What Is a Bridging Visa? Your Lawful Stay
A bridging visa is a special category of Australian visa, granted either automatically or on application, that lets you remain in Australia lawfully while another visa is being processed.
Purpose of a bridging visa
The Australian visa system processes applications in order — and processing takes time. During that period you need a visa so you can:
- Stay in Australia lawfully (as a lawful non-citizen)
- Maintain work rights (in some cases)
- Wait for the outcome of the visa being processed
A bridging visa fills this gap.
When a bridging visa is granted
Bridging Visa A (BVA): Granted automatically when you lodge a new visa application while in Australia lawfully (onshore). A BVA only activates when your current visa expires.
Bridging Visa B (BVB): Granted on a separate application, when you need to leave Australia and return while holding a BVA.
Bridging Visa C (BVC): Granted when you lodge an onshore visa application but your previous visa had already expired (unlawful at the time of lodgement).
Bridging Visa E (BVE): Granted when you are in Australia without a valid visa and are arranging to depart or lodging an application to resolve your status.
Basic rights on a bridging visa
Permission to stay: A bridging visa keeps you a lawful non-citizen — a legally important status. Being “unlawful” has serious consequences, including detention.
Work rights: These depend on the type of bridging visa and the conditions attached. A BVA usually inherits work rights from the previous visa. Not all bridging visas carry work rights.
No automatic right to travel: This is the most commonly misunderstood point — see below.
Bridging visas and departure
A Bridging Visa A does not allow you to enter and leave Australia freely. If you leave Australia while holding a BVA without a BVB, the BVA ceases and you cannot return on that BVA.
To be able to leave and return while holding a bridging visa, you need to apply for a separate Bridging Visa B.
When a bridging visa ends
A BVA ends when:
- The visa you applied for is granted (the BVA is no longer needed)
- The visa you applied for is refused (and the appeal period ends)
- You leave Australia (without a BVB)
- The BVA is cancelled separately
Check your current visa
Check your visa and bridging visa through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) — vevoonline.homeaffairs.gov.au. VEVO shows exactly which visa you hold, the conditions and the expiry date.