Australia's visa system includes many visa subclasses. One class of visas is the bridging visa. Bridging visas serve as temporary authorisations for those whose substantive visas have expired. This guide explains the differences between Bridging Visa A, B, and C.
What Is a Bridging Visa?
A bridging visa is a temporary visa issued to non-citizens. It confers a legal status on these individuals, which allows them to stay in Australia lawfully during a period of transition.
This period is when the Department of Home Affairs reviews a new application. Bridging visas only act as a “bridge” between two substantive visas and do not offer a pathway to permanent residency.
What Is a Substantive Visa?
A substantive visa is any visa other than a Bridging Visa, Criminal Justice Visa, or Enforcement Visa. It grants permission to an individual to stay in Australia for specific purposes, such as to study, work, or visit family.
Some common substantive visas are the Student visa (Subclass 500), Visitor visa (Subclass 600), Partner visas (onshore and offshore), Family visas, and Skilled visas (Skills in Demand 820).
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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Common Situations Where Bridging Visas Are Granted
The Department grants a bridging visa in only specific circumstances, such as when an individual:
- Is awaiting the Department’s decision on their new substantive visa application
- Seeks judicial review of a visa refusal
- Has an expired substantive visa and requires a bridging visa to remain lawfully in Australia
Overview of Bridging Visa A (BVA)
The Bridging Visa A (BVA), or Subclass 010, is most common. It is issued automatically upon the submission of an onshore visa application.
Who Is Eligible for Bridging Visa A?
To be eligible for a BVA, the applicant must be in Australia at the time of their application. They must also hold a substantive visa when they lodge the new application. If the substantive visa has already expired, the applicant is generally ineligible for a BVA.
Key Features of Bridging Visa A
The BVA is granted once the current substantive visa expires. It allows the holder to remain in Australia indefinitely until a decision is made on their new application. If a BVA holder departs Australia, the visa does not allow them to return, and it ceases immediately.
This visa usually carries the same work conditions as the previous substantive visa, so if the previous visa allowed full work rights, the BVA continues those rights.
Common Scenarios for Bridging Visa A
When a student's visa expires, they can apply for a BVA. In the case where their student visa expires, for instance, in two weeks, the BVA takes effect automatically on the expiration of their substantive visa.
Similarly, a tourist may apply for a Partner (subclass 820) visa while in Australia. A BVA will allow them to stay and work in the country while the Department processes the permanent residency application.
Overview of Bridging Visa B (BVB)
The Bridging Visa B (BVB), or Subclass 020, is a travel-only visa. It is for individuals who need to leave Australia temporarily while their substantive visa application is under review.
What Is Bridging Visa B?
A BVB is the only bridging visa that permits international travel. It acts as an extension of the BVA. It provides a defined travel period. This period allows the holder to exit and re-enter Australia without cancelling their bridge to a substantive visa.
Who Can Apply for Bridging Visa B?
Only holders of a Bridging Visa A with a valid reason to travel outside of Australia (e.g., family emergencies, business requirements) can apply for this visa. The applicant must be in Australia during the application process.
Key Features of Bridging Visa B
The BVB has a specific expiry date for travel. The holder must return to Australia before this date. Failure to return on time results in the loss of the right to re-enter. The work rights on a BVB are identical to those on the applicant's BVA. There is a government application fee for the BVB.
When Do You Need a Bridging Visa B?
You need a BVB whenever you plan to leave Australia while waiting for a visa decision. Leaving on a BVA will prevent your return. Applicants should apply for the BVB at least two to three weeks before their intended departure date.
Overview of Bridging Visa C (BVC)
The Bridging Visa C (BVC), or subclass 030, is for individuals who have already become unlawful non-citizens.
Who Is Eligible for Bridging Visa C?
An individual is eligible for a BVC if they apply for a substantive visa while not holding a valid visa. This often happens when a person forgets their visa expiry date. The BVC allows them to stay legally while their new application is processed.
Key Features of Bridging Visa C
There is no BVC equivalent to the BVB travel authority. If a BVC holder leaves Australia, they cannot return on that visa. Work rights are not automatically granted on a BVC. Most BVC holders receive Condition 8101, which prohibits work.
