Family emergency or compassionate
Medical emergency, bereavement, or other urgent family circumstances. Documented evidence strengthens the case.
Subclass 020 · The Only Travel Bridge
A parent is unwell overseas. A wedding in three months. A BVB is your only legal option to travel.
A BVA will not let you back in. A BVB will, but only if you apply the right way, for the right reasons, with enough runway before your flight. Never book flights before the BVB is granted.
Who can apply for a BVB
BVA holders only.
You must currently hold a BVA in effect, or a BVA that will be in effect during the proposed travel period. You must have a substantive reason to travel.
Work or business
Employer letter, conference invitation, client meetings, or other documented business travel.
Study or research
Conference, fieldwork, or institution-sponsored international study.
Any reasonable personal reason
The Department accepts a wide range of reasons. The key is documented substance, not just a holiday request.
What the BVB gives you
A travel period. Usually 3 months.
Within the travel period, you can leave and re-enter as many times as needed. When you re-enter before the travel period ends, you revert to your BVA.
Travel period is a deadlineIf you do not return before the travel period ends, your BVB ends, your BVA cannot come back into effect, and your underlying application is treated as withdrawn. No grace period.
Return 48+ hours before end dateReturn flights must land in Australia at least 48 hours before the BVB end date. Cutting it close is the fastest way to lose an application.
Multiple entries allowedWithin the travel period you can leave and re-enter as often as needed. Useful for multiple short trips.
Reverts to BVA on returnWhen you land back in Australia before the travel period ends, your BVA comes back into effect. Your substantive application continues.
Processing and evidence
Lodge at least 6 weeks before departure.
Standard processing runs 2 to 4 weeks. Urgent cases can be faster but are not guaranteed. Plan with buffer.
Travel reason evidence
Flight bookings or itinerary (not paid tickets). Invitation letters, medical letters, employer letters, event bookings. Strong reasons get stronger decisions.
Ties to Australia
Evidence you will return: lease, Australian employment, dependents, study enrolment, business commitments. Return intention matters.
Timing
2 to 4 weeks standard. Urgent cases (medical, bereavement) can be processed within days but are not guaranteed. Plan 6 weeks minimum.
We have seen BVB refusals where the applicant provided only a one-way ticket.
The decision-maker read it as intent not to return. Always show a return ticket or confirmed return plan, even if plans might change.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For BVB strategy, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I apply for a BVB from outside Australia?
No. You must be in Australia and hold a BVA in effect (or a BVA that will be in effect during the travel period) when you lodge.
What if my BVA expires before my planned return?
Your BVB travel period is capped by when the Department expects your substantive application to be decided. If your travel period is shorter than your trip, return earlier or risk losing the application.
Can I apply for multiple BVBs?
Yes. Most clients who travel often apply for fresh BVBs every 6 to 12 months through the processing period.
Does my spouse on a dependent BVA need their own BVB?
Yes, each person on a BVA needs their own BVB if they wish to travel.
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.