22/04/2026
π¦πΊ FOUR BRIDGING VISAS β MOST PEOPLE DONβT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
If youβre in Australia on a temporary visa, understanding bridging visas isnβt optional β itβs essential.
One wrong assumption can affect your work rights, travel plans, or even your ability to stay lawfully in Australia.
Hereβs a simple breakdown of the four main bridging visas and what they actually mean for you π
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π’ Bridging Visa A (BVA) β Subclass 010
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This is the most common bridging visa. It is usually granted automatically when you apply for a new visa while your current visa is still valid.
β Allows you to remain lawfully in Australia
β Work rights usually mirror your previous visa conditions
β Does NOT allow international travel
β Important: If you leave Australia while holding a BVA, the visa ceases automatically. You may not be able to return.
Before travelling overseas, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) first.
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π΅ Bridging Visa B (BVB) β Subclass 020
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This is the only bridging visa that allows you to travel overseas and return to Australia legally.
β Lawful stay in Australia
β Temporary travel permission
β Work rights generally continue from your BVA
Important points:
β’ Must be applied for separately
β’ Not granted automatically
β’ Apply through ImmiAccount before travel
β’ Processing can take several weeks
β’ Always check your VEVO status before returning to Australia
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π Bridging Visa C (BVC) β Subclass 030
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A BVC is generally granted when a person applies for another visa after their previous visa has already expired.
This places you in a much weaker immigration position.
β Restores lawful status from the grant date
β Usually comes with no work rights
β No travel rights
β Can negatively affect future visa pathways
The biggest lesson here:
Apply for your next visa BEFORE your current visa expires.
Ideally, start preparing 2β3 months early.
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π£ Bridging Visa E (BVE) β Subclass 050
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This is often considered the βlast resortβ bridging visa.
It may be granted after a visa refusal, visa cancellation, release from immigration detention, or while someone is arranging departure from Australia.
β Provides short-term lawful status
β Usually no automatic work rights
β No travel rights
β If you are on a BVE, urgent professional advice is strongly recommended. Deadlines for appeals or further action can be extremely short.
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π THE GOLDEN RULES
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1οΈβ£ Never leave Australia on a BVA without first obtaining a BVB
2οΈβ£ Apply for your next visa before your current visa expires
3οΈβ£ Always check your visa conditions through VEVO
4οΈβ£ If your visa is refused, act immediately β delays can seriously limit your options
Every migration situation is different, and small mistakes can have major consequences.
Iβm Fahad Shamim, a registered migration agent based in Melbourne (MARN: 2619225 | QEAC: G12906).
If you need personalised guidance, visit Edvise Hub or send a message for professional advice.
People. Not Paper. π€
π Share this with someone on a bridging visa β it could genuinely help them avoid a costly mistake.