Australia: The Bridging Visa
In Australia, maintaining continuity of employment and residency rights is a major concern for companies hosting foreign employees, especially given that visa processing times can often be very long.
What is a “Bridging Visa” in Australia?
A Bridging Visa is a temporary visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs. On its own, it does not constitute a work or study visa, but provides a legal transitional status covering the period between:
- The expiry of a current visa
- The decision on a new visa application or an administrative appeal
It therefore bridges two visa statuses and ensures a smooth transition.
In most cases, a Bridging Visa allows the holder to retain the same residency and work rights as their previous visa until a decision is made by the authorities, thereby safeguarding continuity of employment or student rights.
Bridging visa: Practical Examples
- Mr Dupont is currently in Australia on a subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa expiring on 12 June 2025. On 1 June 2025 (before his current visa expired), he applied for a subclass 186 visa to obtain permanent residency. Since processing times for permanent residency exceed 12 months, Mr Dupont will be granted a Bridging Visa A, covering the period between the expiry of his current visa and the authorities’ decision on his permanent residency application.
- Ms Dupond applied to renew her Working Holiday visa (subclass 417/462) on 1 September 2025, which was due to expire on 5 September 2025. She will automatically receive a Bridging Visa A during the transition between her current visa and the renewal of her WHV. For personal reasons, she wishes to travel to France during this period. While the Bridging Visa A allows her to leave Australia, it does not permit re-entry. To travel and return legally, Ms Dupond would need to apply for a Bridging Visa B.
Types of Bridging Visas
There are five types of Bridging Visas, each with different eligibility criteria and rights:
| Visa | When | Work allowed? | Travel allowed? | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridging Visa A(BVA Subclass 100) | Automatically granted when applying for a new visa before the current visa expires | Yes, under the same conditions as the previous visa | No — Bridging Visa B required for travel | Until a decision is made on the new visa application |
| Bridging Visa B(BVB Subclass 020) | Applied for by holders of a BVA or other Bridging Visa who wish to travel outside Australia during the waiting period | Yes, same conditions as previous visa | Yes | For a specified period, until a decision is made on the new visa |
| Bridging Visa C(BVC Subclass 030) | Automatically granted when applying for a new visa after the current visa has expired but before becoming unlawful | No, work is not automatic; a work request can be submitted if financial hardship is demonstrated | No — travel is possible with BVB, but not recommended | Until a decision is made on the new visa |
| Bridging Visa D(BVD Subclass 041) | Applied for if no valid visa remains and a few extra days are needed to lodge a new application or organise departure | No | Not allowed | Very short — usually up to 5 days |
| Bridging Visa E(BVE Subclass 050/051 | Applied for if in an unlawful status and seeking to regularise status or organise voluntary departure | Not automatic; work may be requested under conditions | Not allowed | Duration depends on the applicant’s administrative situation |
Obligations When Holding a Bridging Visa
A Bridging Visa is not a recruitment visa but a transitional visa. Both employers and employees must continue to comply with relevant obligations.
Employers should:
- Keep a copy of the Bridging Visa in HR records
- Verify work rights via VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online)
Employees should:
- Comply with the employment conditions of their previous visa
- Report any change of address or employment status
For those managing international mobility, the Australian Bridging Visa is an essential tool for ensuring legal continuity of assignments, avoiding interruptions in work rights, and remaining compliant with regulations. A clear understanding of the different types (BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD, BVE) and their conditions helps secure the presence of employees while maintaining the smooth execution of projects in Australia.
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- Mandatory formalities to complete
- The administrations responsible for the procedures
- Required documents
- Immigration statuses
