Bridging Visa B (BVB): Travel While Your Visa Is Processing

Bridging Visa B (BVB): Travel While Your Visa Is Processing

A Bridging Visa B allows you to leave and re-enter Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed. Unlike a Bridging Visa A, which ceases if you travel, a BVB lets you make one or more trips overseas during a specified travel period and return to Australia without losing your visa status. The BVB costs $185 and you must apply before you travel. If you leave Australia on a BVA without first obtaining a BVB, you cannot return.

Quick Facts

Why You Need a BVB

If you're on a Bridging Visa A and you leave Australia, your BVA ceases automatically. You would then be offshore with no visa and no ability to return to Australia — unless you obtained another visa from outside Australia.

The BVB solves this by granting travel permission. It maintains your lawful status while you're overseas and allows you to re-enter Australia and continue waiting for your visa decision.

Common reasons people need a BVB:

• Family emergency overseas
• Business travel
• Holidays
• Collecting documents from their home country for the visa application
• Attending interviews or appointments abroad

How to Apply

Eligibility

You must currently hold, or be eligible for, a Bridging Visa A. This means:

• You've lodged a valid visa application in Australia
• You're currently in Australia
• You haven't had your BVA cancelled

Application Process

1. Log into ImmiAccount
2. Select "Apply for a Bridging Visa B"
3. Provide your travel dates and reason for travel
4. Pay $185
5. Wait for processing (can be same-day for straightforward applications)
6. Receive your BVB grant notice with the travel period

When to Apply

Apply well before your travel date. While some BVBs are processed quickly, the Department can take days or weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights before your BVB is granted.

Critical rule: You must apply and receive the BVB while you are still in Australia. You cannot apply from overseas.

Travel Period

The BVB includes a specified travel period — the window during which you can travel and return. This is typically 3 to 6 months but is at the Department's discretion.

Within the travel period:

• You can make multiple trips
• Each re-entry to Australia is on the BVB
• Your substantive visa application continues processing

After the travel period expires:

• The BVB reverts to a BVA (you can stay but no longer travel)
• If you need to travel again, apply for another BVB

What Happens If You Overstay the Travel Period?

If you're overseas when your BVB travel period expires, you cannot re-enter Australia on the BVB. You would need to apply for a new visa from outside Australia. This is a common and costly mistake.

Always return to Australia before your BVB travel period expires. Set a reminder well in advance.

Conditions on a BVB

Your BVB carries the same conditions as your underlying BVA. If your BVA had full work rights, so does your BVB. If your BVA had Condition 8101 (no work), your BVB has the same restriction.

The BVB doesn't change your visa conditions — it only adds travel rights.

BVB and Visa Decisions While Overseas

If your substantive visa is decided while you're overseas on a BVB:

If Granted

Your new visa takes effect. You can return to Australia on your new visa. The BVB ceases.

If Refused

Your BVB ceases 28 days after the refusal decision (or 35 days if you have review rights). You should return to Australia within that period if you want to lodge an appeal at the AAT.

This is an important consideration. If your visa could be decided while you're travelling, be prepared for either outcome and have a plan to return quickly if needed.

Multiple BVBs

You can apply for multiple BVBs during your visa processing period. Each costs $185. There's no limit on how many you can obtain, though the Department may question frequent travel if it appears inconsistent with your visa application.

BVB for Family Members

If your family members are also on BVAs (for example, if they're included on your visa application), each person needs their own BVB. A BVB for one applicant does not cover family members.

Processing Times

BVB processing is generally fast — often within 1-2 business days for straightforward applications. However, if there are complications (character issues, security checks, or if your substantive visa application has problems), processing can take longer.

For urgent travel (genuine emergency):

• Flag the urgency in your application
• Contact the Department's status enquiry line
• Provide evidence of the emergency (death certificate, hospital admission, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a BVB at the airport?

No. You must apply and have the BVB granted before you travel. Airport applications are not accepted.

What if I forgot to get a BVB and already left Australia?

Unfortunately, you cannot apply from overseas. You would need to apply for a new visa from outside Australia to return. This could mean applying for a visitor visa, or if your substantive visa is granted while you're overseas, you could return on that visa.

Does the BVB cost $185 per person?

Yes. Each person travelling needs their own BVB, and each costs $185.

Can I extend my BVB travel period?

You would need to apply for a new BVB with updated travel dates. You can do this from within Australia if you've returned, but not from overseas.

Will travelling on a BVB delay my visa processing?

Generally, no. Your visa application continues to be processed whether you're in Australia or overseas. However, if the Department needs to contact you or you miss a request for information, travel could cause delays.

Can I travel on a BVB if I have a merits review at the AAT?

Yes. If you hold a BVA associated with an AAT review, you can apply for a BVB to travel during the review period. The same rules apply — apply before you leave, return within the travel period.