Bridging Visa B (BVB)

Everything You Need to Know:

Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) is a temporary visa that allows certain visa applicants in Australia to travel overseas and return while awaiting a decision on their main (substantive) visa application. It is an essential option if you need to leave Australia for a short period without jeopardising your pending visa.

What Is a Bridging Visa B and Who Is Eligible?

A Bridging Visa B (BVB) lets you depart and re-enter Australia lawfully while your substantive visa application is being processed. In other words, if you have applied for a new visa in Australia and that application is still undecided, a BVB can give you the freedom to travel overseas temporarily and come back without losing your immigration status. Only the BVB (Subclass 020) carries this travel permission – if you leave Australia holding any other type of bridging visa (such as a Bridging Visa A), that visa will cease and you won’t be able to return on it.

To be eligible for a BVB, you must already hold a Bridging Visa A or an existing Bridging Visa B at the time you apply. Typically, this means you have made a valid application for a substantive visa (for example, a partner visa, student visa, etc.) in Australia, and you were granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to stay while waiting for the outcome. A BVB is essentially an upgrade of your BVA to allow travel.

Always plan ahead and lodge the BVB application well in advance of travel.

Travel validity:

 A Bridging Visa B is granted with a defined travel period – a date range during which you are permitted to exit and re-enter Australia. This travel period can vary from a few weeks up to a few months (in some cases up to 12 months) depending on your reasons and the anticipated timeframe of your substantive visa decision. The travel period is not automatically the entire duration of your bridging visa; often it’s shorter. For example, a BVB might let you travel for 3 months from the date of grant. If you return within that period, your BVB remains in effect and you can continue waiting in Australia. If you do not return before the travel period expires, your bridging visa will cease while you are overseas (since its travel validity has ended). In that case, you would not be able to re-enter Australia on that BVB – you would need to obtain another substantive visa to come back.

In short, do not overstay your BVB’s travel validity outside Australia.

If Your Bridging Visa B Is Refused – What Happens?

Not every BVB application is granted. A common refusal reason (aside from character issues) is failing to convince the Department that you have “substantial reasons” to travel while your visa is processing.

Applicants for a Bridging B visa (BVB) must show “substantial” reasons to leave and re-enter Australia at both the time of application and the time of decision. The law does not define “substantial” but it is taken to mean reasons that are real, actual, important, and of real value. For instance, if someone wishes to visit a seriously ill parent overseas, they must also provide evidence that the parent is indeed ill and outside Australia.

Substantial reasons can fall into several categories. These include employment, business, or education (such as attending work or study conferences, business meetings, or academic research activities); family and personal events (such as visiting a very ill family member, attending a wedding or culturally important event, or going to a funeral); or matters connected to the person’s visa application (such as medical treatment, collecting required documents, resolving custody issues, or taking a holiday if visa processing or review is delayed). These examples are not exhaustive, and decision-makers must use their judgment to decide whether a reason is substantial.

Where applicants claim delays in visa processing as a reason for personal travel, decision-makers are expected to check records and published processing times to confirm if delays are indeed prolonged. In urgent cases, such as needing to attend a funeral, applicants may not have time to supply evidence, and decision-makers may accept available information and exercise judgment to decide whether there is a genuine need to travel. In all cases, reasons must be documented clearly when a decision is made.

The case officer must be satisfied your need to travel is important and genuine – such as a serious family emergency, important business travel, or other significant commitments. If they are not satisfied, they may refuse the BVB.

Need Assistance:

If you need assistance with your Bridging Visa B application, we at Visamigo are here to help. We specialize in guiding individuals through the complexities of visa applications, including the Bridging Visa B (BVB). Whether you're looking to stay lawfully in Australia while awaiting a decision on your substantive visa or need the flexibility to travel in and out of the country during the process, our expert team is here to provide you with the support you need. We will ensure that you fully understand the requirements, conditions, and deadlines associated with the Bridging Visa B, making the entire process as smooth and efficient as possible. Reach out to us today, and let us assist you every step of the way.

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 Disclaimer: Important notice for all our social media followers and website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it is recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.