Thursday, 20 Aug 2026
A Bridging Visa B (BVB) application might be suitable for you if you are awaiting a decision for another Australian visa and wish to travel to a different nation before you proceed with the visa for which you wish to commute to Australia. It may enable visa applicants who are eligible to depart Australia for a particular time to return while their substantive visa application is being considered. However, you must apply for and be granted a BVB before travelling. Without the right travel permission, you may not be able to return to Australia.
In this guide, we explain what a Bridging Visa B is, who may be eligible to apply, how long it may take to process, and how you can apply. There are a few important points that you do need to know, before you embark on your travels.
A Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) is a temporary visa granted to some individuals who are currently in Australia and have made an application for a visa to enter Australia on a substantive visa. In general, a substantive visa is any visa other than a bridging visa or some other temporary visas. One aspect of this bridging visa that is unique when compared to most other bridging visa is the travel facility that is included with the visa. This means that you might be allowed to leave Australia and return whilst your substantive visa application is pending. But travel is only allowed at certain times on the BVB.
There is no limit to the travel period. The amount of time you are allowed to travel will then depend on the Department of Home Affairs, depending on the reason for travel, and the time that it is likely a decision will be made on your substantive visa application. Therefore, always review your visa carefully and be sure your travel arrangements are within the travel period allowed on your visa.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) may be available if you are in Australia and hold an eligible Bridging Visa B (BVB) or Bridging Visa A (BVA). You must also have a valid visa application lodged from Australia when you apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), and have a good reason to leave Australia and return while you await the result of your visa application.
In principle, you will need to have a current substantive visa application or be engaged in another basis for immigration. You'll also have to demonstrate that your return to Australia is not in the public interest.
The exact eligibility requirements can depend on your individual circumstances. It is of utmost importance that prior to applying you are certain you meet the requirements and understand any conditions that may apply to your BVB.
The processing time for each Bridging Visa B application is different. The processing time is subject to individual circumstances including the details of your case, what information and documents you provide and the processing time of the Department of Home Affairs. If necessary, some may take longer due to the need to add more information or documents. It is therefore advisable to apply early before your scheduled trip and you should give your application sufficient time to be processed.
Also avoid making travel arrangements in advance that are not refundable until you have received your BVB. Applying for BVB does not mean that the BVB will be approved and/or the specific travel dates for the museum will be available.
A Bridging Visa B (BVB) is processed based on your circumstances and the type of Bridging Visa B you apply for.The processing of your application is expected to take not more than 60 days. Filling the application in completely and correctly will prevent you from experiencing further unwanted delays while the process is being carried out.
There are several factors that might impact the processing time of your application, such as:
Accurate, complete and timely information throughout the process can avoid unnecessary delay due to questions for further information. The Department also recommends that you do not complete a second application only to be concerned about the processing time as redundant applications can lead to delays.
A Bridging Visa B should be applied for a long time before you travel and sufficient time should be allowed for the Department of Home Affairs approval to be processed. You shouldn't leave it to the last minute, particularly for an important event or need. Turnaround times may vary, make sure to submit your application early to prevent trip issues.
Other than that, it is advisable to do all things possible to not leave Australia prior to receipt of a BVB. There is only one Bridging visa B which provides you with the option to leave and return to Australia, whilst you wait to be made eligible to consider a substantive visa application. If you leave Australia with any other visa (aside from a bridging visa), then that visa may expire, and you may not be able to return with it. After getting your BVB be mindful of the travel time, and take time to review the dates. The conditions of your visa mean that you are required to depart and re-enter Australia on dates approved for your visa.
The process of applying for a Bridging Visa B is generally a straightforward process, but it may differ based on how you have made a substantive visa application and your specific circumstances. Identify which application process applies to your situation, and prepare accordingly for application before committing.
Let's take a quick look at the primary steps you need to take:
There is no fixed period that applies to everyone. You will be issued a Bridging Visa B with a specific time frame for which to travel. Travel time will be dependent on individual circumstances and the reason for travel.
The Department of Home Affairs may take into account the purpose of your travel if they make a decision on whether your substantive visa application is likely in the near future. After your BVB has been issued, it is imperative that you scrutinize visa grant information closely and return to Australia prior to the end of the visa period.
It is possible to apply for an urgent Bridging Visa B (BVB) if it is necessary to travel urgently. The Department of Home Affairs has an online process for BVB's, for urgent purposes. It is still necessary to provide accurate information, supporting paperwork and to pay the required fee for the application for (form) 1006.
But, you cannot be sure that your BVB is immediately approved with an urgent form. You should clearly state the need to travel and give supporting documents to back up your reason for travelling. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs urgent Bridging Visa B application page for the most up-to-date information.
There are some important points you should consider before departing Australia on a Bridging Visa B. Before you leave it is important to be aware of your visa details because a BVB only permits you to travel in and out of Australia within the approved travel period. Preparing for everything before you leave can help you to reduce the hassle of returning to Australia.
Before traveling these things must be considered:
It's also wise to keep a copy of your visa grant information together with all other vital supporting paperwork with you if travelling.
The Bridging Visa B category is useful when a visa decision is pending but a visa holder has to go overseas. The key is to make sure you apply prior to travelling, to ensure that your BVB is approved and to take the time to read and study your approved travel period. The processing time and visa requirements differ, please be sure to apply with the proper package and always consult the current requirements before applying.
If you are looking for any assistance with determining your visa options or the BVB application process, Classic Migration can assist you with professional advice in line with your circumstances. Being the best migration agent in Canberra, Classic Migration is affiliated with Migration Agents Registration Authority or MARA where they take care to offer migration assistance and support in addressing various Australian visa issues.
Processing times vary from BVB application to BVB application. The time may vary depending on your situation, your application and the workload of the Department. It would be preferable if the application was made early, and if travel plans are not made dependent on the granting of a BVB by a certain date.
Do not presume that you could leave Australia and return whilst the BVB is going through the processing. Travelling should not be conducted prior to receipt of BVB grant. If you hold another bridging visa at the time of departure from Australia, you should be aware that it may be terminated during your departure.
Applications start as early in time in advance to the planned travel as possible, and ensure the application is processed as much in advance as possible. No definite processing timelicious for all applications. Do not book late particularly if it is a critical travel.
The travel period should not be assumed to be able to be simply extended. Before the end of your current trip you may wish to meet with your visa options if you plan to travel again, or spend more time in the country than the duration of your visa will permit. Don't take chances, and, if you're not sure, get professional advice.