In the complex world of Australian immigration, a bridging visa serves as a vital lifeline—allowing non-citizens to remain lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is being processed, or while they finalize arrangements to depart. As of 2026, bridging visas continue to play a critical role for many applicants — whether transitioning between student and graduate visas, awaiting partner or skilled visa decisions, or navigating protection-visa pathways.
This guide dives into the types of bridging visas, outlines the work rights that each offers and clarifies the travel entitlements and limitations. By understanding how these temporary visas function and their conditions, applicants can avoid visa-breach risks and remain in full compliance while awaiting their next immigration step.
What Are Bridging Visas — and Why They Matter
A bridging visa is a temporary visa granted to an applicant who has applied for another substantive visa (or whose visa has expired) and needs to maintain lawful status in Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), these visas keep a person legally in Australia while their immigration status is addressed.
Why it matters:
Without a bridging visa, an applicant whose current visa has expired may become unlawful—and that can lead to significant problems with future visa applications.
Bridging visas can carry work rights, allowing the holder to support themselves financially while they wait.
Bridging visas also govern travel rights—some allow international travel, while others do not. Understanding the specific subclass in play is crucial to avoid jeopardizing the application process.
Types of Bridging Visas in Australia (2026)
There are several bridging visa subclasses, each tailored for different scenarios. Here are the key ones:
Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010) — “BVA”
This is the most common bridging visa, and typically granted automatically when an applicant in Australia lodges a valid application for a new substantive visa and holds a prior visa.
Key points:
Works as a bridge from the current visa to the new one, maintaining lawful status.
Work rights: Depending on the conditions attached, many holders can work if their previous visa allowed it.
Travel: It does not allow international travel; leaving Australia cancels the BVA and the holder cannot re-enter on the BVA.
Ideal for: Applicants who remain in Australia while waiting for their substantive visa decision and who do not plan to depart.
Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) — “BVB”
This subclass is for those who hold a BVA (or other bridging visa) and need temporary travel privileges while their substantive visa application is still in process.
Key points:
Valid for a specified travel period (typically up to 3-12 months), enabling exit and re-entry to Australia.
Work rights: Often similar to those of a BVA (if previous visa allowed work) or may require a separate application for work rights.
Ideal for: Applicants who need to travel overseas for personal, business or compelling reasons while waiting for a decision.
Bridging Visa C (Subclass 030) — “BVC”
This subclass is granted when an applicant is in Australia but has no substantive visa (often if their prior visa has lapsed) and they lodge a new application.
Key points:
Lawful status is restored, but work rights may not be automatic; often limited and subject to additional hardship applications.
Travel: Usually no travel rights; leaving Australia usually means the BVC ceases.
Ideal for: Applicants who have become unlawful but have lodged a substantive visa application and need legal status during assessment.
Bridging Visa D (Subclass 041) — “BVD”
A short-term bridging visa granted for five days, allowing someone to legally remain while preparing to apply for another visa or depart Australia.
Key points:
Short duration (typically up to 5 days).
No travel right.
Work rights very unlikely.
Ideal for: Situations requiring immediate short-term status while making arrangements.
Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050/051) — “BVE”
This subclass is for individuals who are in Australia unlawfully or are awaiting a protection visa decision.
Key points:
Lawful status is restored, but work rights and Medicare access may not be granted automatically. Often special permission is required.
Travel: Generally no travel rights.
Ideal for: Applicants in complex legal or protection visa scenarios who need lawful status while their case is decided.
Work Rights on Bridging Visas: What You Need to Know
Work rights vary widely depending on which subclass of bridging visa is held and the conditions of the person’s previous substantive visa.
Key points to consider:
Check your conditions: The grant letter and the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system show whether you have a condition like 8101 – ‘No work’ or other restrictions.
Work rights mirror prior visa sometimes: For a BVA, if the earlier substantive visa allowed full work, the BVA may also allow it. But this isn’t guaranteed—some conditions carry over (such as student-visa work limits).
Applying for work rights when none exist: If a bridging visa has a “no work” restriction (common with BVC or BVE), it’s possible to apply to the Department for removal or variation of that condition by demonstrating financial hardship or other compelling reason.
