Can You Hold More Than One Australian Visa at the Same Time?
Many clients ask: “Can I hold more than one Australian visa at once?” In almost all cases, the answer is no for substantive visas. When a new substantive visa comes into effect, the previous substantive visa ceases to be valid. You can, however, hold a substantive visa and one or more bridging visas at the same time (with the bridging visa typically only becoming active after your current substantive visa ends).
Important: Always check which visa is currently in effect before making travel, work or study decisions.
Rule of Thumb: One Substantive Visa at a Time
A substantive visa is your ‘main’ visa, such as a Student Visa, Partner Visa, Skilled Visa, Work Visa, and more. If you apply for and are granted a new substantive visa, it automatically comes into effect and replaces the previous one. This prevents conflicting conditions from applying simultaneously and clarifies which set of visa conditions you must follow.
Are There Any Exceptions?
While you cannot have 2 substantive visas in effect simultaneously, you can hold a bridging visa alongside a substantive visa.
A bridging visa is a temporary visa that keeps you lawful in Australia while the Department processes your new onshore application, or while a merits review/judicial review is underway for a visa refusal or cancellation. A bridging visa (for example, Bridging Visa A (BVA) (Subclass 010)) usually only takes effect after your current substantive visa expires, if your new application is still undecided at that time.
An example scenario: You hold a Student (subclass 500) visa and apply onshore for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. A BVA may be granted soon after lodgement, but you remain on your Student visa (and its conditions) until that visa expires. If your SC485 is still undecided at that point, the BVA comes into effect. If you need to travel internationally before the SC485 is decided, you will normally apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020) and wait for it to be granted before you depart.
Why is This Information Important?
Misunderstanding which visa is in effect can lead to unlawful status and serious consequences.
Each visa has unique conditions (for example, work limits or “No Further Stay - 8503 condition”). Knowing which visa you are on helps you comply. Read: What Happens if I Breach My Visa Conditions?
Understanding when a bridging visa activates and when you need a BVB to travel helps you plan work, study, and trips without risk.
What to Do If You’re Unsure?
If you have applied for multiple visas or are unsure about your current visa status:
Use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to see your current in‑effect visa, expiry date and conditions. VEVO shows only the visa that is currently in effect (for example, it won’t show a bridging visa that isn’t yet active).
Read your grant notices carefully; they set out conditions and validity.
Speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law for tailored advice on how a new grant could affect your status or any pending applications.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
What are the Consequences of Breaching Visa Conditions on Future Applications?
Do I Need a Migration Agent or an Immigration Lawyer? Understanding the Difference
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are unsure about which visa you currently hold or how a new application may affect your status, consider consulting with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law – Jason Ling or Angela De Silva to get professional, tailored advice on the best course of action if you have a character issue. Our team of immigration lawyers specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’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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