Bridging Visa A (BVA): What International Students and Skilled Migrants Need to Know

If you're applying for a new visa in Australia - whether you're an international student finishing your studies or a skilled worker pursuing permanent residency - you’ll likely encounter a Bridging Visa A (BVA). It's a temporary visa that helps you stay lawfully in Australia while your new visa is processed.

Let’s break down what BVA is, who it's for, your rights and obligations, and some key tips to make your visa journey smoother.

What is a Bridging Visa A?

A Bridging Visa A (subclass 010) lets you stay in Australia legally while waiting for a decision on a new visa, as long as you lodged the new visa application while holding a valid visa.

• It’s granted automatically in most cases when you apply for a substantive visa onshore.

• It becomes active once your current visa expires.

• No separate application or fee is usually needed.

• It does not allow international travel - if you leave, your BVA will cease. Apply for a Bridging Visa B if you need to travel.

Why It Matters for International Students

If you’re moving from a Student Visa (subclass 500) to a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), the BVA is your safety net.

Example:Priya finished her Master’s in June and applied for a 485 visa in July, before her Student Visa expired in August. A BVA was granted automatically. When her student visa expired, the BVA took effect - letting her stay in Australia and start working while waiting for her 485 outcomes.

👉 Tip: BVA doesn’t start immediately. You must continue following your current student visa conditions (e.g. work limits, study requirements) until it expires.

How BVA Helps Skilled Workers

If you’re on a 485, 482, or another temporary visa and apply for a skilled or permanent visa (like 189, 190, or 186), BVA lets you remain in Australia while your application is processed.

• Many BVA holders applying for PR visas usually get unrestricted work rights, even if their previous visa had limits, but individual circumstances might be different.

• Always check your BVA grant letter for specific conditions.

Work Rights on a BVA

Work conditions depend on what visa you held when applying:

• If your last visa allowed limited work (like a student visa), your BVA will likely carry the same limits.

• If your previous visa didn’t allow work, your BVA likely won’t either (Condition 8101).

• If you can’t support yourself and your BVA has no work rights, you can apply for another BVA with work rights based on financial hardship but conditions apply.

Key BVA Conditions

• No travel allowed. Leaving Australia will cancel your BVA. If you need to go overseas, apply for a Bridging Visa B first and get it granted.

• Same conditions as your previous visa usually apply (e.g., study or work limits).

• Valid until a decision is made on your visa application. If refused, it usually stays valid for 35 days so you can appeal or depart.

Eligibility for BVA

You must:

• Be in Australia when applying.

• Hold a valid visa when you apply for the new one.

• Lodge a valid visa application.

• Meet basic character requirements.

You’ll usually be granted a BVA automatically - no separate application is needed unless you're requesting a variation (like work rights).

Quick Tips

• Apply for your new visa before your current one expires to be eligible for BVA.

• Always read your BVA grant letter to understand your visa conditions.

• Don’t leave Australia on a BVA — apply for a BVB first.

• If you have no work rights and you’re struggling, apply for a new BVA with work rights.

• Use VEVO to check your visa status and work entitlements.

• Seek advice from a registered migration agent if you're unsure about your conditions or next steps.

FAQs

Q: Can I work on a BVA?

It depends. If your previous visa allowed work, the BVA usually follows those same rules. You can apply to change conditions if needed.

Q: Can I travel on a BVA?

No. You must apply for a Bridging Visa B before leaving Australia.

Q: How long is BVA valid?

Until your new visa is granted, refused, or withdrawn. After refusal or withdrawal, it usually remains valid for 35 days.

Q: Do I need to apply for BVA separately?

No, not if you apply for your new visa onshore while holding a valid one. Mostly it gets granted instantly.

Final Thoughts

Bridging Visa A is a critical part of the migration journey for many students and skilled workers. Whether you're stepping into the workforce or applying for permanent residency, understanding how your BVA works will keep your plans on track.

Need help navigating your visa pathway? Contact ICS Education and Migration – we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and is not intended as legal advice. Immigration laws and policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. For personalised advice, please consult a registered migration agent or legal professional.