Bridging Visas
Understanding which bridging visa you hold, what it lets you do, and how to travel or work without putting your application at risk.
Bridging visas are widely misunderstood, and misunderstanding them is one of the easiest ways to accidentally breach a condition. Whether you can work, study, travel or access Medicare depends entirely on which bridging visa you hold and what conditions were attached to it.
We explain exactly where you stand, and prepare the applications needed to travel overseas or to vary work rights where the criteria are met.
How we help with bridging visas
- Explain which bridging visa you hold and when it comes into effect
- Clarify your work, study and travel rights, condition by condition
- Prepare Bridging Visa B applications so you can travel and return
- Apply to vary work conditions where there is compelling need
- Advise on what happens to your bridging visa at each stage of a decision
- Help you avoid unlawful status and the consequences that follow it
Visas in this category
Expand any option below for who it suits and what it involves. These summaries are general. Your own eligibility depends on your circumstances.
Usually granted automatically when you apply for a substantive visa onshore while holding a valid visa.
Who it may suit
- Applicants who lodged a new visa application while holding a substantive visa
- People waiting for a decision on an onshore application
- Applicants awaiting the outcome of a merits review
Key points
- Comes into effect when your existing substantive visa expires
- Keeps you lawful while your application is being decided
- Work rights generally mirror those of your previous visa, with exceptions
- It does not allow you to leave and re-enter Australia
- Ends a set period after a decision is made on your application
Allows you to leave Australia and return while your substantive visa application is still being processed.
Who it may suit
- Bridging Visa A or B holders who need to travel overseas
- People with family, work or study commitments abroad
- Applicants who must travel before their application is decided
Key points
- Grants a specified travel period during which you can depart and return
- You must return before the travel period ends
- You must have a reason for travelling
- Apply well before you intend to leave. Processing takes time
- Your substantive application continues while you are away
Granted where you applied for a substantive visa onshore but did not hold a substantive visa at the time.
Who it may suit
- Applicants who lodged an onshore application while unlawful or on a bridging visa
- People whose previous visa had already expired
- Applicants awaiting a decision in those circumstances
Key points
- Keeps you lawful while your application is decided
- Generally does not carry work rights unless separately applied for and granted
- Does not permit travel out of and back into Australia
- You may apply to vary work conditions where there is compelling need
A short-term visa allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia while you make arrangements to leave, or while an application or review is finalised.
Who it may suit
- People who are unlawful and need to regularise their status
- Applicants awaiting the outcome of a review or Ministerial request
- People making arrangements to depart Australia
Key points
- Keeps you lawful for a limited and specified period
- Generally carries no work rights unless separately granted
- Conditions are often strict, including reporting requirements
- Does not permit travel and return
- A BVE can be granted quickly where circumstances require it
Not sure where you stand?
Book a consultation and get an honest assessment of your options, including the ones that are not open to you yet, and why.
Initial consultations are by appointment, in person in Punchbowl or by video anywhere in Australia and overseas.
- Registered migration agency. MARN 2619475
- Honest assessment, including when a pathway isn't open
- Written quote before any work begins
- In person in Punchbowl, or by video Australia-wide