Employers must verify work rights: Employers hiring bridging visa holders must check via VEVO that the worker is legally permitted to work. Non-compliance may result in penalties.
Summary: Always verify work rights before starting any employment while holding a bridging visa. Ignoring conditions can jeopardize both employment and visa outcomes.
Travel Rights & Limitations
Travel rights for bridging visa holders differ by subclass and explicit condition. Making an overseas trip without proper approval may trigger cancellation of the visa and/or the substantive visa application.
BVA (010): Leaving Australia cancels the visa automatically; re-entry is not permitted unless another valid visa is granted.
BVB (020): Designed to permit travel; a travel period will be specified on the visa grant. Ensure the travel window is respected and conditions met.
BVC (030), BVD (041), BVE (050/051): Generally do not allow travel outside Australia while visa is active. Departing the country will often mean the visa ends and re-entry may not be possible.
Travel strategy tips:
If intending travel while your substantive visa decision is pending, apply for a BVB and keep documentation showing the “substantial reason” for travel.
Always check the travel condition in your grant letter or on VEVO before booking flights.
Leaving Australia without appropriate bridging travel rights can result in being barred from returning on the substantive visa application.
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Common Scenarios & Practical Tips (2026)
Scenario 1: Student visa transition to Graduate visa.
An international student in Australia lodges a substantive Graduate visa (Subclass 485) application before the student visa expires. A BVA is granted automatically, allowing continuation of study or work while awaiting the decision. The student must check if their prior student visa had work limits (e.g., 48 hours/week), since those may carry over.
Tip: Verify VEVO, keep employment under legal limits, and don’t plan any overseas travel unless a BVB is granted.
Scenario 2: Applicant needs to travel while waiting on a Partner visa.
Someone applies for a Couple visa while in Australia; they hold a BVA. They must leave for a family emergency overseas. If they depart without applying for a BVB, the BVA will cease and they cannot return.
Tip: Lodge a separate BVB with the reason for travel, confirm re-entry rights, then travel safely.
Scenario 3: Protection visa applicant on Bridging Visa E.
An asylum seeker has applied for a Protection visa and holds a BVE. The visa has condition 8101 (no work) and no travel rights. They require work rights due to hardship. They must apply for variation of conditions and demonstrate financial need.
Tip: Seek legal advice, supply full evidence—working without rights may void future visa applications.
Checklist for Bridging Visa Holders in 2026
Before starting employment or planning travel, consider the following:
✅ Check your grant letter and VEVO to see the exact visa subclass, start date and conditions.
✅ Determine whether works rights are allowed, restricted or prohibited; note any tags (e.g., 8101) that stop work.
✅ If you plan to travel, ensure your bridging visa allows it (BVB) or apply accordingly.
✅ Keep records of employment hours, contracts, and ensure compliance with your visa’s conditions.
✅ Do not depart Australia if your bridging visa ceases on leaving — unless you have a valid travel opportunity via BVB or substantive visa.
✅ Maintain lawful status—keep track of the expiry of previous substantive visa and ensure the bridging visa is in effect.
✅ Seek professional assistance if there is any doubt about rights or conditions — working or travelling illegally has serious consequences.
Call to Action
If holding or about to receive a bridging visa in Australia, now is the time to check your work conditions, read your grant letter carefully, and plan any travel only once you’re sure it’s permitted. Share this article with anyone in visa transition, subscribe for updates on immigration policy, and comment below with your subclass and any rights questions — understanding your bridging status means staying lawful and prepared for your next visa step.
Conclusion
Bridging visas remain a key feature of the Australian immigration system in 2026 — offering continuity of legal status, potential work rights and, in some cases, travel privileges while awaiting a substantive visa decision. Although they may seem temporary and technical, the conditions attached (work, travel, lawful status) are highly important and can impact future migration prospects.
By understanding the differences between major subclasses (BVA, BVB, BVC, BVE), knowing your rights under each, and abiding by travel conditions, bridging visa holders position themselves for a smoother transition. Proper planning now ensures the bridging period becomes a strategic phase—not a risk—on the path to future residency or visa outcomes.
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