have permission to work in Australia.

People who apply for either a permanent or provisional visa, such as a partner or skilled visa, maintain unrestricted work rights during their application process.

2. Bridge Visa B Australia (BVB)

BVB visa holders enjoy exactly the same work entitlements as those with their BVA visas.

3. Bridge Visa C Australia (BVC)

A recipient of BVC initially obtains the entitlement without permission to work. Working permission applications with supporting evidence about financial difficulties are open to BVC holders.

4. Bridge Visa E Australia (BVE)

The Australian authority usually provides BVE visas without granting work permission. Applicants under financial hardship can attempt work rights approval by showing evidence of their need, but the approval process remains uncertain.

Applying for Work Rights

If your Bridging Visa doesn't include work rights, you can apply for them online through your ImmiAccount or by submitting Form 1005. You'll need to demonstrate:

• Financial hardship

• Sponsorship or nomination for employment in an 'approved appointment' (for employer-sponsored visas)

Bridge Visa B Australia: Travel Considerations in 2025

The Bridge Visa B Australia enables temporary entry and departure of people who need to travel overseas while their visa applications undergo review. The BVB stands apart because its holders can travel internationally during their designated time period, which benefits individuals who need global necessities or urgent cases.

Purpose and Travel Allowances

Bridging Visa B provides these essential functions to its holders.

1. Continue holding your Australian legal status until you receive an answer from immigration authorities about your visa application.

2. Travel permission overseas plus return to Australia with set time limits

3. People must be able to enter Australia after their trip to maintain their current visa application.

BVB visa holder travel rules include two major points:

• You can enter and exit Australia according to the agreed travel period in the visa.

• People with Bridging Visa B may travel within the specified period ranging from three months to one year, depending on their travel-specific requirements.

Comparison: Bridging Visa A vs. Bridging Visa B Travel Rights

Below is the comparison table:

Applying for Bridging Visa B

Applying for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) in Australia involves several key steps:

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

2. Navigate to the 'My Applications' summary page.

3. Locate the reference number of your substantive visa application.

4. Click on 'Update us' and select 'Application for Bridging visa'.

5. Choose 'To seek permission to travel outside Australia'.

6. Complete the application form, providing personal details, visa history, and travel information.

7. Attach the required documents, including:

   • Passport copy
   • Evidence of substantive visa application
   • Proof of travel necessity (e.g., medical reports, business correspondence)

8. Pay the application fee of AUD 165

Bridging C Visa Australia: When and How to Apply?

Bridging Visa C (BVC) Subclass 030 lets authorised persons stay legally in Australia when their visa request is under evaluation. The visa exists to support people without valid substantive visas, also known as unlawful non-citizens. The BVC lets you stay in Australia properly while waiting for visa decision updates after your existing visa runs out.

Circumstances for Applying for Bridging Visa C

When your substantive visa expires, you can submit an application if you have requested a fresh substantive visa.

• People who submit a valid judicial review request for visa denials within the prescribed period can receive BVC support.

• You need to demonstrate you have never possessed or had a Bridging Visa E (BVE) since your last valid visa.

• You must live in Australia both during your visa application phase and as you receive your visa.

Application Process for BVC

Here is the application process for BVC:

1. Make sure you qualify to apply by living in Australia and not having either a substantive or Bridge Visa E.

2. Submit Application:

• Use ImmiAccount to submit your application if your previous visa was applied through the online system.

• Include your documents showing your personal ID, details on your financial hardship (if needed), and written proof of good conduct.

3. Your application moves through processing very fast, usually in three days or less.

Partner Bridging Visa Australia: Staying with Your Spouse

The Australian government awards Partner Bridging Visas to people who need one to wait for their visa application through the 820/801 subclass while living in Australia. People holding this visa can stay legally within Australia until their partner visa application gets processed. It gives visa applicants full access to work permits and Medicare benefits, which makes their lives stable during this waiting period since partner visas take a long time to process.

Typical Process Timeline for Partner Visa and Bridging Visa Grant

Here is the timeline for Partner Bridging visa Australia:

1. Lodgement of Partner Visa Application: Once you apply for a Subclass 820/801 partner visa onshore, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) is automatically granted.

2. Expiry of Current Substantive Visa: The BVA becomes active when your current substantive visa expires.

3. Processing Period: The partner visa application can take 12–26 months to process, during which the BVA ensures lawful residence in Australia.

4. Decision on Partner Visa: Once the partner visa is granted, the BVA ceases.

Key Features of Partner Bridging Visas

• Work Rights: BVA holders associated with partner visas have unrestricted work rights.

• Medicare Access: Applicants can enrol in Medicare once their partner visa application is lodged.

• Study Rights: Studying in Australia is permitted, but students are not allowed to access government fee assistance programs like HECS.

• Travel Restrictions: BVA holders cannot travel outside Australia unless they apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).

Rights and Obligations on a Partner Bridging Visa

Below is a list of rights and obligations on a partner bridging visa:

Common Challenges and Solutions for Bridging Visa Holders

Bridging Visa holders in Australia often face unique challenges while awaiting decisions on their substantive visa applications. These challenges can impact their employment, housing, travel, and overall stability. Below, we address the most common issues faced by Bridging Visa holders and provide practical solutions to help navigate these situations effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Bridging visa Australia is a special kind of visa meant to help people to stay in Australia while their substantive visa is being processed. There are five types of visas, each with its own individual perks that the applicants can avail. This blog contains all the information about Bridging visa Australia, including what is Bridging visa in Australia, bridging visa b Australia, bridging c visa Australia, partner Bridging visa Australia, bridging visa australia validity, can you work in Australia on a bridging visa & more.

To learn more about ways to immigrate to Australia, you must contact TerraTern. Being an expert in immigration consultancy, TerraTern will help you realise your Australian dreams!