Visa Information
14 Oct 2026
Planning a trip overseas or returning home to visit family while waiting for your Australian visa decision?
If you currently hold a Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010), departing Australia without proper authorisation will automatically cease your visa status and prevent you from re-entering the country.
To travel abroad safely and return to Australia without issues, you must apply for and be granted a Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) before your departure.
Here is a comprehensive guide prepared by Bridge and Beyond Migration covering everything you need to know about BVB and FAQs.
1. BVA vs BVB: What Is the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between these two bridging visas is crucial to maintaining your lawful status in Australia.
Bridging Visa A (BVA - Subclass 010):
Allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while your substantive visa application is being processed.
Does NOT permit overseas travel. If you leave Australia on a BVA, your visa will automatically cease, and you will not be permitted to re-enter Australia.
Bridging Visa B (BVB - Subclass 020):
Allows you to travel overseas and re-enter Australia legally during the processing of your substantive visa application.
Requires prior application and approval while you are physically present in Australia before your departure.
2. Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) Application Checklist
Before booking your flights, review the following checklist to ensure a seamless departure and return:
When to Apply: Apply 2 to 4 weeks before your intended departure date. This ensures sufficient processing time and safe grant approval before you leave.
Visa Application Fee: $575.00 AUD.
Processing Time: Averages between 2 days to 2 weeks (processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances).
Where to Apply: You must be physically inside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
How to Apply:
Log into your ImmiAccount.
Locate your existing lodged substantive visa application.
Submit the Subclass 020 Bridging Visa B application directly within your existing application file.
(Note: In exceptional cases, such as paper-lodged applications or system errors, webform submission may be required).
Required Documents: Valid passport, detailed reason for travel (travel statement), flight itinerary/tickets (if available), and supporting evidence.
Critical Condition: Always check the "Must not enter after" date on your BVB grant letter and return to Australia before this date expires.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I leave Australia right after submitting my BVB application?
A1: No. Simply applying for a BVB does NOT give you travel rights. You must wait until your BVB status is officially marked as 'Granted' before you board your flight. Departing prior to grant can result in visa cancellation and entry refusal.
Q2: Can I apply for or receive a BVB grant while I am overseas?
A2: No. A BVB can only be applied for and granted while you are physically present in Australia. It cannot be granted offshore under any circumstances.
Q3: Can I extend my BVB or re-apply if it expires while I am overseas?
A3: No. BVBs cannot be extended or re-applied for from outside Australia. You must return to Australia within the designated Travel Period ("Must not enter after" date) specified on your grant notice. Failing to return in time can lead to serious visa complications and inability to return.
Ensure Your Travel and Visa Status Remain Secure
While applying for a Bridging Visa B is a standard procedure, minor errors in timing, documentation, or misunderstanding visa conditions can lead to severe risks—including refusal of re-entry to Australia.
At Bridge and Beyond Migration, we ensure that your visa status is thoroughly reviewed so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
🔗 Need professional assistance with your Australian visa?
Book a 1:1 consultation with our registered migration agent team today via the link below.
👩🏻💻 https://www.bnbmigration.com.au/
👉 Click here for the Korean version of this post
Disclaimer & General Information Note
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as formal legal or migration advice. Migration law in Australia is subject to frequent amendments, policy shifts, and updates. Bridge and Beyond Migration makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained herein for individual circumstances.
Reading this post or contacting us through this platform does not create a Migration Agent–Client relationship. For personalized assessment, strategic guidance, and legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please schedule a formal 1:1 consultation with a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) at Bridge and Beyond Migration.