A Bridging Visa A (BVA) lets a visa applicant remain inside Australia, while their additional visa application is being processed. This might be another tourist visa application, or it might be something like a partner visa application which takes a whole lot longer to be processed. (See also this previous article on bridging visas www.downundervisa.com/2015/04/10/bridging-visas-can-you-get-one/)
A Bridging Visa A normally has the same conditions as the previous visa, and in some cases like when you’ve applied for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820), they will give work and study rights on the Bridging Visa A. But one thing they will NOT do is to allow the bridging visa holder to travel!
Need to be very aware of this. Bridging Visa A’s do not allow travel!
What happens if you travel on a BVA?
You may leave Australia on a Bridging Visa A. The problem? You may not come back!
We had somebody the other day whom we stopped from traveling on a Bridging Visa A. We had explained previously, but she thought it didn’t matter and that she could get a tourist visa back to Australia after her visit. No, sadly not at all.
I had an awful situation a number of years ago. Applicant who was in a long-standing de facto relationship with an Australian man, and had applied inside Australia for a partner visa. They had settled in nicely together, however the problem was that she had not included her little boy. He was back in the Philippines.
Well, little boys being little boys, he decides to fall from a great height and end up in hospital. Mum rushes onto the next plane, as mums will also be mums. So she ends up outside of Australia on a Bridging Visa A. We apply for a tourist visa for her to return. What do they do? They refuse it! Why? Because she has no intention of returning. That’s how the Regulations work.
And before anyone panics about this, yes tourist visa holders may apply for further visa applications inside Australia. They may even apply for partner visa applications whilst inside Australia, as long as that isn’t the primary reason for going to Australia. This poor lady had no other reason to go to Australia other than to wait for them to process and grant her partner visa application, which they couldn’t do while she was outside Australia. Tried again. Failed again. The ended up refusing the partner visa because of this!
So do NOT travel on a Bridging Visa A!
Bridging Visa B (BVB) – The perfect solution
What do you do? You ask that most skilled of Registered Migration Agents Jeff Harvie to apply for a Bridging Visa B for you, based on your intended travels. And you do this within 3 – 4 weeks of your intended travels. This will allow you to enter and leave as many times as you want, all within a specified time period.
In fact, the Bridging Visa B takes the place of your Bridging Visa A, and will be with you until they make the final decision on your substantive visa application (eg partner visa application, or whatever you’ve applied for). And it will allow the BVB holder to leave Australia, and to freely return again during the travel period.
What is this “travel period” of which I speak?
Well, you need a reason for a Bridging Visa B. Whilst it’s not something you need to stress over, it’s still a visa application, and as such they can refuse it if they have a good reason to. You can’t apply for one and say “Well, I wanted to have one just in case I needed it”. That would meet with a refusal. You have a Bridging Visa A because you want to be in Australia, because you applied for the main visa ALSO because you wanted to be in Australia. It’s actually a privilege that they gave you the Bridging Visa A in the first place. It’s a bit like sticking your hand up in the classroom to ask the teacher permission to leave the room. So take the application seriously.
So, if you apply for a Bridging Visa B to attend your sister’s wedding in November, and you would like hubbie to join you to celebrate New Years with your parents, then this is what you put on the application. You say you wish to leave on 15 November, and return on 10 January. The visa grant will come back probably saying you have between 1 November and 1 March to travel.
So you may only travel in those timeslots. Don’t try to come back on 2 March, or you will be in for a rude shock.
What if you want to travel again in May because your son is graduating Elementary School? You apply later for another Bridging Visa B, and you will get something similar.
So, that’s how it works. Take it seriously. Never assume. Things can go horribly wrong if you mess this one up.
- No travel on Bridging Visa A’s.
- And by the way, if you have a Bridging Visa C then you can’t apply for a BVB at all. You need to stay put.
Registered Relationship Certificate. Is it enough for a Partner Visa?
Ladies from Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia. Who makes the best wives?
Offshore Partner Visas and Prospective Marriage Visas
Australian Partner Visas and Aging Visa Sponsors
Merits Review! How to turn an Australian Visa Refusal around at the AAT!
Hi Jeff,
I am currently on a student visa and will apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (485) when I graduate.
