How to Apply for a Bridging Visa B: Conditions, Documents, Timing

If you hold a Bridging Visa A and need to leave Australia, this is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Bridging Visa B correctly — avoiding the situation where you depart and cannot return.

Who can apply for a BVB

You can apply for a BVB when:

• You hold a valid Bridging Visa A
• Your main visa application is being processed (no outcome yet)
• You have a reasonable reason to leave Australia

You do not need an emergency reason — work, family or travel are all accepted.

When to lodge a BVB

Lodge before you depart — this is a strict requirement. You cannot apply for a BVB once you have already left Australia.

Usual processing time: 1–3 weeks (it may be faster or slower). Lodge at least 3–4 weeks before your departure date to be sure you hold the BVB.

If you need to leave urgently because of an emergency: contact the Department, explain the situation and request faster processing.

Documents needed

Lodge through ImmiAccount with:

• Form 1006 (Request to change conditions, or Bridging Visa B application) — can be lodged online
• Passport — a scanned copy
• Evidence of the reason for departure:
  • Flight ticket (this can be a planned itinerary — you do not need to buy it yet)
  • A letter explaining the reason (for example, visiting family, work)
  • Related documents (family emergency papers if any)
• VEVO printout showing your current BVA (usually not required but worth having)

BVB fee

Fee to apply for a Bridging Visa B: $145 (2024). Paid online when you lodge.

The BVB travel window

When the BVB is granted, it comes with a travel window — the period within which you are allowed to leave Australia and return. This is usually:

• 1–3 months from the date the BVB is granted
• Or until a specific date you request

Important: The travel window is not the length of time you are allowed to stay overseas — it is the deadline by which you must return to Australia. If you return after the travel window, the BVB may no longer be in effect.

What happens when you return to Australia

When you enter Australia after travelling on a BVB:

• Your passport is stamped with entry on the BVB
• You continue on the bridging visa, waiting on the outcome of the main visa application
• Work rights (if any) continue under the BVB conditions

If a BVB is refused

If the Department refuses the BVB, you still hold the BVA — but you cannot leave (or, if you had already left, the BVA has ended).

A BVB is rarely refused where there is a reasonable reason. If it is refused, you may consider applying again with more evidence or consulting a migration agent.