Bridging Visa While Your Partner Visa Is Being Processed
The onshore partner visa (820/801) usually takes several years to decide. Throughout that time, you live and work in Australia on a Bridging Visa A. Understanding the BVA during the partner visa journey matters.
When You Receive the BVA
When you lodge an onshore partner visa (subclass 820), you receive a Bridging Visa A (subclass 010) soon after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) receives and acknowledges your application — usually within a few days.
This BVA comes into effect when your current visa expires (or from grant if you no longer hold another visa).
Work Rights on a Partner Visa BVA
The BVA granted alongside an onshore partner visa usually comes with unrestricted work rights — meaning you can work in any job, for any number of hours, without restriction.
Check the specific conditions of your BVA on VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm.
Study Rights
With a BVA during the partner visa journey, you can usually study in Australia — but not at the local student rate. Fees may apply at the overseas student rate if you do not yet hold a PR visa.
How Long Until the Partner Visa Is Decided
The partner visa (820/801) usually takes:
- 820 (temporary stage): 12–24 months or more
- 801 (permanent stage): Two years after you lodged the 820 (for a relationship of under two years) or assessed at the same time (if the relationship is over two years)
Throughout this period, your BVA renews automatically in line with your partner visa application.
Leaving Australia While on a BVA
If you want to leave Australia temporarily and return, you need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) — the BVA does not allow re-entry. See Applying for a Bridging Visa B to travel.
Tracking Your Partner Visa Application
Track it through ImmiAccount. DHA may periodically request further relationship evidence — always respond by the deadline to avoid a refusal.