If I am successfully granted a Bridging Visa B and am overseas whilst my 485 application is being processed, do I have to be in Australia when my application is successful or will it become invalid if I am still overseas at the time of the outcome?
Many thanks for your help. Your website has been very informative.
Kind regards,
Ben
Glad you like the website, Benjamin. But I only do partner and tourist visas. I don’t handle student visas or graduate visas, sorry.
Hi jeff,
I need your help,two months back I came to my mother country due to family emergency without waiting for bridging visa b…so now I want to go back to Australia as my husband is in Australia.He waiting f his citizenship ceremony.
Hi Jeff Im Alex i come across this site randomly on Google. My partner and i have applied for a partner visa within Australia. a few weeks ago she and i as we work for the same company along with 20 other staff were invited to a work trip to bali. We applied for the bvb and she was issued a 12 month multiple entry bvb even though flights were booked and dates were clear that we only required 5 days. Does this mean within this 12 month period she can travel again and if so does she need to notify immigration? I gather they have given her the maximum 12 months with multiple entry so that she is free to come and go within reasonable circumstances without needing to apply or advise immigration again till expiry. Please correct me if I am wrong thanks so much.
She can travel in and out of Australia freely during the allotted time period. No need to notify anyone.
Hi jeff
Would there be any problem if i the only reason I travel outside australia is to visit family members?
From experience I would say it should NOT be an issue, however do not take what I say as a guarantee of an outcome. Each application is judged on its merits.
Hi, I am a professor in New Delhi and my husband is the primary applicant. We migrated but our PR is still processing. After sending application, I returned to ND to work and am currently on BVB. Will this affect our application? Do I have to give up my job in India and join my husband and two children who are currently in Australia? Is there any risk to our application because I continue to be offshore?
Thank you
I can’t advise you, sorry. This is only a comments section at the end of a BLOG article. You’re not my client.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for this clear and very useful website! Awesome work!
I just wanted to know if I need a BVB for each time I want to leave the country, or if I can travel as many times as I like (and precise in the application) during the allowed “travel period”.?
Cheers,
Thomas
I know nothing about your circumstance, Thomas. I can’t comment.
My husband is in Australia holding a BVB for 12 yrs we have 2 kids,his applying for permanent visa year 2016, there including us in his application.when do you think it will be granted?how long is the waiting time for us?
Sorry but I have no idea what type of visa he’s applied for
Hello, I applied for a BVB without any supporting documentation as I have not bought my tickets home for concern of not having the BVB approved. I only stated “annual leave – visiting immediate family and friends, attending an uncle’s wedding” as a reason for travel. Would this be an issue?
Also, would the refusal of a BVB affect my future visa application(s)?
Thanks!
I can’t tell you if they’ll be happy with that or not, Tiffanie. And unless you lied on the application, I can’t see a refusal being an issue.
Hi. Im currently on a BVA. Im in Australia. I applied for a BVB in February. Just short of 3 months before I intend to travel to UK.. for 7 weeks. I expalined my parents were 88 and that my Father is sick. I havent heard anything yet and I leave in four weeks. Im getting worried!!!
Contact them
Ive been trying that. ” youre currently 74th in the queue” etc etc. Not to mention the fact that the majority of people you speak to actually dont have a clue what theyre talking about.
But thanks.
Yes, that’s life. But if you want to find out, it’s the only way.
Hi Jeff, thanks for alleviating concerns with your great post. Do you have a rough idea on the time it takes for BVBs to be granted? Hubby needs to travel urgently and he’s getting quite stressed, does it make a difference to phone? We applied Monday…and obviously it’s bad with holidays..Thanks for your time
Normally a couple of weeks, Claire. I don’t believe you would hurry them up by phoning. Make sure he doesn’t leave without the BVB or it can go very badly.
Thanks Jeff, that’s what I feared.. I’m worried that he might not wait because it is an emergency.. Thanks a lot for your prompt response, I really appreciate it!
Hi Jeff,
Excellent information that ui wish i would have come across earlier. My partner had tourist visa and we were in the process of putting in our partner visa application that we realised that he had overstayed his 3 month travel by 11 days !!!! we rushed to put in our partnership application within a week. After much conversation with the department he was granted bridging visa C. He is a consultant and needs to work globally and is now worried sick about the next time he needs to travel. Can you please advise what the options are?
