Can I Travel While My Visa Is Pending? Bridging Visa B Explained
Applying for a new visa can be a waiting game, and it is natural to wonder about your travel possibilities during this period. If you are in Australia on a Bridging Visa A (BVA) (Subclass 010), achieving your aim to travel without jeopardising your visa status lies in learning about the Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020).
What is a Bridging Visa?
When you apply for a new visa in Australia while already on another, you may be granted a Bridging Visa. This visa keeps you lawful in Australia while your new visa application is processed. However, not all bridging visas allow international travel.
What is Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020)?
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020) allows you to leave and return to Australia while waiting for your visa decision. To be eligible for a BVB, you must hold a BVA prior. BVB only allows you to travel abroad for a specific time, usually up to 3 months, ensuring you can return to Australia legally. You must apply for and receive a BVB grant before leaving Australia. The BVB application should include details of your travel plans and reasons for travel.
What are the Considerations Before Applying for BVB?
If you left Australia without a BVB while holding a BVA, it may complicate your entry to return to Australia.
Apply for a BVB well in advance of your intended travel dates to ensure that you can accommodate the visa processing time.
Ensure you return to Australia before your BVB expires to avoid any entry ban into Australia.
If you have a legal representative taking charge of your visa matter, always inform your immigration lawyers of your plans to travel as soon as possible.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Planning a trip to travel outside of Australia is possible; ensure to prepare and apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) (SC020) in advance so you comply with your visa conditions. Speak with an immigration lawyer at Agape Henry Crux for tailored advice for your next steps. The team works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, as they specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a Migration Planning Session by calling 02-8310-5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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