TL;DR
- What is it? A temporary visa that lets you leave and re-enter Australia while waiting for your substantive visa.
- Eligibility: You must have held a substantive visa, applied for a visa or judicial review, and have a valid reason to travel.
- Benefits: Stay in Australia, travel in/out, include family, and work (if allowed on your previous visa).
- Application: Check your status, gather documents, and apply online or via webform.
- Cost: AUD 190 with no set processing times, apply ahead of your travel plans.
Are you in Australia waiting for your substantive visa application to be processed, but need to travel for personal or work reasons? You may be wondering how to leave and re-enter Australia without jeopardising your current visa status. This is where the Bridging Visa B (BVB) can help. It lets you leave and return to Australia while your substantive visa application is being decided.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Bridging Visa B, including eligibility, the application process, and how it can support your journey. If you’re looking for a way to ensure smooth travel while your visa status is under review, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down and ensure you’re fully informed on how the Bridging Visa B can support your journey.
Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Understanding the Bridging Visa B
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa that gives you the flexibility to leave and return to Australia while your substantive visa application is under review. This visa can be particularly helpful if you need to travel for business, family matters, or personal reasons during your visa application waiting period.
Here are the key details of the Bridging Visa B:
- Leave and Return: With this visa, you are permitted to travel outside Australia within a specified travel period while your application is still under review.
- Temporary Visa: The BVB is temporary and linked to your ongoing substantive visa application.
- Specified Travel Period: The BVB grants you a travel period, and you must return to Australia within that timeframe.
- Eligibility: This visa is only for people who are already in Australia and have a pending visa application.
The BVB is an excellent option for applicants who need flexibility during their waiting period. Let’s now explore the benefits of the Bridging Visa B.
Benefits of Bridging Visa B
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) offers several benefits, giving you the flexibility you need while waiting for your visa application to be processed. Here are the main benefits:
- Stay Lawfully in Australia: You can stay in Australia legally as you await the outcome of your substantive visa application or any ongoing judicial review.
- Leave and Return to Australia: The BVB allows you to leave and re-enter Australia within the travel period specified, without the risk of losing your legal status.
- Family Inclusion: If you have applied for a substantive visa with your family, you can include your family members in your BVB application. This means you will only need to submit one application form and pay a single visa application charge for all members of the family unit.
- Work Permission: If the visa you applied for or the one you held allows you to work, you may be permitted to continue working while on the Bridging Visa B. However, if the visa you applied for or held has work restrictions, you won’t be allowed to work on the BVB.
The Bridging Visa B gives you the flexibility to travel while your application is being processed, offering peace of mind during this waiting period. Let’s explore the eligibility criteria to help you determine if this visa is the right choice for your situation.
Bridging Visa B Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Bridging Visa B, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These are the general conditions for most applicants:
1. Held a Substantive Visa
To apply for the Bridging Visa B, you must have previously held a substantive visa. This means that you should have held a valid visa before applying for the BVB. It could be a tourist visa, work visa, student visa, or any other type of visa granted for temporary or permanent residence in Australia.
2. Hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B
If you already hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or a Bridging Visa B, you are eligible to apply for the Bridging Visa B. It’s important to note that this allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your substantive visa application is processed or if you’re waiting for the outcome of a judicial review.
3. Application for Substantive Visa or Judicial Review
To qualify for the BVB, you must have made a valid application for a substantive visa. In case your substantive visa application was refused, you must have lodged an application for judicial review within the prescribed timeframe. The BVB helps you stay in Australia while your visa decision is pending or while a judicial review is in progress.
4. Valid Travel Reasons
A crucial part of the Bridging Visa B is demonstrating a valid reason to leave and return to Australia. These reasons could include attending family matters, fulfilling work commitments, or other personal reasons that require you to travel. You’ll need to provide supporting documents to explain why travel is necessary during the processing of your substantive visa.