He will not get a Bridging Visa B whilst on a Bridging Visa C.
Hi Jeff, I currently have a BVC and need to travel back to UK as I have a very ill family member, but I have read your comments that I cannot travel at all. I am sick with worry, I have been here 10 years and made my life here. Is there any way IMMI will approve a BVB so I can travel home to be with my family member one last time?
No sorry
Hi Jeff,
My partner has been granted a BVA for our partnership visa, however, in 4 days her tourist visa expires which then allows her BVA to take place. We’re looking at flying to her home to visit her family to introduce our baby to extended family at the end of the month. My question is, there is no where on the Immi account to apply for a BVB, is this a visa we just apply for through post?
Cheers,
Ben.
Definitely there on the Immi Account, Ben. Look again.
Hi Jeff
I have partner visa 801 in process and it’s being looked at as we speak. We are very hopeful it’s going to get granted. But just in case if doesn’t what Visa would I go on then ? As I will be overseas at the time of decision?
If it isn’t granted you will go onto no visa at all, Jennifer. The Subclass 820 will finish if that happens. I hope you did your paperwork for the 801 finalisation properly.
Hi Jeff,
I informed my immigration agent I wanted to travel back to Philippines on November to visit my sick mom. I bought a ticket for November but emergency occurred and learned my mother is in critical condition so I asked my agent I will rebook immediately my ticket and what would be the best possible time ,she advised me to rebook it for 1 week before requesting for the BVB and give her the photo of my ticket so she can submit it when she lodge my BVB. I gave her the copy of my ticket dated sept 25 flight. She lodge my application Sept.13 though she even told to me you can rebook sept 20 and it will be okay before your flight. I gave allowance and got sept.25 ticket but tomorrow is already schedule of my flight and I still don’t have visa. Is there any contact no I can ask what will be my status because I’m I’m worried and need to rebook again and feeling worried of my moms condition. I asked my agent but she told me rebook your ticket again, we are still waiting and she doesn’t know whom to call to follow up.
You can call the main Immigration line which is 131881. Do not travel without the BVB being granted!
Hi jeff,
You’re site is very informative. Just wondering,
Im holding a tourist visa 600, single entry. Originally, the plan was to visit my fiance but when he found out that I got my visa approved. He wants us to get married there. Part of my itinerary is I will be staying for 1.5 months in australia, end Nov, and next year, Feb. i will be flying to new zealand n stay for a month. If were married on dec, is it possible if I could apply BVB before going to New zealand?
Thank you much.
No. (a) If you apply for a partner visa, when the current tourist visa expires you will be granted a Bridging Visa A, and (b) if you want to travel you need to apply for a Bridging Visa B. You don’t just suddenly apply for a Bridging Visa B because you married. You will mess up everything if you try to do this.
Hello! Thanks for your information regarding BVB. I am under sc600 and on nov 25, 2018 my BVA will take effect under 189 de facto pr application. I would like to come home to Philippines to celebrate the holidays which i know i have to apply for BVB. My question is, will it affect the processing of our PR application? My partner will not be coming with me as she is employed. Some people say it will make the application process longer, will it? Many thanks, Jeff!
I have no experience with 189 visas, so I’m not the one to ask.
Hi!
My husband is in Australia and is under multiple entry tourist visa without ‘8503 condition’.
He came here August 30,2018.
We plan to submit a subclass 461 Visa by the end of October or early November.
My understanding is he will then be granted with BVA but it will only be activated after his tourist visa will expire which is after 3 months of staying here – Nov 30, 2018.
Our problem is we are due to travel to New Zealand this coming November 11.
My questions are:
Can we apply for BVB even though his BVA is not activated yet?
If say he will be granted with BVB. When he comes back here to Australia from New Zealand will his tourist visa be activated again? Coz he was on multiple entry tourist visa and he left before the visa expires ( before the 3 month period).
Or should we just apply for subclass 461 Visa when we come back from our travels?
Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you so much.
My bridging visa B while outside of Australia. I applied for a visitor visa which was granted and I am now back in Australia. How do I get my bridging visa A back?
