Waiting for a visa to Australia is stressful enough, and even more complicated if you find yourself needing to travel abroad while awaiting a decision on your application. You might have to leave because of a family emergency, business commitment or a plethora of other reasons. But your ability to return becomes doubtful when you leave Australia without a proper, valid visa. This is where the Bridging Visa B Subclass 020 comes in. It enables eligible visa holders to leave Australia temporarily while their substantive visa application is pending. Knowing how to apply, who’s eligible, how much it costs, and the requirements can help prevent delay and immigration problems down the road. This blog covers all of that.
What Does a Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) Do?
A Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) is a temporary visa granted to those who are already in Australia and awaiting a visa decision on another application or judicial review.
The great thing about a BVB is that you can travel to and from Australia for a certain time frame and return legally. This is critical as many other bridging visas do not provide any powers of travel.
A BVB may allow:
- A single tour outside Australia, or
- Several visits over a specific time frame
Travel conditions are based on the visa granted by the Department of Home Affairs.
A Bridging Visa B is typically applied for when a visa application is pending, but the applicant needs to travel urgently.
Different Types of Bridging Visas
There are different types of Bridging Visas Australia. It is easy to confuse them. The table below explains the major differences.
| Feature | Bridging Visa A (BVA) | Bridging Visa B (BVB) | Bridging Visa C (BVC) |
|
Apply from Australia |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
Existing bridging visa needed |
No | Yes | No |
| Travel allowed | No | Yes | No |
| Work rights | Depends on the substantive visa applied for or previously held | Depends on the substantive visa applied for or previously held |
Depends on the substantive visa applied for or previously held |
Details summarised from official Australian government guidance as of 17 March 2026. Always check current visa requirements carefully before applying.
The most important difference is that only the Bridging Visa B allows international travel while your visa application remains under assessment.
Conditions To be Satisfied for Bridging Visa B: When and Who Can Apply?
Not all Australian applicants will be automatically eligible for a BVB. There are a number of Bridging B visa conditions that you need to meet.
In the general case, a BVB can only be applied for if you:
- Have a valid Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B
- Held one or more substantive Australian visas before.
- Have an issue with another substantive visa application or judicial review resolved
- Travel with a sincere objective
- Meet character requirements
Existing Bridging Visa Requirement
You can only apply for a BVB if you already hold:
- A Bridging Visa A, or
- Another Bridging Visa B
People holding a Bridging Visa C are generally not eligible for a BVB.
Genuine Reason for Travel
You must be able to prove that you have to travel for a genuine reason.
Acceptable BVB reasons for travel may include:
- Family emergencies
- Medical treatment
- Attending funerals
- Important business travel
- Serious personal matters
- Compassionate circumstances
Leisure trips or vacations are usually not approved when you apply for a BVB. You need to submit proper supporting evidence to portray your reason to travel.
Character Requirements
Applicants need to meet character requirements, as with other Australian visas. Some extra police clearances or supporting documents might be required in certain cases.
Why Is a Bridging Visa B Important?
Many people do not realise the consequences of travelling overseas without a BVB.
Bridging Visa A is only valid for entry into Australia and is typically revoked upon leaving Australia. This could cause immigration problems.
Without a valid BVB, you may:
- Lose your lawful status in Australia
- Be unable to return
- Affect your pending visa application
- Face delays in processing
- Be required to apply for another visa from overseas
A BVB allows you to make sure that you can remain in Australia lawfully while you wait for the substantive visa.
Steps to Apply for a Bridging Visa B
You can apply Bridging Visa B online via your ImmiAccount. Paper applications are no longer accepted. The process is relatively simple if you prepare your documents carefully.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before starting your application for a Bridging Visa B, confirm that:
- You currently hold a BVA or BVB
- Your substantive visa application remains active
- Your passport is valid
2. Gather Your Documents
A few documents are necessary to submit a proper visa application. Check the required documents list and keep those ready.
3. Log Into ImmiAccount
You have to log in to your ImmiAccount to complete the BVB application form.
You will need to provide:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Travel dates
- Travel reasons
- Supporting documents
4. Upload Supporting Evidence
Upload all the necessary evidence. Poor-quality uploads can slow down processing.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
Submit the application fee online to complete the process.
6. Wait for the Decision
Keep checking your ImmiAccount for constant updates about the status of your application.
Bridging Visa B Document Checklist
The documents that you need to submit to meet Bridging Visa B requirements are as follows:
| Document | Purpose |
| Valid passport | Identity verification |
| Current bridging visa details | Proof of legal visa status |
| Travel itinerary | Intended travel plans |
| Evidence of travel reason | Supporting proof for urgency |
| Character documents | Police certificates, if requested |
| Supporting letters | Medical, family, or business evidence |
Examples of Supporting Documents
Based on your reason for travel, you might need to provide:
- Medical certificates
- Hospital letters
- Death certificates
- Employer letters
- Business invitations
- Wedding invitations
- Family documents
Strong supporting evidence improves your chances of approval significantly. Consult a visa agent in Perth to submit a strong application with proper documents.
Bridging Visa B Processing Time
The Department of Home Affairs does not have official processing times for BVB applications.
But you should try to submit your application:
- 3 months prior to travel
- At least 2 weeks before leaving
The Bridging Visa B processing time may vary according to:
- Application completeness
- Quality of supporting documents
- Travel urgency
- Department workload
- Individual circumstances
Thus, it is best to submit the Bridging Visa B application form as soon as you know that you have to travel.
Try not to make any trip commitments until you have been granted a BVB.
Bridging Visa B Application Fees
The current application fee for a BVB (Subclass 020) is 190 AUD. This fee must be paid online at the time of submitting your application through ImmiAccount. Visa costs are subject to change. So, it is always a good idea to check the latest Bridging Visa B cost on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Can You Work on a Bridging Visa B?
Work rights on a BVB in Australia usually depend on:
- The substantive visa you applied for, or
- The conditions attached to your previous visa
Some applicants may have unrestricted work rights, while others may face limitations.
Always check the conditions listed on your visa grant notice carefully.
Can a Bridging Visa B Be Refused?
Your Visa Subclass B form can be refused. Some typical reasons are as follows:
- Incomplete applications
- Insufficient evidence
- Weak travel reasons
- Incorrect information
- Character concerns
Getting in touch with a visa consultant in Perth may help reduce the chances of refusal.
How Can Ritam Global Help in Getting a Bridging Visa B?
Are you planning to apply for a BVB? Do not hesitate to consult with a migration consultant Perth from a trusted agency like Ritam Global for professional guidance. The experts will guide you throughout the process and help you submit a proper application. Professional assistance reduces the chance of errors and increases the chance of approval.
Conclusion
BVB (Subclass 020) are temporary visas issued to individuals who need to lawfully enter or remain in Australia until their initial visa or visa review is approved. It ensures your lawful status and enables you to return to Australia during an authorised travel time. It is important to apply on time, complete all the necessary supporting documents and have a sincere reason for travelling for a successful application process. Immigration laws do change, and it is always best to double-check the current requirements of the government before making travel arrangements or submitting an application.
