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Australia Bridging visas A and B: what’s the difference?

Australia Bridging visas A and B: what's the difference?
Article Summary
Planning to extend your adventure in Australia with a second or third Working Holiday Visa (WHV)? You might need a Bridging visa to legally stay while your application is processed. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bridging Visa A (BVA) is your go-to option if you're applying for another visa within Australia. It's automatically issued, free, and allows you to stay legally in the country with the same rights as your previous visa.
- Bridging Visa B (BVB), costing AU$190, is essential if you plan to travel outside Australia during the processing time. Remember, it’s not automatic; you must apply for it. Show more

At the end of your Working Holiday Visa in Australia, you may need a Bridging visa to cover the gap between your 1st and 2nd year, or between your 2nd and 3rd year.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what the Bridging visa is, how to get one, and the differences between Bridging visas A, B, and C.

What is a Bridging visa?

As the name suggests, the Bridging visa is a temporary visa that bridges the gap between two visas. It’s granted while you wait for another visa you’ve applied for, such as a 2nd or 3rd 2nd or 3rd. It allows you to maintain legal status in Australia while your new visa application is being processed.

Do I need a Bridging visa?

If you are only staying in Australia for up to one year on a 2nd or 3rd before returning to your home country (or going elsewhere), then you don’t need to worry about the Bridging visa.

However, if you want to obtain a 2nd or 3nd 2nd or 3rd to Australia, then it’s important to understand Bridging visas.

There’s more than one type of Bridging visa, which we will explain next.

Bridging visa A (BVA)

  • Temporary
  • Free of charge
  • You must be in Australia
  • Issued automatically

This is the Bridging visa that most 2nd or 3rd holders get.

The Bridging visa A is issued automatically when you apply for a new visa from within Australia. For example, when your 1st or 2nd 2nd or 3rd is about to expire, as long as you’ve submitted your new application before it ends, the Bridging visa A takes effect while your new 2nd or 3rd is being processed.

With it, you can stay legally in Australia with the same rights as those granted by your previous visa. Once your 2nd 2nd or 3rd is approved, your Bridging visa automatically ends and your new visa takes effect.

With a Bridging visa A, you cannot leave Australia during the waiting period for your new visa. If you leave, your application for the new visa will be cancelled and you’ll have to reapply and pay again from outside Australia. If you think you’ll need to travel internationally, the Bridging visa B is the better option.

Bridging visa B (BVB)

  • Temporary
  • Costs AU$190
  • NOT issued automatically; must be applied for online from within Australia

The Bridging visa B works much like the Bridging visa A, except that it allows you to leave Australia and return while your application is being processed.

Because this visa isn’t cheap, think about whether you really need it. Sometimes, it may make more sense to just leave Australia, then apply for your 2nd or 3rd 2nd or 3rd from abroad, and wait for approval before re-entering Australia. If you take this route, beware that processing can take 1-2 months or longer.

Bridging visa C (BVC)

  • Temporary
  • Free of charge
  • You must be in Australia

The BVC doesn’t concern 2nd or 3rd holders. It applies to people waiting for a visa decision in Australia who didn’t already hold a valid visa at the time of application.

If you still have questions about Bridging visas, feel free to leave a comment below.

Morgane

Je suis partie en PVT Australie en avril 2022. Je suis restée 1 année sur place entre road trip à bord de mon van aménagé et travail (dans la restauration, en ferme, en cleaning en vente, en Freelance, etc). Aujourd'hui, j'ai retrouvé ma vie en France, mais je continue d'animer des ateliers pour parler de mon aventure et pour aider ceux qui souhaitent partir en Australie. Et peut-être un prochain PVT, qui sait ?
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I went on a Working Holiday Visa to Australia in April 2022. I stayed for one year, combining road trips in my beautiful van and various jobs in areas like hospitality, farming, cleaning, sales, and freelancing. Today, I've returned to my life in France, but I still conduct workshops to share my adventure and assist those who wish to go to Australia. And perhaps another Working Holiday Visa, who knows ?

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