My bridging visa B while outside of Australia. <-- Your bridging visa B what outside of Australia? Are you saying that you overstayed a Bridging Visa B? Suggest you use the contact form and explain to me what happened. This isn't really the right place.
Hi Jeff
Thanks for all the above information. I submitted my husbands bvb online 2 days ago. He Is currently on a bva. I attached his passport and a cover note from my husband stating he wants to see his family whom he hasn’t seen since arriving in Australia 2 years ago and that he would like to introduce his new baby to his family. I’m worried this may not be a substantial reason for approval. Also how long do they usually take to get back to you with an answer from your experience? Thanks in advance.
Usually processed in about a week. We advise 3 to 4 weeks before travel dates.
Hello Jeff, I am currently on bridging visa A, but I want to travel for a cogent reason, so I intend to apply for bridging visa B. But, I want to know what the consequences are if my application for bridging visa B is refused. (i.e. would I still retain my bridging visa A if my application for bridging visa B is refused?)
You would retain the Bridging Visa A, yes. There is no risk in applying.
Hi Jeff,
I am going to apply for partner visa 801 for my wife while she is on a visitor visa, how long will it take for her to get on to BVA or BVB? so that she can start working. Thanks
You will need to wait for the visitor visa to expire before the bridging visa comes into effect.
Dear Jeff,
We forgot to check the date of the last Bridge Visa B granted.
I had travelled back to Aus three weeks earlier due to family emergency.
Now, we had realised that my fiance’s Bridge B visa had expired for a little over a month.
Is apply for tourist class 600 Visa the best way to get back?
We were just careless to had forgotten about this issue.
Is there a risk that she might get refused to enter Oz and impact the partner Visa 820 that
we had already applied? Thank you.
You can try, but no guarantee of success. That’s why you need to take dates on visa grants very seriously. If you do manage to get back on a tourist visa, you will have to re-apply for a Bridging Visa A.
Hi Jeff,
I am on BVA for Partner Visa and I will file a BVB for our holiday next month. I am planning to submit a copy of our ticket and passport. Is that enough? I also stated in the reason as holiday and my mum’s birthday/retirement party.
Thanks!
I won’t tell you how to submit an application or tell you if something is sufficient, sorry.
Hi Jeff,
I am currently having an issue with my BVB which due is 12 Jan 2019(yesterday)coming from Philippines to visit my family and kids. My ticket going back to Australia should arrive 5:35am of 12 Jan which is just supposed to be alright, but my flight from Manila to Macau (connecting flight) was delayed and arrived in Macau late that results to not catching my 2nd flight to KL and from KL-Perth. The airline and the broker rebooked me the earliest flight to Perth but it is 20 minutes late for my due which will arrive in Perth 12:20 of 13 Jan 2019. And due to the delayed flights which clearly wasn’t my fault, i was not able to board going to Perth because when i was checking in to get my boarding pass they said they cannot let me board the flight because of the visa validity which is just 20 min late when arrived in Australia. This situation resulted me to be stocked now here in Kuala Lumpur as i didn’t get help since the embassy here is closed and will be open tomorrow Monday 14 of Jan. I’m currently have a partners visa lodged last July 2017 in Australia and just waiting for the T.R. What is the best visa i can apply to re-enter Australia? or the right department in the immigration to seek advice of what had happened while on my way to Australia. Please, your response will greatly appreciated.
If you overstay on a BVB, it ends. You no longer have any bridging visa at all, and you don’t have a right to enter Australia again. Your only option is to try to get a tourist visa back to Australia, and to apply again for a Bridging Visa A.
Hi Jeff,
I’m currently holding Bridging Visa A for my PR Visa process (visa 187-RSMS). I have a plan to visit my family living in Germany on June-July 2019. So I’m going to apply for Bridging Visa B (BVB). However, there is a requirement of Schengen Visa about “Proof of Visa status in Australia” which requires my Australian visa must be valid for multiple entries to Australia until at least 3 months after my departure from the Schengen area. However, Australian Immigration department normally grant only 3 months of validity / multiple entries for Bridging Visa B (BVB), it means that at the time I complete my trip and leave Schengen area, my BVB will have less than 3 months of validity / multiple entries.
