A bridging visa in general can be thought of as the name suggests – it is a visa which ‘bridges the gap’ between one visa expiring and a new visa being granted. A bridging visa will allow you to lawfully remain in Australia for the specific purpose for which it was granted, or in some cases to travel in and out of Australia lawfully.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
subclass 010
This is the most commonly referred to bridging visa. This visa allows you to lawfully remain in Australia after your current substantive visa expires, whilst you await a decision to be made on a new substantive visa application or for a review of a decision.
Usually, they are granted automatically when you lodge an onshore visa application whilst you are the holder of a substantive visa. Even though it may be granted automatically, it will not come into effect until your current substantive visa expires. In other circumstances, a seperate application for a BVA may be necessary.
A BVA will usually be granted with work rights, however you should check the conditions carefully. If your BVA does not allow you to work, or it has restrictions on working, you can apply for another BVA which allows you to work on the basis of ‘financial hardship.’
If you need to travel in and out of Australia during the period of your BVA, you must apply for a BVB.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
subclass 020
A BVB is granted for current Bridging Visa holders (BVA or BVB) who are wishing to travel but are still awaiting a decision to be made on a substantive visa application (or review).
During the specified travel period, you can travel in and out of the country as you please. Once the travel facility ends you must apply for a new BVB if you need to travel outside of Australia again.
They are usually granted with a travel facility of 3 months but there are some cases where a BVB may be granted for a longer period.
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
subclass 030
A BVC is generally granted to applicants who lodge a visa application in Australia whilst they are the holder of a Bridging visa A or B. A BVC will generally not be issued with work rights, unless your new substantive visa application is for one of the following;
Business Talent visa (subclass 132)
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187)
Skilled — Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled — Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled — Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
If your BVC does not allow you to work, you can consider applying for another BVC which allows you to work on the basis of ‘financial hardship’.
Unfortunately, you cannot travel on a BVC and you are not eligible to apply for a BVB.
Departing Australia on a BVC can cause certain exclusion periods to apply.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
subclass 050
A BVE is granted to an unlawful non-citizen. It allows you to become lawful again and to remain in Australia whilst you make arrangements to leave Australia, to wait for a decision on a pending visa application or an application for a review or where you have sought ministerial intervention.
If your BVE does not allow you to work, you may be able to apply for another BVE which allows you to work on the basis of ‘financial hardship’.
Unfortunately, you cannot travel on a BVE and you are not eligible to apply for a BVB.
Departing Australia on a BVE can cause certain exclusion periods to apply. In addition, becoming unlawful (which is a pre-requisite for the visa) will affect your eligibility for citizenship.