BRIDGING VISAS (A, B, C, D, E)

Bridging Visa Overview

Bridging visas are temporary visas that allow individuals to stay lawfully in Australia while their substantive visa applications or other processes are being finalized. Below is a summary of the key types of Bridging Visas, their eligibility criteria, and associated details:


Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010)

When you apply for a substantive visa (e.g., student, partner visa), a Bridging Visa A is typically applied automatically. However, in some cases, a separate application is required, such as:

  • If you have applied for judicial review.
  • If you are applying for work rights on a Bridging Visa A (removal of Condition 8101).
  • If your substantive visa application did not include an associated Bridging Visa A application.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be in Australia at the time of application and decision.
  • Have made a valid application for a substantive visa that is yet to be decided or have applied for judicial review.

Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020)

This visa allows travel outside Australia while your substantive visa is being processed.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Have made a valid application for a substantive visa that is yet to be decided or have applied for judicial review.
  • Have reasons for traveling outside Australia.
  • Return to Australia within the travel validity of your Bridging Visa B.
  • Be a holder of a Bridging Visa A or B.
  • Be in Australia at the time of application and decision.

Bridging Visa C (Subclass 030)

Like Bridging Visa A, a Bridging Visa C is typically applied automatically when you submit a substantive visa application. However, separate applications may be required in cases such as:

  • Applying for judicial review.
  • Seeking work rights (removal of Condition 8101).
  • If your substantive visa application did not include an associated Bridging Visa C application.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be in Australia at the time of application and decision.
  • Must not have held a Bridging Visa E since the last substantive visa.
  • Must not currently hold a Bridging Visa E.
  • Have made a valid application for a substantive visa that is yet to be decided or have applied for judicial review.

Bridging Visa D (Subclass 040/041)

Provides temporary lawful status to individuals who:

  • Plan to apply for a substantive visa within the next 5 days.
  • Do not currently hold a visa (or will become unlawful in the next 3 days).
  • Have attempted to lodge a valid application for a substantive visa but were unable to do so.

Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050)

This visa allows individuals who are unlawful to stay in Australia temporarily.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be unlawful (not hold any visa), hold a Bridging Visa E (Subclass 050), or hold a Bridging Visa D (Subclass 041).
  • Be in Australia at the time of application and decision.
  • Meet one of the following conditions:
    • Seeking Ministerial Intervention.
    • Applying for a substantive visa.
    • Making arrangements to depart Australia.
    • Seeking Merits Review or Judicial Review of a citizenship or visa decision.

Bridging Visa E (Subclass 051)

This visa is designed for individuals applying for a Protection Visa and can only be granted in limited circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be in immigration detention.
  • Have applied for a Protection Visa or judicial review of a Protection Visa.
  • Have passed immigration clearance or been refused immigration clearance, with notification to Immigration within 45 days of entering Australia.

Important Notes

  • Information provided is general in nature and does not constitute immigration advice.
  • Immigration policies are subject to change, and it is crucial to verify all requirements before making decisions.
  • Before applying for a visa or taking any immigration-related steps, consult a migration agent or lawyer to evaluate your specific circumstances.

This content complies with Section 276 of the Migration Act 1958 and is provided solely as immigration assistance under this legislation.