Therefore, do you know if I can apply for Bridging Visa B with more than 3 months of validity / multiple entries ?
Thanks
Tom
I’ve had no experience with Schengen visas, sorry Tom. Better you ask advice of someone who does.
Hi Jeff
I have applied for BVB visa and submitted my application by post. It has been four weeks. But still I did not get any reply. Even they didn’t deduct the money yet. How can I contact them to get reply earlier?
Thank you
Anil
It’s always slow when you lodge it by post. It’s probably in a big pile there waiting to be picked up. There is no reliable way of chasing it up, sorry.
Hi Jeff
Can we apply BVB visa online. If yes, what is the procedure to apply please?
Thank you
Anil
If you want to apply for it yourself, please go to the IMMI Account and you will see a link. Please don’t ask us to guide you in doing your own applications.
Hi, I’m current BVA holder. I have applied for a BVB to go for a holiday to NZ. They refused the application. Can i reapply? If yes after how much time?
I don’t know the details of your situation, so I can’t reliably advise you.
Hi Jeff,
My sister was on BVA of her working visa and also already submitted her EOI for her Skill PR when she was in Australia and waiting for the invitation.
She is also working full time as an Engineer for a company in Australia.
She made a big mistake and went overseas on BVA just last week for a week trip!
I understand from your blog that she needs to apply for Visitor visa to come back, my questions:
– What would be the intention of getting Visitor Visa? Is it OK if she explains her mistake on the visitor visa application and also mention that she wants to obtain BVA once she gets to Australia? Her whole work and life is here,…
– If she comes back to Australia on this Tourist Visa, how can she get back to BVA? Does she need to apply for her Original Working visa Again from scratch to go on BVA?
She has to tell the truth. If she said “I want to see the cute animals” they wouldn’t believe her anyway. She will need to re-apply for a BVA when she gets back.
I am waiting for my 820/801, to be granted
I am on bvb to travel home next month, what would happen if my 820 granted whilst I was overseas within my bvb time frame
820.411 “The applicant must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when the visa is granted.” They won’t decide it when you’re out of the country. And they DO know when you’re overseas. They’ll normally let you know, and finalise it when you return.
Thank you Kindly for your swift response
hi , im current BVA holder, i would back to my country to attend my parents anniversary.. My question is, if my BVB approved and returned to australia, how long my BVB stays long?? or should i apply back to BVA?? really meed your advise
The BVB remains after you return. It’s only the travel period which ends.
Hi
I am currently offshore with BVB expiring 01/07/19. Can I extend my BVB or Can I apply another BVB from offshore? As I am unable to reach australia before 01/07/19 because I had a surgery and currently under treatment.
Hi Jeff,
I just applied for my BVB and accidentally requested the departure date as 01 July, but my attached flight information with my actual departure date which will be one day earlier, 30th June. Should I call and try to correct the error on my application? Or do you think the BVB will be granted for my flight dates, rather than what I requested?
Thanks so much!
Hi Jeff,
This post is really useful. I have just a quick question, everybody here seems to apply BVB due to family reasons, and from what I gather from other places, applying for BVB for family reasons (sick parents, sick kids, wedding of cousin’s) seems to be the way to go if you want to get your BVB application approved. I am thinking of applying because my husband and I are going for a honeymoon holiday overseas, in your experience, what is the chance of approval for that particular case? is holiday a good enough reason or should I just give it a miss?
Thanks for the help!
I can’t advise on your own situation, Sofi. However I can say we’ve never had an issue there. But technically it is still an application and could be refused, so be sure to be thorough.
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for your post.
I have recently applied for visa 820 and been granted BVA. I arrived to AUS last month under eVisitor which it means the BVA doesn’t kick in until the end of the 90 days of the visitor.
Unfortunately, my mother has had an accident last weekend and I will probably have to travel to my country and spend a few weeks with her. My question is, I know I will have to apply for BVB to travel but I am not sure if I can apply straight from eVisitor to BVB?. Is it possible or do I need to wait until the BVB kick in? In case I could … do I need to apply from the date that BVA kick in or from the day I fly out (under evisitor visa)?
