Bridging the Gap: Learn About Australia Bridge Visas in Detail 

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bridge visa australia

Bride visa Australia or the Subclass 010 visa is a temporary visa. The visa is granted to individuals to stay in Australia after the current visa expires, and the new visa is being processed. The visa acts as a ‘bridge’ here. Hence, it is also known as the bridge visa. The bridge visa is granted free of cost. However, applicants must be in Australia while applying for the same. Keep reading to learn more about the bridge visa in Australia.

What is a Bridge Visa Australia?

A Bridge visa in Australia is a temporary visa granted to individuals while their application for a visa is being processed. The bridge visa in Australia can only be applied if the applicant is in Australia. The visa permits individuals to stay in Australia legally while their immigration status is resolved. The type of bridging visa granted to an individual would depend on the circumstances on the individual applicant. Although a bridging visa allows a person to stay in Australia, only a  Bridging visa B (BVB) will allow the visa holder to leave Australia and re-enter the country. 

bridge visa australia

For further information about bridge visas visit; https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Types of Bridge Visa Australia 

There are different types of bridge visas in Australia. These are as follows:

Bridge visa typeDescription
Bridging Visa A (BVA)Stay in Australia while the current visa has expired. The applicant must have applied for another visa and its status must be in progress. The visa does not permit the individual to leave Australia.
Bridging Visa B (BVB)The visa permits the individual to leave Australia and come back while waiting for the approval of the substantive visa. 
Bridging Visa C (BVC)Non-Australians who want to file a valid application for a substantive visa can apply. The visa is for those whose current visa has expired.
Bridging Visa D (BVD)Stay in Australia for a short time when the visa has expired. The visa gives time to the applicant to prepare to leave Australia or to submit another visa application. This visa does not permit the individual to work in Australia. Moreover, returning to Australia is not possible if the person leaves the country.
Bridging Visa E (BVE)This visa gives sufficient time for the visa holder to leave Australia or to stay in the country while waiting for the immigration decision. The visa does not permit the individual to re-enter the country. Working in Australia is not possible.

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Bridge Visa Australia Eligibility

The general eligibility requirements for the bridge visa in Australia are as follows. The additional visa-specific information is provided in the table below:

  • Must be in Australia at the time of Application
  • The applicant can be of any age at the time of application
  • Have Applied for a substantive visa or judicial review
  • Additionally, the applicant must meet the character requirements. 
Bridge Visa TypeEligibility 
Bridging Visa A (BVA)The applicant must hold or must have held a substantive visa
Bridging Visa B (BVB)Be the holder of a BVA or a BVB
Bridging Visa C (BVC)Do not hold a Bridging visa E or a substantive visa
Bridging Visa D (BVD)You are either unable or do not want to apply for a substantive visa
Bridging Visa E (BVE)Be an unlawful non-citizen or hold a BVE (subclass 050) or hold a BVD (subclass 041)/Have been refused or bypassed immigration clearance

Bridge Visa Australia Documentation 

The documentation requirements for a bridging visa in Australia are as follows. Note. Apart from these general documentation requirements, the applicant must provide additional visa-specific requirements. All documentation information must be accurate.

bridge visa australia
  • Provide identity documents such as a passport, photographs, national identity card, and proof of a change of name (if applicable).
  • Proof of hardship- provide proof of the visa conditions of the applicant
  • Nominate a person to receive correspondence (Form 956A), and to provide immigration assistance (Form 956)
  • Prepare the documents and have all the same translated into English
  • Scan or photograph all the documents in color and save it all as 1 file. 

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Bridge Visa Australia  Application Process 

Before sending an application, make sure you already hold a BVA or BVB in VEVO. The applicant must hold a valid passport to apply for a bridge visa. After that, you can apply for the visa by gathering the essential documents.

The visa application process depends on how you have applied for the substantive visa (online or by paper form). The application for the bridging visa has to be sent the same way as the substantive visa application. Those who have applied using the Immi Account can apply for the bridging visa in Australia by logging in to the ImmiAccount and attaching the relevant documents. Similarly, those who have applied for the new substantive visa by paper form must submit this visa application via web form.

For further information on Bridge visas, you can watch the video below

Credit: @Nidhi-Vikas

Fees for Bridge Visa Australia  

The fees for Bridge Visa Australia are as follows. The visa fees can vary depending on the visa type.

Bridge visa typeFees
Bridging Visa A (BVA)Free
Bridging Visa B (BVB)AUD180.00
Bridging Visa C (BVC)Free
Bridging Visa D (BVD)NA
Bridging Visa E (BVE)Free

Bridge Visa Australia Visa Validity 

The bridge visa Australia visa validity is as follows:

Bridge visa typeVisa Validity 
Bridging Visa A (BVA)Temporarily
Bridging Visa B (BVB)Temporarily
Bridging Visa C (BVC)Temporarily
Bridging Visa D (BVD)Temporarily
Bridging Visa E (BVE)Temporarily

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FAQs

What is a bridging visa in Australia?

A bridging visa in Australia is a temporary visa. The visa is granted to Individuals to stay in Australia after their current visa expires. Individuals who have their substantive visa application in process can apply for the bridging visa. Applications for the visa have to be made before the current visa expires. 

Can a bridging visa apply for PR?

Yes. Those on a bridging visa can apply for Permanent Residency. Once the application for a permanent residency is accepted a person can become a permanent resident. 

How long can you stay in Australia on a bridging visa?

Australia bridging visa is granted on a temporary visa. Generally, this visa is granted for approximately 28 days. The 28-day period will end after a decision has been arrived at regarding your visa application. 

We hope you now understand what Bridge Visa Australia is. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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