Bridging visa B

A bridging visa that lets you leave Australia and return while your substantive visa application is being decided, within a set travel period.

At a glance

Visa typeBridging

Keeps youLawful in Australia

TravelIncluded

Travel periodSet by the grant

Linked toYour visa application

Our officeCanberra, ACT

Overview

Bridging visa B (subclass 020) is for people who hold, or are eligible for, a Bridging visa A and need to travel outside Australia and return while their substantive visa application is being decided. You must apply for it and show a reason to travel, and it allows return within a specified travel period.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

Travel outside Australia and return within the travel period
Stay lawfully in Australia while your application is decided
Work or study depending on the conditions granted

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

A pending substantive visa application

Your substantive visa application must still be being decided.

Bridging visa A eligibility

You must hold, or be eligible for, a Bridging visa A.

A reason to travel

You apply for the visa and show your need to travel.

Return within the travel period

You must return to Australia within the travel period specified in the grant.

How to apply, step by step

Confirm you hold or are eligible for a Bridging visa A and have a pending application.
Apply for the Bridging visa B before you travel.
Show your reason to travel and intended dates.
Travel outside Australia within the travel period.
Return before the travel period ends to remain lawful.

Costs and processing

A visa application charge usually applies to a Bridging visa B. Government charges and processing times change and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.

When you have the visa

You must return to Australia within the travel period stated on the grant. If you return after it ends, you may become unlawful, so plan your travel carefully and seek advice.

Important: This page is general information only and is not personal migration advice. Points, age limits, occupation lists, charges and requirements change regularly. Confirm the current criteria for your situation in a consultation. No visa outcome can be guaranteed.

For more information on the current official requirements, read the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa. Click here →