When you lodge a substantive visa application in Australia, you may be issued a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while your application is processed. However, the BVA does not allow international travel. If you need to leave Australia and return while your application is pending, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before you depart. Getting this wrong, departing on a BVA without a BVB, means you will not be able to return to Australia on your bridging visa.
What Is the Bridging Visa B?
The Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) is a temporary visa that allows a person whose substantive visa application is pending to leave Australia and return within an agreed travel period. The BVB must be applied for and granted before you leave Australia. It has a specific return by date, you must return to Australia before that date, otherwise the BVB ceases and you may not be able to re-enter Australia on the basis of your pending application.
How to Apply for a Bridging Visa B
BVB applications are made through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount. Check the current application fee for the BVB on the DHA website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging. You should apply before your departure and make sure the BVB is granted before you leave. Do not assume that approval is automatic, you must receive confirmation that the BVB has been granted before travelling.
The return by date on the BVB is typically set based on the purpose of your travel. The DHA will set a return by date that is reasonable for your travel purpose. If your travel extends beyond the return date, you must apply for a new BVB while overseas, which requires contacting the DHA from outside Australia. This is a more complex situation and should be avoided if possible.
Practical Tips for Travelling on a Bridging Visa B
Apply for the BVB well before your travel date, do not leave it until the last moment. Check the return by date on your BVB grant letter carefully and book your return flight with adequate buffer before that date. Do not cut it close, flight delays, missed connections, or unexpected disruptions can mean returning after the deadline.
Keep digital and paper copies of your BVB grant letter while travelling. Airlines and border officials may request evidence of your authority to re-enter Australia. Carry your BVB grant notice and ImmiAccount details.
If your circumstances change while overseas, for example, your travel is extended by an emergency. Contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent immediately. Applying for a new BVB from overseas is possible but involves additional steps.
When you return to Australia, your bridging visa status is restored and your substantive visa application continues to be processed.
What Happens if You Miss the Return Deadline?
If you return to Australia after the BVB’s return by date has passed, the BVB has ceased. You will not have a valid visa to return on, which means you may be refused entry to Australia. This is a serious consequence that can significantly complicate your visa application. Prevention is straightforward: know your return date and return before it.
Conclusion
The Bridging Visa B is a practical and important visa for anyone who needs to travel while an Australian visa application is pending. The key rules are simple: apply before you leave, confirm the return by date, and return before that date. If you have any concerns about your bridging visa arrangements or travel plans, contact Migration Guru for advice before you depart. Ready to take the next step? Contact Migration Guru today. Call +61 7 3036 3800, email info@migrationguru.com.au or visit migrationguru.com.au. ### LINKEDIN POST
One of the most avoidable migration mistakes: departing Australia on a Bridging Visa A (BVA) without first geting a Bridging Visa B (BVB).
The BVA keeps you lawfully in Australia while your visa application is being processed. It does not allow international travel. If you leave Australia on a BVA without a BVB, you will not be able to return to Australia on your bridging visa.
What you need to know about the BVB:
- Apply through ImmiAccount before you depart, the BVB must be granted before you leave
- Check the return by date on your grant letter, return before this date, not just on it
- Book flights with buffer, delays, missed connections, or illness can push return travel past the deadline
- If you need to extend your time overseas: contact the DHA or your migration agent before your return date expires
Missing the return deadline means your BVB ceases and you lose your ability to re-enter on the basis of your pending application. It is an entirely preventable situation.
Travelling while your application is pending? Migration Guru can advise on your BVB arrangements.
Contact Us
Phone: +61 7 3036 3800
Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
Website: migrationguru.com.au
