| With the festive season fast approaching, many clients are making plans to spend time with family and friends overseas. If you’re in Australia on a Bridging visa A (BVA) or Bridging visa B (BVB) while your substantive visa application is being processed, it’s important to put the right travel arrangements in place before you book.
Why a BVB matters
A BVA doesn’t allow you to travel. If you leave Australia on a BVA, it ceases when you depart, and you won’t have a visa to return on. A BVB (subclass 020) lets you leave and re-enter Australia within a set travel period while your application continues to be processed.
Lodge at least four to five weeks before you travel
The Department of Home Affairs (the Department) advises that BVB applications should be lodged at least four to five weeks before the intended date of travel. Applications lodged only days before departure are unlikely to be decided in time. The exception is compelling and compassionate circumstances, such as the death or serious illness of a close family member overseas.
Departmental processing also tends to slow over the end-of-year period. To travel in mid to late December, we encourage you to contact our team no later than Friday 6th November 2026 so we have time to prepare and lodge your application.
Key points to keep in mind
- Application charge: The Department’s base application charge for a BVB is $575 from 1 July 2026.
- Travel period: Each BVB is granted with a mspecific travel period, which is shown on your grant notice. You must return to Australia before it ends. If you already hold a BVB, please check your travel period hasn’t expired, as you may need a new BVB.
- Hold off on non-refundable flights: We recommend waiting until your BVB is granted before booking non-refundable flights.
What if my BVB is still pending close to my travel date?
If your BVB was lodged with plenty of notice but hasn’t been decided as your departure gets close, let us know right away. We’ll follow up with the Department on your behalf.
Let us help you travel with confidence
If you’re planning to travel over the holidays, please get in touch with our team. We’ll check whether you need a BVB, prepare your supporting evidence and lodge your application in good time. |