5. Character Requirement
As with most visa applications in Australia, you must meet the character requirements. This typically involves providing police certificates or other documentation that demonstrates your good conduct. Australia has strict standards when it comes to character, and ensuring that you meet this requirement is essential for a successful application.
If you meet these basic criteria, you are eligible for the Bridging Visa B. However, it’s important to make sure you apply within the appropriate timeframes and prepare the necessary documents. Now let’s move on to the application process.
The Process of Applying for a Bridging Visa B
The application process for the Bridging Visa B involves several important steps. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Check Your Status
Before applying for the Bridging Visa B (BVB), take a moment to check your current status. You can do this by reviewing your VEVO records to see if you have a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB). This is an important first step to confirm that you’re eligible to apply for the BVB. Also, make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your travels and the visa application process.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
While applying for the BVB visa, it’s important to collect all necessary documents, including:
- Proof of your valid reason to travel
- Your existing visa details
- Financial documents
- Personal identification
- Evidence of your travel plans.
Having all these documents ready will make the process smoother and help avoid delays in your Bridging Visa B application.
Step 3: Submit the Application
The application method for the BVB depends on how you applied for your substantive visa. If you applied online, you’ll need to submit your BVB application via ImmiAccount. If you applied by paper, submit it through a webform.
Step 4: After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for a response from the Department of Home Affairs. During this waiting period, stay in touch with your migration agent for any updates or additional document requests. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for any notifications, and respond promptly if any further information is needed.
Step 5: Visa Outcome
The decision on your Bridging Visa B application will be sent in writing. If granted, your visa conditions and validity period will be outlined. If refused, you’ll be informed of the reasons and whether you have the right to appeal the decision.
If you’re ready to apply for the Bridging Visa B, Knowbal is here to help guide you through each step of the process. Let’s ensure you have everything in order for a smooth and efficient application.
Cost and Processing Time
The application cost for the Bridging Visa B is AUD 190. While there are no specific processing times available for the BVB, it’s always best to apply well ahead of your travel plans to avoid any complications. As soon as you submit your application, the Department of Home Affairs will process it as quickly as possible. For more information on current processing times, check the Department of Home Affairs’ processing tool.
Things to Consider
The Bridging Visa B comes with some responsibilities and conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Comply with Australian Laws: You must adhere to all Australian laws during your stay on the Bridging Visa B.
- Meet Visa Conditions: You’ll need to comply with both your current visa and the conditions of your Bridging Visa B. Your visa conditions will be listed in your grant letter or VEVO records.
- Stay Period: The Bridging Visa B will end under various circumstances, such as if your substantive visa application is refused, if a review is completed, or if you withdraw your application.
Make sure you understand all the conditions of your visa to avoid any issues later on. Once you’re clear on these, you’ll be in a great position to enjoy your travel and stay in Australia.
Final Thoughts
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) offers a practical solution for those who need to leave and return to Australia while waiting for their substantive visa application to be processed. It allows you to travel freely within the specified travel period, stay lawfully in Australia, and keep your application on track. With a clear understanding of the process, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your travel plans aren’t disrupted.
Need help with your Bridging Visa B application? Contact Knowbal today and let our experts guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that everything is handled efficiently and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a Bridging Visa B last?
The duration of your BVB depends on your situation and the travel period granted by the Department of Home Affairs.
2. What reasons can I give to apply for a Bridging Visa B?
You must provide valid reasons for needing to leave and return to Australia, such as personal or work-related matters.
3. Can a Bridging Visa B be refused?
Yes, your application can be refused if you don’t meet the necessary criteria or fail to provide sufficient documentation.
4. Can I travel outside Australia on a Bridging Visa B?
Yes, a BVB allows you to leave and re-enter Australia during the granted travel period, but you must return within that timeframe.
5. What happens if I don’t comply with the Bridging Visa B conditions?
Failure to comply with the visa conditions may result in your visa being cancelled or refusal of future visa applications.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!
