Here are some useful visa classes required in particular circumstances, including bridging visas, return visas for current and former Australian permanent residents.





Bridging visa A – BVA (subclass 010)


A Bridging visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa. It can be granted if you lodge an application in Australia for a new substantive visa while you still hold a current substantive visa.

A BVA allows you to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made on your substantive visa application.

A BVA does not let you return to Australia if you leave. If you travel outside Australia, you need a visa to return. You can do one of the following:

  • apply for and be granted a Bridging visa B (BVB) before you travel (if you do not have a substantive visa that allows you to travel or if your substantive visa will expire before you return)
  • travel on your current substantive visa (if you have one that allows you to travel and enter Australia on your intended arrival date).

There is no charge for a BVA application. You and anyone included in your application must be in Australia when the BVA application is both lodged and granted.

Want to know more about the visa classes, or need help with your application? Please contact us today to discuss your circumstances with our RMA.

Bridging visa B – BVB (subclass 020)


This visa allows you to leave and return to Australia while your application for a new substantive visa is being processed​​.

You should apply for your BVB no more than three months, and not less than two weeks, before the date on which you want to travel.

Once you have been granted a BVB, the specified travel period cannot be changed or extended.

Want to know more about the visa classes, or need help with your application? Please contact us today to discuss your circumstances with our RMA.

Bridging visa C – BVC (subclass 030)


A Bridging visa C (BVC) is a temporary visa. It might be granted if you lodge an application in Australia for a substantive visa but you do not already hold a substantive visa.

A BVC allows you to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made on your substantive visa application.

A BVC does not allow you to return to Australia if you leave.

Want to know more about the visa classes, or need help with your application? Please contact us today to discuss your circumstances with our RMA.

Bridging visa D – BVD (subclass 040 and 041)


A Bridging visa D (BVD) is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for a short period until you are able to make a substantive visa application or make arrangements to leave Australia.

You can only be granted a BVD (subclass 040) if all of the following apply to you:

  • you are in Australia
  • you do not hold a visa or you hold a visa that will end in the next three working days after the day you applied for the BVD
  • you tried but were unable to apply for a substantive visa – for example, you did not pay the correct charge or you filled out the wrong visa application form – but you will be able to do so within the next five working days (you might then be eligible for a Bridging visa C (BVC).

You can only be granted a BVD (subclass 041) if all of the following apply to you:

  • you are in Australia
  • you do not hold a visa
  • you are either unable or do not want to apply for a substantive visa
  • an authorised officer is not available to interview you.
  • This visa allows you to stay in Australia lawfully for a short time. It does not allow you to work or re-enter Australia if you leave.

    If you work, your BVD might be cancelled.

    Want to know more about the visa classes, or need help with your application? Please contact us today to discuss your circumstances with our RMA.

    Bridging visa E – BVE (subclass 050 and 051)


    A Bridging visa E (BVE) is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia while you finalise your immigration matter or make arrangements to leave Australia.

    There are two types of BVEs:

    • Bridging (General) visa (subclass 050) – generally if you are currently unlawful, the holder of a BVE 050 or the holder of a BVD 041.
    • Bridging (Protection Visa Applicant) visa (subclass 051) – used in limited circumstances for eligible non-citizens (as specified by the Regulations) who are not prevented from making a bridging visa application under the Migration Act or Regulations.

    BVE will end immediately if you leave Australia. If you leave Australia, you will not be able to return unless have another substantive visa.

    Want to know more about the visa classes, or need help with your application? Please contact us today to discuss your circumstances with our RMA.