It is extremely important to lodge your new visa application before your current visa expires. If you do not apply in time, you may become unlawful in Australia, which means you no longer hold a valid visa to remain in the country. Being unlawful can have serious consequences and may affect future visa applications.

Many students and visa holders often worry when they realise their visa is about to expire. You might be thinking, “My visa expires at the end of this week. There’s no way I can receive a new visa in time.” This is where bridging visas become important.

Bridging visas allow visa holders to remain legally in Australia while their new visa application is being processed. In some cases, they may also apply while waiting for a decision from the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), during Ministerial intervention requests, or in exceptional circumstances.

Bridging Visa A (BVA) is typically granted automatically when a person lodges a valid visa application while holding a current substantive visa in Australia. This visa allows the applicant to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for the outcome of their new visa application. In many cases, BVA holders may continue working or studying, depending on the conditions of their previous visa. However, a Bridging Visa A does not provide travel rights. If the visa holder leaves Australia, the bridging visa will cease.

Bridging visa B (BVB) gives the applicant the right to travel outside, and return to Australia in a specified time whilst your application for a visa is being decided. 

Bridging Visa C (BVC) may be granted when a person applies for a visa while they are already unlawful in Australia. For example, if someone’s visa expired and they later apply for a partner visa, they may receive a Bridging Visa C. This visa generally does not include work rights or travel rights.

Bridging Visa D (BVD) is usually granted to someone who is unlawful in Australia and has attempted to apply for a visa, but their application was invalid. This visa provides a short period, usually five working days, to lodge a valid visa application.

Bridging Visa E (BVE) is granted to a non‑citizen who has overstayed their visa or had their visa cancelled. It allows the individual to remain in Australia temporarily while they make arrangements to depart the country or resolve their immigration status.

Visa processing times can vary significantly, it is always advisable to lodge your visa application well before your current visa expires. This helps ensure you remain lawful in Australia throughout the process.

It is also important to check your visa status through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm that your visa is active and to understand any conditions attached to it.

Bridging visas are a temporary mechanism that allows non‑Australian citizens to remain in Australia lawfully while their immigration matters are being resolved. However, each bridging visa comes with specific conditions. If you are unsure about your visa status or obligations, it is always best to seek professional advice.

SEA’s MARA‑registered migration advisor, Jessica Yuen (MARN: 2117701), can assist with a wide range of migration matters, including student visas, Temporary Graduate visas, skilled visas, and partner visas.