Form 1006 Australia: Complete Guide to the Bridging Visa B Application Form
If you are living in Australia on a bridging visa and need to travel overseas temporarily, understanding Form 1006 is essential. Many visa applicants mistakenly assume they can leave and re-enter Australia while holding a bridging visa. However, departing Australia without proper travel permission can cause serious immigration complications.
This is where Form 1006 becomes important. The form allows eligible applicants to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), which grants temporary travel rights while their substantive visa application remains under assessment.
In this guide, you will learn what Form 1006 is, who needs it, how it works, common mistakes to avoid, and why seeking legal advice can help protect your visa status.
What Is Form 1006?
Form 1006 is the official application form used to request a Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020).
A Bridging Visa B allows eligible individuals to:
- Leave Australia temporarily
- Travel overseas for personal, family, business, or emergency reasons
- Return to Australia during a specified travel period
- Continue awaiting the outcome of their substantive visa application
Without a valid Bridging Visa B, most bridging visa holders lose their right to return to Australia once they depart.
Why Is Form 1006 Important?
Many visa applicants focus solely on their substantive visa application and overlook their travel rights.
However, travelling overseas without obtaining a Bridging Visa B can create significant problems, including:
- Losing your bridging visa
- Being unable to return to Australia
- Needing to apply for another visa offshore
- Delays to your migration plans
- Increased costs and uncertainty
Therefore, applying through Form 1006 before travelling is often critical for protecting your immigration status.
What Is a Bridging Visa B?
A Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa that permits travel while your substantive visa application is being processed.
Unlike some other bridging visas, a Bridging Visa B includes travel authority.
The visa generally specifies:
- The period during which you can travel
- The dates you can leave and return
- Any conditions attached to the visa
Once the travel period expires, the Bridging Visa B remains in effect as a bridging visa, but the travel facility ends.
Who Needs Form 1006?
You may need Form 1006 if:
- You currently hold a bridging visa in Australia
- You have lodged a substantive visa application
- You need to travel overseas temporarily
- You intend to return to Australia before a decision is made on your visa application
Common applicants include:
Partner Visa Applicants
Many partner visa applicants hold a Bridging Visa A while awaiting a decision. If they need to travel overseas, they often require a Bridging Visa B.
Skilled Visa Applicants
Applicants waiting for skilled visa outcomes may use Form 1006 when business, family, or personal travel becomes necessary.
Student Visa Applicants
Students transitioning to another visa may require travel permission while their new application is under assessment.
Parent Visa Applicants
Parent Visa long processing times sometimes make overseas travel unavoidable. A Bridging Visa B can help maintain lawful return rights.
Who Cannot Use Form 1006?
Not everyone qualifies for a Bridging Visa B.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including:
- Current visa status
- Pending visa applications
- Immigration history
- Compliance with visa conditions
Applicants should carefully review their circumstances before lodging the form.
Information Required in Form 1006
When completing Form 1006, applicants must provide detailed information about their identity, current immigration status, and proposed travel arrangements. The Department uses this information to assess whether a Bridging Visa B should be granted and to determine the appropriate travel period.
The information typically required includes:
- Personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, passport details, and contact information.
- Current visa information, including details of your bridging visa and any substantive visa application that is currently under assessment.
- Travel arrangements, such as the countries you intend to visit, your expected departure date, and your planned return date to Australia.
- Reason for travel, explaining why you need to travel overseas while your visa application is being processed.
- Supporting documents, where relevant, to support your travel request.
Supporting evidence may be particularly helpful if your travel relates to:
- A family emergency
- Business or work commitments
- Medical treatment
- Educational obligations
- Other significant personal circumstances
Most importantly, ensure that all information provided in Form 1006 is accurate and complete. Incorrect details, missing documents, or inconsistencies between your application and supporting evidence can result in delays or requests for additional information from the Department.
How to Complete Form 1006 Successfully?
Completing Form 1006 requires careful attention to detail. Although the form may appear straightforward, even small mistakes can create unnecessary complications.
Step 1: Review Your Current Visa Status
Before applying, confirm:
- Your current bridging visa type
- Conditions attached to the visa
- Status of your substantive visa application
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather all relevant evidence before lodging the application. Strong documentation helps immigration authorities understand the necessity of travel.
Step 3: Provide Accurate Information
Always ensure:
- Dates are correct
- Passport information matches official records
- Travel plans are clearly explained
Even minor mistakes can create unnecessary processing issues.
