Key Differences Between Bridging Visa A and Bridging Visa E
Bridging visas play a vital role in Australia’s immigration system, offering temporary legal status to individuals navigating the visa process. Bridging visas offer important help while you wait for a visa decision or fix an unlawful status.
What Is a Bridging Visa?
A bridging visa allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your immigration situation is being assessed. You might need one if:
- You’re waiting on a decision for a new substantive visa.
- You’ve overstayed your previous visa and need to regularise your status.
- You plan to leave Australia but require a temporary lawful stay.
Without a bridging visa, you may be seen as an unlawful non-citizen. This can result in detention or removal.
Bridging Visa A (BVA): For Lawful Transitions
What Is BVA?
Bridging Visa A is for individuals who apply for a new substantive visa while still on a valid visa. It keeps you lawfully in Australia while your new visa is processed.
Who Can Apply for BVA?
- You are in Australia when applying.
- You currently hold a valid visa.
- Your current visa has no conditions that prevent BVA issuance.
Work Rights on BVA
BVA doesn’t include work rights by default. You can apply separately for permission by demonstrating financial hardship.
Travel Conditions
Leaving Australia cancels your BVA. If you plan to travel overseas, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) to return lawfully.
Bridging Visa E (BVE): For Unlawful Non-Citizens
What Is BVE?
Bridging Visa E is intended for individuals who:
- Have overstayed or breached visa conditions.
- Currently have no valid visa.
- Need time to depart or regularise their status.
Who Can Apply for BVE?
- You have no current visa or one that has expired.
- You are actively resolving an immigration issue or departure.
- You agree to follow all BVE conditions set by immigration authorities.
Work Rights on BVE
Work rights under BVE are restricted and typically granted only upon demonstrating significant financial hardship.
Travel Conditions
BVE holders cannot travel overseas. Leaving Australia cancels the visa and complicates re-entry.
Comparison Table: Bridging Visa A vs E
| Feature | Bridging Visa A (BVA) | Bridging Visa E (BVE) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Transition from one lawful visa to another | Legalise stay after visa expiry or breach |
| Eligibility | Currently on a valid visa | No valid visa or expired visa |
| Application | Often granted automatically with a new visa application | Must be applied for manually |
| Work Rights | Possible with financial hardship | Highly restricted |
| Travel Rights | Need a Bridging Visa B for travel | No travel allowed |
| Best For | People lawfully in Australia awaiting visa decisions | People without a valid status need a resolution |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question 1. Can I work on a BVA?
A – Yes, if you apply for and receive permission due to financial hardship.
Question 2. Can I travel overseas while on a BVA?
A – Not without a Bridging Visa B (BVB). Otherwise, your BVA will cease upon departure.
Question 3. Is BVE suitable if my visa has expired?
A – Yes. BVE is designed for people without valid visas to legalise their stay or depart lawfully.
Question 4. Do BVE holders automatically get work rights?
A – No. You must apply separately and prove significant financial hardship.
Question 5. Can BVE holders travel outside Australia?
A – No. Leaving cancels your BVE, and re-entry is not guaranteed.
Question 6. Is BVA granted automatically?
A – Often, yes—if you apply for a new substantive visa while holding a valid one.
Why Choose Emigrate Lawyers?
Emigrate Lawyers offers expert legal services tailored to your visa situation.
We Offer:
- Specialists in BVA & BVE applications
- Partner and Protection visa submissions
- Support for visa refusals, cancellations, and reviews
- Multilingual service: English, Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, French
Whether you’re:
- Transitioning from one visa to another
- Fixing an expired or cancelled visa
- Seeking work rights while on a bridging visa
We provide honest, clear, and tailored advice for your situation.
Contact Emigrate Lawyers today to get started with your migration journey.
