Holding Multiple Bridging Visas: How BVA, BVB and BVC Interact

Can You Hold Multiple Bridging Visas at Once?

The answer is yes — and this happens more often than many people think. The Australian migration system allows a person to hold multiple bridging visas at once, each serving a different purpose. Understanding how they interact is important so you do not make a mistake while waiting on your main visa.

The most common situation is holding a BVA together with a BVB: you have a BVA (waiting on your main visa) and apply for a BVB as well (to have the right to leave Australia temporarily and return). It is also possible to have both a BVA and a BVC in more complex circumstances.

BVA — The Foundation of Bridging Visas

A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is the most basic bridging visa. It is granted (usually automatically) when you lodge a new visa application while your current visa is still valid. A BVA lets you continue to stay in Australia lawfully while you wait on a decision.

Key features of a BVA:

Comes into effect when the original visa expires (if you lodged before the visa expired)
No right to leave Australia and return (no re-entry right)
Duration: until the main visa application is decided
Work rights: depend on the specific conditions attached to the BVA

BVB — Temporary Travel Rights

A Bridging Visa B (BVB) is designed to supplement a BVA. When you hold a BVA and need to leave Australia temporarily (work, family, travel), you can apply for a BVB. A BVB lets you leave Australia and return within a defined period.

A BVB does not replace a BVA — it is a supplement to it. When you are in Australia with a BVB, you are essentially operating under the rights of the BVB. When the BVB expires (after you return to Australia or when the travel period ends), the BVA continues in effect.

How a BVA and BVB Interact

This is the most important part to understand:

Before leaving Australia:

You hold a BVA
You apply for a BVB with an approved travel period (for example three months)
The BVB is granted and the BVA is still there

On leaving Australia:

The BVA goes “dormant” — it has no effect while you are not in Australia
The BVB becomes the active visa allowing you to leave

On returning to Australia within the BVB period:

The BVB remains in effect for the return trip
After entry, the BVA reactivates automatically
The BVB usually ceases after you return (it has served its purpose)

Important: If the BVB expires while you are overseas (you do not return before the BVB’s expiry date), you will not be able to return to Australia and the BVA also ceases. This is one of the most dangerous mistakes a bridging visa holder can make.

Which Bridging Visa Takes Priority?

When you hold multiple bridging visas, the question of priority really depends on your specific circumstances:

While in Australia: The BVA is the main active visa. Its conditions (work rights, travel restrictions, and so on) apply to you.
While travelling internationally: The BVB provides travel rights. A BVA does not.
When you have a BVC: A BVC is usually granted in more complex circumstances and usually has more restrictions than a BVA. If you hold both a BVA and a BVC, the legal position should be reviewed by a professional.

Checking Multiple Bridging Visa Status Through VEVO

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) is the tool you need to use regularly when holding multiple bridging visas:

Access: vevo.homeaffairs.gov.au
VEVO displays your current active visa
When you hold multiple visas, VEVO may only display the main “active” visa — check the detail to see all of them
Note: VEVO updates close to real time, but there can be a small delay after a new visa is granted

Employers, banks, rental agencies and other organisations often ask for a VEVO printout to verify your visa status.

A Complex Situation: A BVC in the Mix

A BVC (Bridging Visa C) is usually granted when you have been an unlawful non-citizen and then lodge a new visa application. A BVC has more restrictions than a BVA:

No work rights (unless a special condition applies)
No right to travel and return

If you hold a BVC and apply for a BVB, you usually will not be granted the BVB because a BVC is granted to people with a more complex legal history. This should be checked with a MARA agent.

Practical Advice

When holding multiple bridging visas at once:

Keep all grant notices for each bridging visa — you need them when questions arise about your legal status
Check VEVO before buying flights to ensure your BVB is still valid and your return date is within the permitted period
Do not let a BVB expire while overseas — set a reminder at least two weeks ahead
Consult a MARA agent if you are unsure how your visas interact in your specific circumstances

The multiple-bridging-visa system can be complex but is designed to meet the real needs of migrants. Understanding how it works will help you avoid costly mistakes.