Step 4: Lodge the Application Before Travel
Never assume approval will be granted immediately. Apply well before your intended departure date to avoid unexpected complications.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make With Form 1006
Although Form 1006 may seem straightforward, many applicants make mistakes that can delay processing or affect their travel plans. Understanding these common errors can help you prepare a stronger application and avoid unnecessary complications.
Some of the most frequent mistakes include:
Assuming all bridging visas allow international travel – Many applicants believe they can travel overseas simply because they hold a bridging visa. However, most bridging visas do not automatically provide travel rights.
Booking flights before receiving a Bridging Visa B approval – While you may need to provide intended travel dates, visa approval is never guaranteed. Booking non-refundable flights too early can result in financial losses if the visa is not granted in time.
Providing incomplete or inaccurate information – Missing details, incorrect passport information, or inconsistencies within the application can lead to delays and requests for further information.
Failing to clearly explain the reason for travel – A vague or insufficient explanation may make it more difficult for the Department to assess the application.
Submitting inadequate supporting documents – Lack of evidence to support your travel plans can weaken your application and potentially delay processing.
To minimise these risks, take the time to review your application carefully, ensure all information is accurate, and provide relevant supporting documents. Thorough preparation can improve the quality of your application and help avoid unnecessary complications.
Important Things to Know Before Travelling Overseas
Many applicants mistakenly believe that holding a Bridging Visa A allows them to leave Australia and return freely. However, departing Australia while holding a Bridging Visa A generally causes that visa to cease.
This is one of the most important concepts visa applicants need to understand before making travel arrangements.
It is also important to remember that a Bridging Visa B includes a limited travel facility. The visa specifies the period during which travel is authorised. Therefore, applicants must ensure that they return to Australia within the approved timeframe.
Because every immigration matter is unique, applicants should avoid relying on advice from friends, social media groups, or online forums. What applies to one person may not apply to another.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help?
Applying for a Bridging Visa B may seem straightforward. However, even minor mistakes can lead to delays, complications, or issues with your ability to return to Australia.
At Emigrate Lawyers, our immigration team assists clients throughout the Form 1006 application process. We take the time to understand your situation, review your travel requirements, and identify any issues that may affect your application before they become significant problems.
Our team can help by:
- Assessing your eligibility for a Bridging Visa B
- Reviewing your current visa status and pending visa applications
- Advising on the most appropriate travel dates and arrangements
- Preparing and reviewing supporting documents
- Ensuring your Form 1006 is completed accurately and thoroughly
- Identifying potential risks that could affect your travel or visa status
- Providing strategic immigration advice tailored to your circumstances
- Assisting with complex cases involving previous visa issues or compliance concerns
Most importantly, Emigrate Lawyers helps clients navigate Australia’s immigration system with confidence. By obtaining professional advice before travelling, you can reduce the risk of costly mistakes and ensure your travel plans do not jeopardise your ongoing visa application.
Download Form 1006
If you need to apply for a Bridging Visa B, you can download Form 1006 and complete it before submitting your application to the Department of Home Affairs. The form requires details about your current visa status, travel plans, and the reasons for your intended overseas travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form 1006
Q1. What is Form 1006 used for?
A- Form 1006 is used to apply for a Bridging Visa B, which allows eligible visa applicants to travel overseas and return to Australia while awaiting a visa decision.
Q2. Can I leave Australia without a Bridging Visa B?
A- If your current bridging visa does not include travel rights, leaving Australia may affect your ability to return. You should carefully assess your visa status before making travel arrangements.
Q3. How long is a Bridging Visa B valid?
A- The validity period varies depending on individual circumstances and the travel dates approved by the Department.
Q4. Can partner visa applicants use Form 1006?
A- Yes. Many partner visa applicants apply for a Bridging Visa B when they need to travel overseas while their application remains under assessment.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Form 1006 Australia is essential if you need to travel overseas while waiting for a visa decision. A Bridging Visa B can provide valuable travel flexibility and help protect your ability to return to Australia without disrupting your migration journey.
Because immigration rules can be complex and individual circumstances vary, applicants should carefully assess their eligibility and travel plans before lodging the form.
Seeking professional legal advice can help reduce risks, avoid delays, and provide confidence that your application has been prepared correctly. For tailored assistance, you can contact Emigrate Lawyers to receive guidance on your Form 1006 application and Bridging Visa B requirements.
Need Legal Help with Form 1006?
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Migration law changes frequently, and applicants should obtain advice specific to their circumstances before lodging any visa application.
