Australian Bridging Visas mainly include A, B, C, D, and E. The key differences lie in applicable scenarios, travel rights, and work rights.BVA is the most common. It bridges your previous visa (with the same work conditions) but does not allow travel.BVB allows short-term travel overseas while waiting for a new visa.BVC is granted when you lodge a new visa without holding a valid substantive visa.BVD is a very short-term visa granted after a visa expires.BVE is for people who have lost lawful status, usually to arrange departure or wait for a decision, and typically has no work rights.
Comparison of Bridging Visas
- Bridging Visa A (BVA)
- Applicable to: Applicants who lodge a new substantive visa before their current visa expires (most common scenario).
- Work rights: Same as the previous substantive visa.
- Travel: Generally no travel allowed (unless a BVB is granted).
- Bridging Visa B (BVB)
- Applicable to: Applicants who need to travel overseas temporarily while waiting for a new visa (e.g. travel or urgent personal matters).
- 工作：与持有BVA时类似，取决于前签条件。
- Travel: Allows travel and return to Australia within a specified period.
- Bridging Visa C (BVC)
- Applicable to: Applicants who apply for a new substantive visa while in Australia without holding any substantive visa or bridging visa.
- 工作：通常无工作权利。
- Travel: If you leave Australia, you will not be able to re-enter.
- Bridging Visa D (BVD)
- Applicable to: Granted when a visa has expired and no other visa can be granted immediately; used as a very short-term transition.
- 工作：无工作权利。
- Travel: Temporary only; applicants must leave Australia as soon as possible or apply for a BVE.
- Bridging Visa E (BVE)
- Applicable to: For people who have lost lawful status and cannot apply for another visa, and are arranging departure or waiting for an immigration decision.
- 工作：一般无工作权利，视情况而定。
- Travel: Primarily used to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting to depart.
Common Questions
- Can I work while holding a bridging visa during a visa change?
If you are switching from a Visitor visa (subclass 600) to a Student visa (subclass 500): No, you cannot work.
If you are switching from a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) to a Student visa: Yes, you can work.
Bridging visa work rights follow the work conditions of your previous visa.
- I lodged a new visa and immediately received a bridging visa. Does that mean it is already in effect?
No. The bridging visa only comes into effect after your current visa expires.
- Is there a fee for bridging visas? .
Only BVB has a fee.
All other bridging visas are free of charge