Bridging Visas

For employer-sponsored visas applied for while you are in Australia, a bridging visa ensures you remain lawful in case your current visa ceases before a decision is made on your visa application. A bridging visa will also ensure you remain lawful if your visa application is refused and you seek merits review of this refusal decision.

Bridging A Visa (Subclass 010)

If you make a valid application for a visa whilst you are in Australia and your application is assessed as valid, you will usually be granted with a Bridging A (Subclass 010) visa.

The Bridging A visa is electronic and you do not need to have a label in your passport.

Important: You cannot travel overseas on a Bridging A visa.

Bridging B Visa (Subclass 020)

To travel overseas for compelling and compassionate reasons, you must apply for a Bridging B (Subclass 020) visa to allow you to return to Australia.

Note: This is not required if you have another visa which allows you to return to Australia.

Bridging B visa applications should be lodged with your nearest departmental office. As part of this application, you must demonstrate that you have compelling and compassionate reasons for needing to travel.
See: Australian Offices