Types of Bridging Visa A to E: Features and When They Apply
Australia’s bridging visa system has five types, A through E, each serving a different purpose. Understanding which one applies to your situation matters.
Bridging Visa A (BVA) — visa 010
When: Granted automatically when you lodge a new visa application onshore (while in Australia) and you are lawful.
Key features:
- No separate application needed — automatic
- Activates when your current visa expires
- Work rights usually inherited from the previous visa
- Does not allow you to leave and re-enter Australia
This is the bridging visa most migrants encounter when renewing or changing visas.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) — visa 020
When: Granted on application, when you hold a BVA and need to leave Australia.
Key features:
- Must be applied for before departing
- Allows you to leave Australia and return within a set period
- The travel window is usually 1 to 3 months
- Work rights the same as the BVA
If you leave Australia on a BVA without a BVB, the BVA ends and you cannot return on that BVA. See How to apply for a Bridging Visa B.
Bridging Visa C (BVC) — visa 030
When: When you lodge an onshore visa application but, at the time of lodgement, you were already unlawful (your visa had expired).
Key features:
- Usually has no work rights (or restricted ones)
- Does not allow departure
- Only protects you from detention while the application is processed
A BVC results from letting a visa expire before lodging a new application — a situation to avoid.
Bridging Visa D (BVD) — visa 040/041
When: Granted in certain emergency or special situations, usually very short-term (for example, after leaving detention, or while a Bridging Visa E is being processed).
Features: Uncommon; usually exists only for a few days until a more suitable visa is granted.
Bridging Visa E (BVE) — visa 050/051
When: When you are in Australia without a valid visa (unlawful) and:
- Are in the process of lodging an application or appeal
- Are arranging to leave Australia
- Are in detention and identified
Features:
- May or may not carry work rights (case by case)
- Stricter conditions than other bridging visas
- Often requires periodic reporting to the Department
Quick comparison
| Type | Application | Travel | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| BVA | Automatic | No | Usually yes |
| BVB | On application | Yes (limited) | Yes |
| BVC | Automatic | No | Restricted |
| BVD | Automatic | No | Rare |
| BVE | On application/automatic | No | Case by case |