Bridging Visa A (BVA): What It Is, How It Activates, Conditions
A Bridging Visa A is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while your substantive visa application is being processed. It's automatically granted when you lodge a valid visa application while holding a substantive visa in Australia. The BVA doesn't kick in until your current visa expires — at that point, it activates and keeps you lawful until a decision is made on your new application. Most onshore visa applicants will hold a BVA at some point during processing.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 010 |
| Cost | Free (granted automatically) |
| How you get it | Automatically when you lodge a valid onshore visa application |
| Duration | Until your substantive visa is decided |
| Work rights | Depends on conditions — not always |
| Travel | Cannot re-enter Australia if you leave |
| Can be extended | Remains until visa decision (or further BVA if you apply again) |
How the BVA Works
The BVA is a safety net. When you apply for a new visa while you're in Australia on a valid visa, the Department automatically grants a BVA. Here's the sequence:
- You're in Australia on a valid visa (e.g., student visa, tourist visa)
- You lodge a new visa application (e.g., partner visa, skilled visa)
- The Department grants a BVA — but it's dormant
- Your current visa expires
- The BVA activates — you're now on the bridging visa
- You stay on the BVA until your new visa is granted or refused
If your new visa is granted, the BVA ceases and your new visa takes over. If your application is refused, you typically get 28 days (or 35 if you have review rights) to leave Australia or lodge an appeal.
Conditions on a BVA
The conditions on your BVA depend on the type of visa you've applied for. Common conditions include:
Condition 8501 — Maintain Health Insurance
You must maintain adequate health insurance while on the BVA. This applies if you were required to hold insurance on your previous visa.
Condition 8303 — No Criminal Conduct
Standard condition requiring you not to engage in criminal activity.
Work-Related Conditions
Your BVA may carry a work limitation (such as 8101 or 8104) or come with no work restriction at all. The specifics are covered in the section below.
Work Rights on a Bridging Visa A
Work rights on a BVA mirror the substantive visa you've applied for, not the visa you previously held. If you've lodged a partner, skilled, or employer-sponsored application, the BVA typically comes with full work rights. If you've lodged a tourist or visitor application, expect Condition 8101 (no work) or 8104 (limited work, 48 hours per fortnight).
Always check your visa grant notice or VEVO before you start working — getting it wrong is treated as a serious breach. See the full guide → Bridging Visa Work Rights.
The Travel Restriction — This Is Critical
The single most important thing to understand about a BVA is that it does not allow you to re-enter Australia. If you leave Australia while on a BVA, the visa ceases and you cannot return.
This catches people out constantly. You might be on a BVA waiting for your partner visa to be processed, and if you travel overseas for a holiday or family emergency, your BVA ceases the moment you leave. You'd need to apply for a new visa from outside Australia to return.
The solution: Before you travel, apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), which grants travel rights for a specified period.
How to Check Your BVA Conditions
Your BVA conditions are listed on the visa grant notice, which you can access through:
- ImmiAccount: Log in and check your visa details
- VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online): Check your current visa status and conditions
- MyVEVO app: Mobile app for checking visa status
If you're unsure about your conditions — particularly work rights — check VEVO before you start working. Working in breach of visa conditions is a serious matter that can lead to visa cancellation.
When Does the BVA End?
Your BVA ends when:
- Your substantive visa application is decided (granted or refused)
- You leave Australia (the BVA ceases automatically)
- You are granted another visa that takes effect
- The BVA is cancelled (rare, usually for character reasons)
If your application is refused and you have review rights at the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal), you'll typically receive a new BVA that allows you to remain while the review is pending.
BVA and Multiple Applications
If you lodge a second visa application while on a BVA, you may receive another BVA associated with the new application. However, the conditions on the new BVA may differ from the original one. The Department assesses each BVA based on the type of visa you've applied for.
Be careful with this — some combinations of applications can result in a BVA with worse conditions (such as losing work rights). Always seek advice before lodging a new application while on a BVA.
Common Situations
Partner Visa Applicant
You apply for an onshore partner visa (820/801) while on a student visa. When your student visa expires, the BVA activates. You typically get full work rights and can stay until the partner visa is decided — but you cannot travel without a BVB.
Student Changing to Skilled Visa
You apply for a skilled visa while on a student visa. The BVA activates when the student visa expires, usually with work rights matching or exceeding the student visa conditions.
Tourist Extending Stay
You apply for a further tourist visa while on a tourist visa. The BVA activates with no work rights (Condition 8101). You can stay but not work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BVA a real visa?
Yes. It's a valid visa that gives you lawful status in Australia. You have the right to stay and (depending on conditions) work and access services.
Do I need to apply for the BVA?
No. It's granted automatically when you lodge a valid visa application while in Australia on a substantive visa. You don't need to fill out a separate form or pay a fee.
Can I access Medicare on a BVA?
It depends. If you've applied for a partner visa or permanent visa, you may be eligible for Medicare on a BVA. If you've applied for a temporary visa, generally not. Check with Medicare directly.
What if my BVA has no work rights and I need to work?
You can apply to the Department for a change of conditions on your BVA. You'll need to demonstrate financial hardship. This is done through Form 1005 (Application for change of Bridging Visa conditions).
How long can I stay on a BVA?
As long as your substantive visa application is being processed. For some visa types (like partner visas), this can mean years on a BVA. There's no maximum duration — the BVA lasts until a decision is made.
Can I study on a BVA?
Yes, you can study on a BVA regardless of conditions. However, if you're studying full-time and need OSHC, check whether your BVA conditions require health insurance.
