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Bridging visa B (BVB) Australia

Stay in Australia lawfully while your immigration status is resolved

The Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to stay legally in Australia while your new substantive visa application is processed. It permits travel outside of Australia for a specified period. Apply for a BVB with a valid bridging visa A, including necessary supporting documents and adhering to the prescribed time frame.

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The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

What is the bridging visa B (BVB)?

The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa that allows visa holders in Australia to stay legally while their new substantive visa application is being processed. This visa also permits travel outside of Australia for a specified period. To apply for a BVB, you must meet eligibility criteria, including holding a current bridging visa A, and submit a valid BVB application with supporting documents. If you are undergoing judicial review or need to travel, you should apply separately for this visa. Ensure that you apply within the prescribed timeframe and comply with visa conditions to facilitate your proposed journey and maintain lawful status.

Eligibility requirements for the bridging visa B (BVB)

To be eligible for an Australia Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020), you must be on a Bridging Visa A and in Australia and ensure that you remain there until the visa is granted. This visa is available to those who currently hold a Bridging Visa A or another Bridging Visa B. You must have previously held a substantive visa, and you need to have made a valid application for a new substantive visa or initiated judicial review proceedings within the prescribed time frame. The Bridging Visa B allows for travel outside of Australia and return within the specified travel period, provided you can demonstrate substantial reasons and have sufficient validity remaining. It also requires compliance with all conditions of your current or previous substantive visa. For detailed guidance on your Bridging Visa B application, consult a professional migration agent at Australian Migration Lawyers. 

Benefits of a bridging visa B (BVB)

  • Legal Stay in Australia: The Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your new substantive visa application is being processed. This visa ensures that you stay in a valid visa status after your current substantive visa ceases. It provides legal protection throughout the period while your application for a substantive visa or judicial review is being processed, maintaining compliance with Australian laws.
  • Travel Facility: Unlike other bridging visas, the BVB grants a travel facility allowing you to travel outside of Australia and return within the defined travel period. This travel facility is crucial if you need to leave Australia temporarily but wish to re-enter Australia before the specified date. The visa supports both single and multiple travel depending on the grant, giving flexibility for international travel.
  • Continued Employment: The BVB allows you to continue working in Australia if you meet certain criteria or if you can demonstrate financial hardship. It ensures you can maintain employment and manage work restrictions while your visa is being processed. If your current bridging visa does not permit work, you may apply for a BVB with work rights under specific conditions.
  • Maintain Valid Status: Holding a BVB ensures you remain in valid visa status while awaiting the outcome of your new visa or judicial review proceedings. This visa keeps you in compliance with visa conditions and prevents unlawful status once your current substantive visa ceases. It also allows you to remain legally in Australia while awaiting the final determination of your application or merits review tribunal decision.

Family Inclusion: The BVB allows you to include family members in your application, providing them with legal status and travel rights. This inclusion ensures that dependents are covered under the same visa conditions, offering them the ability to remain in Australia and travel with you during the specified travel period. Only those family members listed in your application form will benefit from these provisions.

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How the bridging visa B (BVB) works?

To apply for a Subclass 020 Bridging Visa B (BVB), you must hold a current Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B. You need to have submitted a bridging visa application for a substantive visa, which is still under review, or have initiated judicial proceedings or a judicial review process concerning a prior substantive visa decision within the statutory timeframe, with the merits review tribunal still pending. This visa allows for single or multiple travel outside Australia within the specified travel period, provided you can demonstrate financial hardship to apply for work rights. If your current bridging visa does not permit work, you can apply for a new bridging visa with work rights. Ensure you submit a valid application form and include a valid passport with your online or paper application. The visa outcome will be communicated through a grant letter once your application is finally determined.

Benefits of using Australian Migration Lawyers for your bridging visa B

Our Australian Migration Lawyers are essential in navigating the complexities of securing a Bridging Visa B (BVB). We provide expert consultation, assist with gathering and reviewing the necessary documents, and ensure your bridging visa application is submitted accurately. Our team also represents you in communications with immigration authorities, addressing any issues that arise during the process. Engaging our services can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a BVB, help you understand and comply with visa conditions, and effectively manage any challenges, such as maintaining valid travel rights or meeting specific visa requirements.

Bridging visa B (BVB) costs

There is a fee of AUD185.00 associated with applying for a BVB. 

Visa application process

Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.

1. Consultation and engagement

2. Preparation and support

3. Submission and communication

4. Representation and success

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Bridging visa B (BVB) processing times

Processing times for the Bridging Visa B (BVB) are variable, but typically range from one to two weeks. To avoid delays and ensure a smooth application process, the Department of Home Affairs advises applicants to consider this timeframe when making travel plans.

Meet your bridging visa team

We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.

Locations

We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.

Frequently asked questions

Read our most commonly asked questions about the bridging visa B in Australia

How long can I stay in Australia on a bridging visa B?

The length of your stay in Australia on a Bridging Visa B (BVB) depends on various outcomes related to your current visa situation. Your BVB remains valid until one of the following occurs: your application for a substantive visa is refused, your merits review or judicial review is decided, you withdraw your application, or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or merits review tribunal tells you it lacks jurisdiction. It can also end if the BVB or the current visa it is associated with is canceled, or if you are granted the substantive visa linked to the BVB. For precise details on your stay duration, check VEVO after the outcome is determined.

Who is eligible for a bridging visa B in Australia?

To be eligible for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), you must meet several criteria. First, you need to have previously held a substantive visa. You must also currently hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or another BVB. Eligibility includes having made a valid application for a new substantive visa or initiating judicial review proceedings within the prescribed timeframe. If you wish to travel, you must provide substantial reasons and attach supporting documents explaining why you need to leave and re-enter Australia while your substantive visa application or judicial review is pending. Additionally, you must meet character requirements and can apply regardless of age.

What is a bridging visa B versus C?

A Bridging Visa B (BVB) and a Bridging Visa C (BVC) serve different purposes for individuals in Australia. A BVB is designed for those who hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or a substantive visa and need to leave Australia temporarily, with the ability to return. This visa facilitates re-entry into Australia after international travel. In contrast, a BVC is for individuals who are currently in Australia unlawfully but have applied for a substantive visa. The BVC allows these individuals to stay lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa application is processed. 

Can I extend my bridging visa B?

You cannot extend the travel period of your Bridging Visa B (BVB) once it has been granted, as the visa grant notice specifies a fixed travel period. If you are in Australia when this period expires and need to travel internationally again, you must apply for a new Bridging Visa B.

About the content author

Perry Q Wood
Partner - Principal Migration Lawyer

Perry Q Wood is National President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative and migration lawyers. To date, he has been involved in 1,000+ migration and refugee matters.

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