You Can Leave and Re-enter Australia While Waiting for a Decision, But Only with the Right Bridging Visa
Waiting for a visa decision can be stressful, especially if you need to travel overseas for family, work or personal reasons. Many applicants aren’t aware that leaving Australia while on a Bridging Visa can have consequences including the cancellation of the bridging visa you currently hold.
The good news? You can leave and re-enter Australia while your substantive visa is being processed, but only if you hold the correct Bridging Visa with the right travel facility.
Understand how bridging visas work, what you need to travel lawfully and how to avoid common mistakes.
What are Bridging Visas in Australia?
A bridging visa allows you to remain in Australia lawfully while the Department processes your substantive visa application. However, not all bridging visas allow travel rights. This is where many applicants get caught out.
Why Most Bridging Visas Don’t Allow Travel?
Common bridging visas such as Bridging Visa A (BVA) (Subclass 010) and Bridging Visa C (BVC) (Subclass 030) do not come with travel rights by default. If you depart Australia on a BVA or BVC, the visa will generally cease immediately. This also means:
You cannot re-enter Australia unless you obtain another visa.
Your ongoing visa application may be negatively affected.
You may need to stay offshore until the final decision is made.
This is why it is important to ensure you have the right visa before travelling. If you engaged a professional representative, make sure to communicate your travel plans.
Related: Travel Outside Australia: How It Affects Your Pending Visa Decision
What You Need to Travel? A Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020)
To leave and return to Australia while your application is being assessed, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020). A BVB provides a travel facility for a specific period, the ability to re-enter Australia lawfully, and the continued lawful status while your substantive visa is processed.
Each BVB includes specific travel dates. If you return after the expiry date, you may be refused entry into Australia.
Related: I hold a BVE (SC050)/BVC (SC030) - Can I Travel Overseas?
When Should You Apply for a BVB?
You should apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if:
You hold a BVA.
You need to travel temporarily.
Your substantive visa application is still in progress.
You want to maintain your ability to re-enter Australia.
Processing times may vary, so it is best to apply well in advance of your expected travel date.
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?
When leaving Australia without a BVB, your current bridging visa ceases.
Don’t assume all bridging visas allow travel, as most of them don’t.
If you apply too close to your travel date, there may be a risk of delays.
Re-entry must occur before the travel facility expires.
Why Professional Advice Matters?
Bridging visas can be complicated, and a simple mistake can jeopardise your stay in Australia. Speaking with an immigration lawyer can assist you in obtaining the correct visa and avoiding any compliance issues that could affect your future visa pathway.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
Travelling overseas on a Bridging Visa is possible as long as you plan ahead in time. If your matter is complex or you are unsure, seek professional guidance by speaking with Jason Ling or Angela De Silva, our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law at Agape Henry Crux. Getting a strategic plan today can save you time, money and stress tomorrow. The team specialises in handling highly complex matters. Schedule an appointment with one of our solicitors to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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.
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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