Subclass 020 — Bridging Visa B (BVB) — Australia — immi.wiki

The Subclass 020 Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a bridging visa that grants a person permission to travel outside Australia and return, while their underlying substantive visa application continues to be processed. It is applied for separately — unlike the BVA, the BVB is not automatically granted — and is subject to a specified travel window during which the holder must return.

A person who holds only a Subclass 010 BVA and departs Australia will cause the BVA to cease. The BVB is the mechanism that preserves the right to return and to continue the substantive visa application from outside Australia (briefly) and then return.

The BVB does not replace the BVA — it operates alongside it. After returning to Australia using the BVB, the BVA (or a further BVA) continues to apply while the substantive application is decided.

A person may apply for a BVB if they:

• Hold a BVA (Subclass 010) or a Subclass 030 BVC for a pending substantive visa application
• Are in Australia at the time of application
• Have a reason for travelling outside Australia (the Department typically assesses whether the travel is necessary or reasonable — e.g., family emergency, work, education)
• The substantive visa application has not been finally determined

The Department may refuse a BVB where the applicant cannot demonstrate a need to travel or where there are compliance concerns.

Applications for the Subclass 020 BVB are lodged online through ImmiAccount. The application requires the applicant to state the reason for travel, intended travel dates, and destination. A BVB cannot be applied for after the applicant has already departed Australia.

The BVB specifies a travel window — a date by which the holder must return to Australia. The travel window is set by the Department at grant and is typically 3 months or a specific return-by date. Returning after the travel window expires means the BVB has ceased and the person may not be able to return or continue their application.

For current application guidance and fees, refer to the DHA Subclass 020 page.

The BVB carries a specified travel window that limits the period of travel. The work conditions on the BVB are the same as those on the underlying BVA — the BVB does not upgrade or change the work rights associated with the pending application.

Once the BVB expires (on the travel window date or when the substantive application is decided), the holder should have returned to Australia. Holders should confirm all current conditions using the DHA visa conditions check page.