Bridging Visa Melbourne | BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD, BVE
Specialist guidance for all Australian bridging visas. Understand travel and work conditions, when to apply for a BVB, and how to request work rights on BVC/BVE. Free assessment with a MARA-registered agent.
What is a Bridging Visa?
A bridging visa lets you lawfully stay in Australia while you wait for a visa decision, prepare a new application, or arrange departure. Different bridging visas have different travel and work conditions.
If you need to travel, you may need a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before leaving Australia. If you need work rights on a BVC/BVE, you may apply with evidence of financial hardship.
Bridging Visa Types
Quick guide to BVA, BVB, BVC, BVD, BVE
Bridging Visa B (BVB) Fee (effective 1 July 2025)
Application Fee
$190
Previous Fee
$185
until 30 Jun 2025
Notes
Non-refundable. Apply before travel. Provide compelling reasons.
Bridging Visa A (BVA)
- For applicants who lodged a new visa while holding a valid substantive visa
- No travel facility – get BVB before leaving
- Work rights depend on the visa applied for; many onshore partner BVAs have full work rights
Bridging Visa B (BVB)
- Travel permit for BVA holders to leave and return by a set date
- Apply before travel; typical processing 1–2 weeks
- Do not travel until BVB is granted
Bridging Visa C (BVC)
- For applicants who lodged while not holding a substantive visa
- No travel facility – cannot obtain BVB
- Can request work rights if you show financial hardship
Bridging Visa D (BVD)
- Short-term visa to allow you to make a valid application or arrange departure
- Generally no travel facility
Bridging Visa E (BVE)
- For unlawful non-citizens to resolve their status or depart
- No travel facility; strict compliance conditions
- Work rights only in limited circumstances
Work Rights on Bridging Visas
How to request work rights (BVC/BVE)
- Prepare evidence of financial hardship (bank statements, living costs, support letters)
- Submit a permission-to-work request to the Department
- Explain why you need to work while your application is processing
- Wait for written approval before commencing work
Common work conditions
- Condition 8101 – No work (can request removal on hardship)
- Condition 8105 – Work limitation (hours limits similar to student rules)
- Some BVAs have unrestricted work depending on your lodgement
Travel While on a Bridging Visa
Getting a BVB (travel permit)
- Only for BVA holders with a pending application
- Apply 2–4 weeks before travel
- Don't depart until your BVB is granted
When travel is not allowed
- BVC and BVE holders generally cannot get a BVB
- BVA ceases on departure if you don't hold a BVB
Quick Comparison
| Visa | Fee | Work Rights | Travel | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA (010) | $0 | Usually same as previous visa | No | Until decision |
| BVB (020) | $190 | Same as BVA | Yes (temporary) | Specified (usually 3 months) |
| BVC (030) | $0 | No (unless approved) | No | Until decision |
| BVD (040/041) | $0 | No | No | 5 working days (max 3 months) |
| BVE (050/051) | $0 | Varies (often restricted) | No | Specified period |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bridging visas
Need help with your bridging visa?
Get a free assessment from our MARA-registered Melbourne migration agent.