Bridging Visa Australia Explained: Types, Work Rights, Travel, Processing & Compliance Guide (2026 Update)

What is a Bridging Visa?

A Bridging Visa allows you to legally remain in Australia between the expiration of your current visa and the decision on a new visa application.

It is not a long-term visa and does not itself provide permanent residency.

Bridging Visas simply ensure:

• You stay lawful in Australia
• Your immigration status remains valid
• You maintain the right to work / study depending on your visa type

Types of Bridging Visas in Australia

Understanding Bridging Visa Work Rights

Work rights depend on:

• Your previous visa
• Your new visa type
• Whether you have applied for work rights variation

When You Can Work

You may have work rights if:

• You previously held a visa with work rights (e.g., student with permission, 482, 485)
• Your new visa allows work (e.g., 485 Post-Study, Skilled Visa)

When Work May Be Restricted

If your previous visa had no work rights (e.g., visitor visa), your bridging visa may also have no work rights – unless you apply for conditions change with evidence of “financial hardship” or the type of new visa you apply.

Traveling on a Bridging Visa – Why BVB is Critical?

A major misunderstanding is assuming you can leave Australia while on a bridging visa.

Important:

• Bridging Visa A, C, and E do NOT allow travel.
• If you leave Australia on these visas, you cannot return, and you need to wait outside Australia until your new visa application outcome granted.

How to Travel Legally

You must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before traveling.

BVB grants:

• A specific travel period
• Permission to leave and return while your visa is processing

Do NOT travel without a granted BVB.

Health Insurance & Bridging Visas – Staying 8501 Compliant

Many bridging visa holders mistakenly let their health insurance expire, assuming it’s no longer required.

This triggers Condition 8501 non-compliance, which can:

• Breach of Bridging visa conditions
• Cause rejection in some cases

If you are on a bridging visa that requires valid health insurance (especially BVA → 485 / 190 / 491 pathways), ensure you remain insured.

To compare OVHC and OSHC options instantly and stay compliant, you may use GetMyPolicy.online, a trusted platform used widely nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (2026 Update)

Q1. How long does a Bridging Visa last?

A Bridging Visa does not have a fixed expiry date.
It remains active until:

• Your new visa application is decided, or
• Your ART / Ministerial review / Judicial review outcome is finalised, or
• It is replaced by another visa.

If your main application is withdrawn or refused, your bridging visa may also end — unless you are eligible for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) to remain lawful.

Q2. Can I work while on a Bridging Visa?

Work rights vary depending on:

• Which bridging visa type you hold (A, B, C, D, or E)
• Whether your previous visa allowed work
• Whether your current application type allows work

For example:

• BVA usually mirrors prior visa conditions
• BVC/BVE often do not include work rights unless you apply and show financial hardship

If your bridging visa does not allow work, you may submit a Work Rights Variation Request with supporting documents.

Q3. Can I travel overseas on a Bridging Visa?

You cannot travel on a BVA, BVC, BVD, or BVE.

To travel and return to Australia, you must apply for and be granted a:

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

A BVB grants:

• A limited travel period
• Permission to leave and re-enter Australia while your main visa is processing

Do not travel overseas without a BVB – doing so can cancel your ongoing visa application.

Q4. Do I need health insurance while on a Bridging Visa?

Yes – if your bridging visa is connected to a visa that requires Condition 8501 (e.g., Student → 485, Skilled, or Work Visa pathways), you must maintain valid health insurance at all times.

Letting your insurance lapse may:

• Lead to compliance breaches

For quick OSHC/OVHC comparison and purchase, applicants commonly use GetMyPolicy.online.

Q5. Does a Bridging Visa automatically start when granted?

No.
Your bridging visa only becomes active when your current visa expires.

Until then:

• You continue holding your existing visa
• The bridging visa remains “inactive” status

Q6. Can I apply for another visa while on a Bridging Visa?

In most cases, yes – but your eligibility depends on your current bridging visa type and your most recent substantive visa.

For certain visas, schedule 3 conditions may apply, which can complicate eligibility.

Getting professional advice is crucial if you are:

• On a BVC
• On a BVE
• Have previously overstayed or have previous visa refusal

Q7. What happens if my visa is refused while on a Bridging Visa?

If your application is refused, your bridging visa may either:

• End in 35 days upon refusal or
• Convert to a Bridging Visa E (BVE) while you decide your next steps

You may be eligible for:

• ART (Administrative Review Tribunal) review
• Ministerial Intervention
• Re-lodging a new application (if allowed)

Do not ignore refusal deadlines – timing is critical to avoid becoming unlawful.

Q8. Can I study on a Bridging Visa?

Most bridging visas allow study, but some impose:

• Full-time study restrictions, or
• No study if linked with a non-study visa pathway

Always check the conditions listed on your visa grant letter.

Q9. How do I know which Bridging Visa I have?

Check your:

• Visa grant email, or
• VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) record

Your bridging visa type and conditions will be listed clearly.

Q10. Can my bridging visa be cancelled?

Yes – if:

• Your current substantive visa cancelled
• You breach visa conditions
• You provide false information

Maintaining full compliance is essential.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Your bridging visa is a temporary phase – but the decisions you make during it affect your future in Australia.

Book a Consultation with Aussizz Group today
Let our experts guide your transition to the next stage of your visa or PR journey – the right way.

Aussizz Group
Empowering 180,000+ migrants to achieve their Australian dreams.