Common Scenarios for Bridging Visa C
A visitor stays past their visa expiry by three days. They then apply for a different substantive visa. Because they were unlawful at the time of application, they receive a BVC. Another scenario may be when an applicant whose previous bridging visa was cancelled applies for a merits review.
Key Differences Between Bridging Visa A, B, and C
The following differences between the three bridging visas impact applicants’ long-term migration strategy:
Eligibility Differences
The BVA requires a valid substantive visa at the time of application. The BVB requires an existing BVA. The BVC is for those without a substantive visa. This distinction is critical. Applying while unlawful automatically demotes the applicant to a BVC.
Work Rights Comparison
BVA holders usually inherit work rights from their previous visa. BVC holders usually start with no work rights. To work on a BVC, the applicant must apply for a new BVC without work restrictions. They must prove financial hardship. The Department examines the applicant's bank statements and expenses to determine if work is necessary for survival.
Travel Rights Comparison
The BVA and BVC provide no travel rights. Only the BVB allows a person to leave and return to Australia. BVC holders have no pathway to obtain travel rights. If a BVC holder has a family emergency overseas, they must choose to stay in Australia or abandon their visa application.
Flexibility and Visa Pathways
The BVA is the most flexible. It allows for a transition to a BVB if travel is required. The BVC is rigid. It is a “last resort” visa to keep an individual lawful. Moving from a BVC to a more flexible visa status is difficult without a substantive visa grant.
Bridging Visa A vs B vs C: Comparison Table
Other Types of Bridging Visas (Brief Overview)
Other bridging visas exist for specific needs:
- Bridging Visa D (BVD) subclasses 040 and 041 are short-term visas (valid only for 5 days from the date of issuance) for people whose current visa validity has ended.
- Bridging Visa E (BVE) subclasses 050 and 051 are for people making arrangements to leave Australia or waiting for a protection visa decision.
Risks of Holding the Wrong Bridging Visa
Errors in the bridging visa application can have serious repercussions:
Visa Cancellation and Unlawful Stay
The Department can cancel a bridging visa if the holder breaches a condition. For example, working on a BVC without authorisation is a breach. If a visa is cancelled, the holder becomes an unlawful non-citizen.
Impact on Future Visa Applications
A history of being an unlawful non-citizen can damage future prospects. It may trigger “no further stay” conditions. It can also affect the "Genuine Temporary Entrant" requirement for student visas.
Work and Travel Breaches
Travelling on a BVA is a common mistake. Applicants may assume they can return if they have a pending application. But once the plane leaves Australia, the BVA is void. Re-entry becomes nearly impossible without a new substantive visa.
When Should You Seek Migration Advice?
Migration law is technical. Small errors in timing can change a BVA into a BVC. This change removes travel rights and complicates work rights. Applicants should consult a registered migration agent if they are currently unlawful.
Advice is also necessary if an applicant needs to travel urgently but holds a BVA. Professional guidance helps ensure the applicant meets all criteria for their specific subclass. At Australian Migration Agents, we provide applicants access to registered professionals who understand current legislative requirements and can offer tailored guidance so your application meets the Department’s standards.
Contact our team today!
FAQ
What Is the Main Difference Between Bridging Visas A, B, and C?
The main difference is the status of the applicant when they apply. BVA is for those with a valid visa. BVB is for BVA holders who need to travel. BVC is for those who are already unlawful.
Can I Work on a Bridging Visa C?
Most BVCs are granted with a “no work” restriction. To work, you must apply for a new BVC (use Form 1005). You must demonstrate that you are in financial hardship. The Department will assess your claim before granting work rights.
Do I Need a Bridging Visa B to Travel Overseas?
Yes. You must apply for a BVB and receive a grant notification before you leave the country. Do not book travel until the BVB is granted.
What Happens If My Bridging Visa Expires?
If your bridging visa expires, you lose your lawful status immediately. You could be put into detention or deported.
Can a Bridging Visa Affect My Permanent Residency Application?
A bridging visa does not negatively impact the merit of a PR application. But violating its conditions can result in the refusal of a substantive visa based on non-compliance.
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