Bridging Visa While Your Subclass 186 Is Being Processed
A subclass 186 visa usually takes many months to process. The practical question that arises right after lodging is: what visa will you be living on while you wait? The answer is a bridging visa — but you need to understand it correctly to avoid mistakes about travel rights.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
When a BVA Is Granted
When you are in Australia on a valid temporary visa and lodge a valid 186 application, you automatically receive a BVA. A BVA does not need to be applied for separately — it is granted when the Department receives your application.
A BVA comes into effect when your current visa expires — not from the date you lodge the 186. Until your old visa expires, you remain on the old visa.
Work Rights on a BVA
A BVA usually carries the same work conditions as your current visa. If you hold a 482 (tied to an employer), the BVA will usually carry similar conditions.
In some cases the Department may grant a BVA with full work rights (not restricted to one employer) — but this is not the default. You need to check the conditions on the BVA granted to you.
BVA and Changing Employer
If you are on a 482 and lodge a 186 TRT, then later want to move to a new employer while waiting for the 186, the situation becomes complicated. The 186 nomination is tied to the old employer — if the employment relationship changes, seek advice from a migration agent immediately.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) — When You Want to Travel
The Most Important Point About a BVA
A BVA does not allow you to leave and return. If you leave Australia while on a BVA (after your old visa has expired), the BVA ceases and you cannot return unless you hold another valid visa.
This is a serious mistake — many people do not know this and travel while waiting for a 186, losing their right to remain.
Applying for a BVB Before Travelling
If you need to travel (to visit family, for work), you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia. A BVB allows you to depart and return within the period specified on the BVB.
Requirements for a BVB:
- It must be applied for while you are in Australia (it cannot be applied for from overseas)
- You must have a reasonable basis for travelling (a compelling reason — visiting a seriously ill family member, work, and so on)
- It must be lodged before the date of departure — it cannot be applied for on the day of departure
BVB duration: this is usually granted specifically — for example “valid for departure by X date, return by Y date”. If you return after date Y, the BVB has expired and you need another visa.
Special Case: Lodging When Your Visa Has Already Expired
If you do not hold a valid visa when you lodge the 186 application (for example you are an unlawful non-citizen), you will not receive a BVA. This situation is extremely complex and requires legal advice immediately.
This is why you should lodge the 186 application while your visa is still valid — you should not wait until close to the expiry date.
How Long a BVA Lasts
A BVA remains in effect until:
- The subclass 186 is granted (the BVA ceases, the 186 takes effect)
- The subclass 186 is formally refused (the BVA ceases — check the time you have to leave or appeal)
- You depart (the BVA usually ceases immediately on departure if you do not hold a BVB)
- You are granted another visa
Summary: What to Remember
- Lodge the 186 while you still hold a valid visa → you automatically receive a BVA
- A BVA keeps the work rights of your old visa (usually)
- Do not travel while on a BVA — you must apply for a BVB first
- A BVB must be applied for from within Australia, before the date of departure
- Waiting time for a 186: this varies by stage and by application — check the Home Affairs Global visa processing times tool
If you plan to travel or visit family while waiting for the 186, plan to apply for a BVB early — at least 2–4 weeks before your intended departure date to avoid risk.