Bridging Visa B: Permission to Travel While You Wait

One of the most common misunderstandings about bridging visas is the belief that you can come and go from Australia freely as usual. The Bridging Visa B (BVB, subclass 020) is the solution — but you must apply before you leave.

Why you need a BVB

A Bridging Visa A does not allow you to leave. If you leave Australia while holding a BVA (after the original visa has expired):

• The BVA ends as soon as you depart
• You lose the right to return on the BVA
• The visa application being processed may no longer apply to you

The BVB was created to address the need to travel while waiting for an outcome.

Who can apply for a BVB

To get a BVB you must:

• Hold a valid BVA
• Have a reasonable reason to leave Australia (family emergency, business, holiday)
• Have a visa application still being processed, with no outcome yet

You do not need an emergency reason — ordinary travel or visiting family is accepted.

Conditions of a BVB

A BVB is usually granted with:

• Travel window: the period within which you must return (usually 1–3 months from the date the BVB is granted, not necessarily the time spent overseas)
• The right to remain in Australia once you return: until the main visa application is decided

An important note: the travel window is the deadline to return to Australia, not the length of time you may stay overseas. If you return after the travel window, the BVB may no longer be in effect.

The BVB and the visa being processed

The BVB does not affect the visa application being processed — the assessment continues even while you are overseas.

However: if the visa is granted while you are overseas and that new visa is an offshore grant, you may need to enter on the new visa rather than on the BVB.

When to apply for a BVB

• Apply before booking your flight — make sure you hold the BVB before you leave
• Lodge at least 2–4 weeks before your departure date to allow processing time
• Do not leave it to the last minute — in some cases the Department takes 4–6 weeks to assess

If you need to leave urgently without a BVB

In a family emergency, contact the Department and explain the situation. In some cases faster processing may be possible. Seek advice from a migration agent immediately.

See How to apply for a Bridging Visa B for the specific process.