PR & Visa Pathways

Bridging Visas: What Happens Between Visa Applications

Bridging Visa A, B and C explained for international students: when you'll get one, your work and travel rights, expiry rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

Published 2025-12-28 · Updated 2026-02-14 · 8 min read

When your current visa expires and you've applied for a new one, you'll likely be on a bridging visa. Here's what that means.

Types of Bridging Visas

Bridging Visa A (BVA)

Most common for students

  • Granted automatically when you apply for a new substantive visa while in Australia
  • Same work and study rights as your previous visa (usually)
  • Comes into effect when your current visa expires
  • Valid until your new visa is decided

Bridging Visa B (BVB)

For travel

  • Allows you to leave and re-enter Australia while on a bridging visa
  • Must apply separately before travelling
  • Not automatic — you must request it
  • Has a specified re-entry period

Bridging Visa C (BVC)

When you applied unlawfully

  • If you applied for a visa after your previous visa expired
  • More limited conditions
  • May not have work rights
  • Seek legal advice immediately

Work Rights on Bridging Visas

BVA from Student Visa to 485

  • Usually maintains 48-hour fortnightly work limit
  • Full-time work may be possible after course completion
  • Check your specific grant letter

BVA from 485 to Skilled Visa

  • Usually maintains full work rights
  • No hour restrictions
  • Check grant letter conditions

Common Scenarios

Student Visa to 485 Graduate Visa

  1. Apply for 485 before student visa expires
  2. BVA is automatically granted
  3. Continue studying/working as normal
  4. BVA activates when student visa expires
  5. 485 is granted and BVA ceases

485 to Skilled Migration Visa

  1. Apply for 189/190/491 before 485 expires
  2. BVA granted automatically
  3. Continue working
  4. Wait for visa decision

Important Rules

Do's

  • Apply for your next visa BEFORE your current one expires
  • Keep your contact details updated with Home Affairs
  • Check your bridging visa conditions on VEVO
  • Apply for BVB before any overseas travel

Don'ts

  • Don't let your visa expire without having a valid application lodged
  • Don't travel overseas on BVA (you need BVB)
  • Don't assume you have the same conditions — always check
  • Don't ignore correspondence from Home Affairs

Checking Your Visa Status

Use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online):

  • Check what visa you hold
  • See your conditions (work rights, etc.)
  • Verify your status is lawful
  • Available at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Critical: If you're unsure about your bridging visa status or conditions, seek advice from a registered migration agent immediately. Operating on wrong assumptions can lead to visa cancellation.