What Is Bridging Visa A and Why Does It Matter?
What is Bridging Visa A, and why should visa applicants pay close attention to it?
A Bridging Visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa that allows someone to remain lawfully in Australia while their application for a substantive visa is under consideration. It doesn’t grant new entitlements, but it plays a vital role in maintaining your lawful status during transitions.
Typically, it is granted automatically when you apply for another visa while inside Australia and your current visa is still valid. Think of it as a legal placeholder between two substantive visas.
Without a BVA (or a similar bridging visa), applicants may become unlawful and risk serious immigration consequences such as visa cancellation, detention, or even a re-entry ban.
Bridging Visa A Subclass and Eligibility Criteria
The bridging visa a subclass is formally known as Subclass 010. It is available only to individuals who have applied for another visa while physically present in Australia and who still hold a valid visa at the time of application.
You cannot apply for this visa offshore, and it does not apply if your previous visa has already expired when you submit your new application.
This subclass is commonly issued to:
- Students who have completed their studies and are applying for a graduate visa
- People applying for partner visas from within Australia
- Visitors who wish to extend their stay or change visa streams
- Skilled workers switching to a different temporary or permanent visa
It’s important to understand that a BVA is not a travel visa, and it doesn’t offer automatic work rights unless previously approved.
How Long Does Bridging Visa A Last?
Many people wonder, how long does bridging visa A last? Technically, there is no fixed duration. The BVA remains valid until one of the following occurs:
- A decision is made on your pending visa (if your student visa got cancelled, read our blog on it here).
- You withdraw your application
- You leave Australia
The BVA ends when the outcome of your new visa is finalised. If your new visa is granted, the BVA ceases to exist. If your application is refused and you don’t appeal, your BVA will also expire after a set period (often 35 days) to allow time for departure or appeal.
Bridging Visa A Validity and Key Conditions
The bridging visa A validity is closely tied to the progress of your substantive visa application. However, having a BVA doesn’t mean you can live freely without restrictions.
Here are some common conditions attached to the BVA:
- No work rights, unless your previous visa allowed work, or you successfully apply for permission due to financial hardship
- No travel rights, leaving Australia while on a BVA will automatically cancel it
- You must abide by Australian law and remain contactable by the Department of Home Affairs
If you need to work but your BVA doesn’t permit it, you can submit a separate request for work rights through ImmiAccount. You’ll need to provide evidence, such as financial hardship or cost-of-living burdens, to support your request.
Can You Travel on a Bridging Visa A?
No, you cannot travel internationally while holding only a BVA. Many people mistakenly believe they can go overseas and return without issue, but the moment you leave Australia, your BVA automatically cancels.
To travel and return lawfully, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB). This visa allows you to leave and re-enter Australia within a specific timeframe without affecting your main visa application. If your BVA is cancelled due to travel, you may be locked out of Australia while your new visa is being processed.
Bridging Visa A Australia: Smart Strategy or Potential Risk?
The Bridging Visa A Australia is essential for most applicants transitioning between visa types inside the country. It allows lawful residence and maintains continuity while your new visa is being assessed.
But it also comes with serious limitations. If you’re not aware of the bridging visa a subclass rules, you might find yourself without work rights, unable to travel, or confused about its expiry. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what you can and can’t do while on a BVA.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Bridging Visa A is more than a formality, it’s a legal shield that helps you maintain status during the often stressful visa application process. Knowing how long bridging visa A lasts, its subclass limitations, and what you must avoid (like travel without a BVB) will protect your immigration future.
Stay informed, follow your visa conditions, and take proactive steps if you need to work or travel.