Activates automatically
Issued automatically when you lodge an onshore visa application while holding a valid substantive visa.
Default Bridging Visa · Onshore · Work Rights Usually Continue
The BVA is the default bridging visa.
You lodged an onshore visa application while holding a substantive visa. The Department issued a Bridging Visa A automatically. Here is what the BVA does, what it limits, and how to know exactly what rights you have. For the full technical detail, see our BVA pillar page.
What the BVA does
Keeps you lawful during processing.
The BVA exists to bridge the gap between one substantive visa and the next.
In effect when substantive expires
Not active immediately. Comes into effect when your current substantive visa expires.
Continues until application decided
Remains valid until the Department decides the pending application. Covers processing time including waits at each stage.
Inherits most rights
Usually inherits work and study rights from the substantive visa that preceded it. Not always; check conditions.
What BVA does NOT do
Two practical limitations.
Some features are specifically outside BVA scope.
Travel rights are limitedBVA does not permit re-entry after departure. Leaving Australia cancels the BVA. If you need to travel, apply for BVB before departing.
Not a substantive visaBVA is temporary and procedural. Cannot be used for ongoing purposes like PR calculations or some sponsor obligations.
Common BVA scenarios
When it matters.
Most onshore visa applicants encounter BVA at some point.
Student to 485
Student visa expires while 485 is being decided. BVA maintains onshore lawful status and work rights.
485 to PR
485 visa expires while 189/190/491 is being decided. BVA continues coverage.
Partner visa processing
Partner visa lodgement triggers BVA. Usually provides work rights for long processing periods.
BVA inherits conditions from the previous visa.
If your previous visa had condition 8105 (student 48-hour work cap), the BVA will have the same cap. If your previous visa had full work rights, the BVA usually does too. Always verify exact conditions; do not assume they are the same.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For BVA verification, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Do I need to apply for BVA separately?
No. BVA is issued automatically when you lodge an onshore application while holding a substantive visa.
Can I travel on my BVA?
Generally no. You need a BVB for international travel.
How long does BVA last?
Until the pending visa application is decided. Could be weeks, months, or years depending on the visa type.
What if my pending application is refused?
BVA generally ends some weeks after a refusal decision. Urgent legal advice needed in that window.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.