Travelling While Your Australian Visa Is Processing
If you've lodged a visa application while in Australia and need to travel overseas during processing, you face a critical question: will leaving Australia affect your application? The answer depends on your current visa, your bridging visa type, and the specific visa you've applied for. Getting this wrong can result in your application being considered "withdrawn" or your return to Australia being blocked. Here's what you need to know.
Quick Facts: Travel During Processing
| Situation | Can You Travel? | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| On Bridging Visa A (BVA) | Only with Bridging Visa B | High risk without BVB |
| On Bridging Visa B (BVB) | Yes, within travel period | Low risk |
| On substantive visa with travel | Yes | Depends on visa type |
| Application lodged from offshore | N/A — you're already overseas | No issue |
Understanding Bridging Visas
When you lodge a new visa application while in Australia, you're typically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa:
- Keeps you lawful in Australia between your current visa expiring and your new visa being decided
- Has no travel rights — if you leave Australia on a BVA, it ceases to exist
- Means you cannot re-enter Australia without a different valid visa
The Problem
If you leave Australia on a BVA, the BVA stops the moment you depart. When you try to return, you have no valid visa. You can't get back in.
Your visa application continues processing (it isn't automatically withdrawn), but you're stuck outside Australia unless you have another visa to return on.
Bridging Visa B (BVB): The Solution
The Bridging Visa B is specifically designed for people who need to travel during visa processing.
What a BVB Does
- Allows you to leave and re-enter Australia while your visa application is being processed
- Specifies a travel period (usually 3 months) during which you can be outside Australia
- Allows single or multiple entries during the travel period
- You must return before the BVB travel period expires
How to Apply
- Apply for a BVB through ImmiAccount or at a Department office
- You must currently hold a BVA or be eligible for one
- Fee: approximately AUD $165
- Processing: usually quick (days to weeks)
- Apply before you travel — you cannot get a BVB from outside Australia
Timing Is Critical
You must apply for a BVB before you leave Australia. If you depart without a BVB, it's too late. You cannot apply for one from overseas.
BVB Travel Period
The BVB specifies a travel facility period — typically 3 months from the date of grant. You must return to Australia before this period expires. If you don't return in time:
- The BVB expires
- You're outside Australia without a valid visa
- You may not be able to re-enter
- Your visa application may be affected
Scenarios and Risks
Scenario 1: You're on a BVA and Need to Travel
Action: Apply for a BVB before travelling. Wait for BVB grant. Travel. Return within the BVB travel period.
Risk if you don't get BVB: You can't return. Your application continues processing but you're stuck offshore.
Scenario 2: Your Substantive Visa Hasn't Expired Yet
If you're still on your original visa (e.g., student visa, WHV) and that visa has travel rights, you can leave and return on that visa. The BVA only activates when your substantive visa expires.
However: Check whether your substantive visa allows re-entry. Some visas have a "must not arrive after" date or limited travel facility.
Scenario 3: You're Offshore and Lodged from Overseas
If you lodged your application from outside Australia, travel doesn't affect your application. You're not in Australia, so there's no bridging visa situation.
Scenario 4: Partner Visa Processing
Partner visa processing can take 8-14 months or longer. If you're onshore on a BVA during this period and need to travel (family emergency, work, etc.), you absolutely need a BVB.
Scenario 5: Skilled Visa Processing
If you lodged a skilled visa (190, 491) onshore and need to travel during the 6-12 month processing period, the same BVB requirement applies.
Impact of Travel on Your Application
Does Leaving Australia Affect the Application Outcome?
Generally, no. Leaving Australia (with proper BVB) doesn't change the assessment of your application. However:
- Some visa types require you to be in Australia at the time of grant (onshore applications)
- Other visa types require you to be outside Australia at grant (offshore applications)
- Your location at the time the visa is decided can matter
Onshore vs Offshore Grant
For some visas, whether you're in or out of Australia when the visa is decided determines which visa you get:
- Partner visa: In Australia at grant = subclass 820 (onshore). Outside Australia at grant = subclass 309 (offshore). These have different processing stages.
- Skilled visa: Some require you to be in Australia at grant for certain streams.
Check the specific requirements for your visa type before travelling.
Key Rules
- Never leave Australia on a BVA without a BVB — your BVA will cease and you'll be stranded
- Apply for BVB before departure — you cannot apply from overseas
- Return within the BVB travel period — overstaying the travel period has consequences
- Check your visa grant location requirement — some visas require you to be in a specific location when decided
- Keep the Department updated — maintain current contact details so they can reach you about your application
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a BVB cost?
Approximately AUD $165. This is in addition to your substantive visa application fees.
How long does a BVB take to process?
Usually days to a couple of weeks. Apply well before your intended travel date — don't leave it until the last minute.
Can I apply for a BVB from outside Australia?
No. You must apply while in Australia. If you've already left without a BVB, you cannot apply for one.
How long can I stay overseas on a BVB?
The BVB specifies a travel facility period, typically 3 months. You must return to Australia within this period. The period is set at the time of BVB grant.
Can I get a new BVB if I need to travel again?
Yes, you can apply for a new BVB each time you need to travel. Each application has its own fee and travel period.
What happens if I don't return within the BVB travel period?
If you don't return before the BVB travel period expires, the BVB ceases. You'll need another visa to return to Australia, and your substantive visa application may be affected depending on the visa type and your location requirements.
Does travel affect my processing time?
Travel itself doesn't slow processing. However, if the Department needs you to attend an interview, provide biometrics, or respond to a request for information, being overseas could cause delays.