Thank you very much for your help
Frank
Hi Jeff, I have a cousin who is on BVA visa. Her family has a emergency have to travel outside australia in a week. They did NOT apply for BVB. Someone told her than if there is very critical family emergency she can leave on BVA visa and there wont be any issues. Is it true? Could you please provide your suggestions on this?
Thanks
Marc
That “someone” did them no favours at all. Completely wrong. They can only hope they can get a tourist visa to return.
Hi Jeff?
How long is the max period that BVB can be granted based on your experience? Can it be half a year?
Thank you,
Jesse
I’ve seen them grant up to a year lately, but it’s on a case-by-case basis.
Hi Jeff,
I am currently on a 457 Visa and have just submitted my application for 186 TRT PR visa. My 457 does not expire until the 15th September.
I am booked to travel from aus to NZ for a 4 day holiday for my birthday from the 20th September until 23rd September. I understand once my 457 visa expires on the 15th, I will automatically be given a BVA whilst my application is pending.
My problem is, this may not be long enough to lodge my application for a BVB to travel to NZ, given it is 4 days before I travel.
My question is; am I able to apply for the BVB now on my 457 whilst waiting to be granted my BVA on the 15th Sep, including a cover letter explaining my issue? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Cheers
You can only apply for a BVB when you already have a BVA
Hi Jeff,
We applied for a partner visa through an agent who did it online through their own immiaccount. We want to apply for a Bvb on our own so we don’t have to pay the agent extra. Do we need to do the application online and create our own immi account, or can we apply via post instead? Thanks!
You will need to do it by post if you don’t want to pay. It usually takes longer. You need to ask yourself if it’s worth it.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the information. I read all the questions and found them very helpful but they didn’t answer my question. I am on BVA and want to go on holiday with my boyfriend in NOV for a week, my question is after getting BVB and travelling if my visa refuses (the visa that resulted in BVA) what happens? Do I still can enter Australia (within 28 days) and apply for another visa or they won’t let me in?
Thank you in advance
Hi! I’ve just applied for sponsor visa and it can take up to two months. but in two months i want to go home for christmas, because i ahvent been there for a year and a half. woud that be a reason enough ??
I don’t know what a “sponsor visa” is, sorry. I assume you lodged an application inside Australia for a visa? If you have a bridging visa A, you should be able to apply for a bridging visa B. But I can’t advise you properly because I know absolutely nothing about your case. This is why you should have used a Registered Migration Agent right from the start.
Hi Jeff,
I am currently on a bridging visa A awaiting decision on my partnership visa. I need to travel for work, would I need to apply and pay every 3 months for a Bridging visa B or is there another option? What is the maximum period of time that you can apply for for a Bridging visa B could I apply for a year or is it strictly 3 months?
Thank you
Rebecca
They will consider your request on a case-by-case basis. I suggest you ask for what you want and see what happens.
Hi Jeff,
I am on a 457 visa due to expire on January 7, 2020. I have applied for a 189 visa on Jan 2019 and with the delay in processing, it will be delayed. They have given me a bridging visa A which will kick in. Is that bridging visa alone enough for me to live and work here?
Also since it can take up to 33 months for the visa to get decided, does that mean I need to take a bridging visa every time I need to travel abroad to meet my parents and can never travel in emergencies?
Kind regards,
Rishi
I don’t work with those visa types, sorry
Hi Jeff,
I am going to apply for the Graduate visa in December 2020, but I am going to India between 28th Dec to 3rd Feb , what would I do?
Kind regards,
vishal
I dont manage student visas, sorry
Hi Jeff
Am on bvb at the moment.
It’s expires on January 17/2020
I came back from holiday last week.
My question is do I need to apply for bridging visa A again ? Or it will automatically change to BVA after my arrival or the expiry date ?
It will remain as a BVB
Hi Jeff
Can you tell me if you can travel frequently on a BVB ( ie once a year for between 3 to 6 months) just to visit family in the UK, we have one son in Australia and one in the UK and would like to split time 50/50 between the 2 whilst waiting on a 804 parent visa lodged in Australia.
We’ve seen BVB’s granted up to a year at a time, Marie. I don’t believe they would grant one for subsequent years and would require further applications, however it never hurts to ask.