What is a Bridging Visa?
- Leading Edge
- Feb 7
- 3 min read
A Bridging Visa is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Australian migration system. In 2026, with the Department of Home Affairs prioritising "decision-ready" applications and faster processing, understanding your bridging status is the key to maintaining your work rights and travel freedom.
Think of a Bridging Visa as a legal safety net. It allows you to stay in Australia lawfully after your current visa expires but before your new visa is granted.
The Different Types of Bridging Visas in 2026
Not all bridging visas are created equal. Depending on your situation, you will be granted a specific subclass with varying "freedoms."
1. Bridging Visa A (BVA) – The Standard
When it’s granted: Usually automatically when you apply for a new substantive visa (like a Partner or Skilled visa) while still holding a valid visa.
The Catch: It has no travel rights. If you leave Australia on a BVA, it will expire the moment you cross the border, and you may be stuck offshore.
2. Bridging Visa B (BVB) – The Traveller’s Visa
When it’s granted: When a BVA holder needs to travel overseas.
2026 Update: As of 2026, the application fee is $190. You must apply for this before you leave Australia to ensure you can legally re-enter.
3. Bridging Visa C (BVC) – The "Safety Net"
When it’s granted: If you apply for a new visa after your previous one has already expired.
The Catch: BVC holders generally cannot work (unless they apply for a waiver based on financial hardship) and cannot apply for a BVB to travel.
4. Bridging Visa E (BVE) – The Final Resort
When it’s granted: Usually to people who have overstayed their visa or are making arrangements to leave the country. It is highly restrictive and often requires regular reporting to the Department.
Bridging Visa "Golden Rules" for 2026
Check Your Activation: A bridging visa is "granted" when you apply for your new visa, but it only "activates" the moment your current visa expires.
Work Rights Mirroring: In most cases, your BVA will inherit the work conditions of your previous visa. However, if you apply for certain PR visas (like the 190 or 186), you may automatically get full work rights even if your previous visa (like a Tourist visa) had none.
Medicare Access: If you apply for a Permanent Residency visa onshore, you are often eligible to enroll in Medicare immediately upon receiving your Bridging Visa acknowledgment—saving you thousands in private health insurance costs.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
1. Can I work on my Bridging Visa?
It depends on your previous visa and what you’ve applied for. If you apply for a Skilled or Partner visa, you usually get full work rights. If you’re on a Student Visa, your 48-fortnightly-hour limit may still apply until your bridging visa officially kicks in.
2. What happens if my substantive visa is refused?
If your visa application is refused, your bridging visa usually remains valid for 35 days to give you time to leave or lodge an appeal. If you appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), your bridging visa is usually extended until a decision is reached.
3. Can I apply for a Bridging Visa B from outside Australia?
No. You must be physically in Australia to apply for and be granted a BVB. If you are already overseas and your BVA has expired, you will need to apply for a different substantive visa (like a Visitor visa) to return.
4. How long does a Bridging Visa last?
There is no fixed expiry date. It lasts for as long as it takes the Department to make a final decision on your substantive visa application.
5. Do I need to apply for a Bridging Visa A?
Usually, no. If you lodge your application online through ImmiAccount, a BVA is typically granted automatically as part of the process. You will receive a separate "Bridging Visa Grant Notice" via email.
Confused about your current visa conditions? A mistake with your bridging status can lead to becoming "unlawful" in minutes. Contact Leading Edge Migration for a visa status check to ensure your rights are protected while you wait for your PR.
📞 Call us: +61 08 9221 8472
📍 Perth Office: Unit 3, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
📩 Email: info@leadingedgemigration.com.au
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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