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The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is important for visa holders in Australia who frequently travel overseas. This visa allows lawful re-entry into Australia while they wait for their substantive visa application to be processed. Although many think it is just an interim visa, it actually maintains the visa holders’ legal status when they need to leave the country for international travel.
This guide explains how to lodge a Bridging Visa B online in clear terms. It explains who is eligible, the documents you will need, and how to complete the process using ImmiAccount. It also covers the typical time the process takes, common issues people encounter, and why having a migration lawyer on your side can help you prepare a complete and accurate application.
A Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa that allows an individual who has a pending substantive visa to travel in and out of the country lawfully. A precondition to be granted this visa is that the individual must already be on a Bridging Visa A or another valid BVB.
Unlike a Bridging Visa A, which does not permit travel, the BVB includes a specified travel period. This period is determined by the Department of Home Affairs based on the applicant’s travel needs. The visa remains valid only until the substantive visa application is processed, i.e., until it is decided, withdrawn, or refused.
To lodge a Bridging Visa B application online, applicants must meet specific eligibility conditions. These conditions or criteria include:
To be eligible for a BVB, an applicant must have applied online for a new substantive visa (i.e., a Partner visa, Skilled visa, or other long-term/short-term visas) that is being processed, meaning the request is under review and no outcome has been determined yet. The applicant must also be physically present in Australia when they lodge their application for BVB.
Those who hold a Bridging Visa C, D, or E are not eligible to apply for a BVB. Only current holders of Bridging Visa A or B may be eligible, provided they meet the other criteria outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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It is also necessary for an applicant of BVB to have justifiable reasons to travel outside Australia while their main visa is still under process. The BVB allows multiple travels during the time specified in their grant letter, but the reasons must align with those stated in the letter.
The following are accepted as legitimate reasons for travelling on a bridging visa:
Strong proof, in the form of documentation, that supports the stated travel reasons must be provided. This documentation may include a detailed itinerary and corresponding evidence, such as medical records (if the travel is related to visiting an ill family member), a letter from the employer (regarding work commitments), and other documents that prove international travel is unavoidable.
A BVB remains valid until a decision on a main visa is made or the planned travel period expires, whichever happens first. The BVB maintains the work and study conditions of the underlying visa; it does not provide additional rights beyond those already granted.
It is essential that the applicant reviews the bridging visa conditions to understand exactly what they can and cannot do in terms of work and study. The validity of a BVB cannot be extended past its travel window. If an applicant needs to travel again in the future, a new bridging visa will be required.
While preparing to lodge a BVB, applicants must first gather all supporting documents to ensure that none are missing at the time of completing the application steps. This not only facilitates a smooth application process but also reduces the likelihood of processing delays.
The first set of documents to collect includes identity documents. The applicant must provide:
If the applicant had their name changed, additional documents as proof of this change may be required, such as a change of name document from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or a relevant authority in the applicant’s home country.
The applicant must adequately explain the reasons for travelling and back them up with solid, unquestionable evidence. This evidence may include:
Applicants may also need to submit additional documents, such as:
If a BVB application includes family members, each member is required to share their identity documents.
The online BVB process is designed for efficient completion through ImmiAccount. The steps below outline the standard sequence for lodging the application.
Applicants who do not already have an ImmiAccount must create one through the official Department of Home Affairs website. This account is used to manage all online applications, upload documents, pay fees, and track the processing status.
In ImmiAccount, choose Bridging Visa B from the side menu. The online version has replaced the former paper Bridging Visa Application.
The Form 1005 will request details such as personal information, current visa status, and reasons for travel. Applicants should answer all questions truthfully and accurately.
After completing the form, upload all supporting documentation. Attachments must be clear and legible. Each file should be labelled correctly (for example, “Passport – Primary Applicant” or “Travel Itinerary”).
A fee may apply for a Bridging Visa B application. The amount may change periodically and should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before submission. Payment can be made directly through ImmiAccount using approved methods.
Once all sections are completed and documents attached, the application can be submitted. Applicants receive a confirmation receipt with a reference number. The progress of the BVB visa application can be tracked online through ImmiAccount.
The Department does not provide processing times on its website and shares the outcome of each application through written correspondence.
The processing time for a Bridging Visa B depends on each applicant’s situation and the complexity of their case. Usually, a decision takes anywhere from a few business days to a couple of weeks. The Department assesses the completeness of your application, the evidence provided, and the urgency of your travel.
Each time a BVB is required, an applicant must not wait until the last minute. Applying two to four weeks ahead of the planned travel dates is recommended. The Department only speeds things up if there is a genuinely compelling or compassionate reason.
Applicants can check the status of their BVB application online by logging in to ImmiAccount and opening the ‘View application status’ screen. Under ‘Update us’, Saved applications appear as 'Incomplete', while submitted ones show as 'Submitted'.
Any correspondence from the Department, be it regarding finalised applications and related correspondence, can be found under ‘View application mailbox’.
If a BVB application takes longer than expected, double-check the uploaded documents to ensure nothing is missing or confusing. If documents are complete and accurate, reach out to the Department using the online enquiry form. Typically, the Department sends an update when processing is completed.
Some common issues that can affect the outcome or processing of a BVB application are:
For quick, hassle-free processing of a BVB, follow these best practices:
If your case is complex or you are working against a tight deadline, it is best to seek professional advice from a registered migration lawyer.
Filing a BVB can get tricky when your travel dates are tight or you are not completely clear on your visa conditions. A migration lawyer can step in to check if you meet the eligibility requirements and help you put together an application that covers everything you need.
Legal assistance matters most if your immigration situation is not straightforward: overlapping bridging visas or you need to prove you’ve got a good reason to travel. Lawyers also guide you through the implications of your travel plans for your main visa application. They can flag any risks, such as how leaving the country could slow things down or affect your bridging status. Having a lawyer on your side can make the process less stressful. You gain a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities under the Migration Act 1958, ensuring you are not left guessing.
Yes. A BVB application can be lodged while the current Bridging Visa A or B is still valid. The applicant must be in Australia when applying and when the decision is made.
The travel period is determined by the Department based on the reason for travel. It is usually between 3 weeks - 3 months, but this can vary.
A BVB cannot be extended once issued. If additional travel is required, a new application must be lodged before departure, provided the applicant remains in Australia.
Yes. A Bridging visa Australia cost applies and must be paid when submitting the online application.
The Bridging visa B processing time depends on factors such as the completeness of the application and the urgency of travel. Applicants should plan and apply well before their intended departure date.
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