- Destinations
- Study
- Trade Courses to PR
- Automotive Electrician
- Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- Bricklayer
- Baker
- Boat Builder and Repairer
- Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
- Cabinetmaker
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Small Engine Mechanic
- Sheetmetal Worker
- Metal Fabricator
- Pressure Welder
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Stonemason
- Welder (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- University Courses to PR
- Early Childhood (Pre Primary School) Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Needs Teacher
- Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
- Registered Nurse (Community Health)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
- Social Worker
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Radio Communications Technician
- Courses with Good PR Prospect
- Architect
- Chiropractor
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- ICT Business Analyst
- Industrial Engineer
- Food Technologist
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Engineering Technologist
- ICT Security Specialist
- Midwife
- Mechanical Engineer
- Sonographer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Structural Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Optometrist
- Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Physiotherapist
- Systems Analyst
- Multimedia Specialist
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Software and Applications Programmers (NEC)
- Trade Courses to PR
- Visas
- Skilled Visas
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
- Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
- Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
- Permanent Residency Pathway – 191 Visa Australia
- Parent Visas
- Partner Visas
- Student Visas
- Graduate Visas
- Business Visas
- Visa Resources
- Book a Consultation
- Skilled Visas
- Services
- Degrees
- Blog
Subclass 020
Bridging Visa B
The Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020), commonly known as the BVB visa, allows holders to travel overseas and return to Australia while awaiting a substantive visa decision. This essential 020 visa provides flexibility during immigration processing in 2025.
Why Choose Edvise Hub?
Navigating Australia's immigration system often involves waiting periods, and that's where the Bridging Visa B (BVB), officially known as Subclass 020, becomes invaluable. This temporary visa bridges the gap, allowing you to maintain lawful status in Australia while providing the crucial ability to travel abroad and return during your substantive visa processing.
In 2025, the 020 visa remains a key tool for thousands of applicants on bridging visas who need to leave Australia temporarily for family, work, medical, or personal reasons. Unlike the Bridging Visa A (BVA), which restricts travel, the BVB visa grants a specific travel window—typically enabling one departure and re-entry.
What is Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020)?
The Bridging Visa B (BVB) is a temporary visa designed for individuals already in Australia on an eligible bridging visa who require international travel flexibility. According to the Department of Home Affairs, it permits you to "leave and return to Australia once" during a specified travel period while your main (substantive) visa application is processed.
Key benefits include:
- Lawful stay in Australia before and after travel
- Preservation of your substantive visa application's progress
- Same work and study rights as your previous bridging visa (usually)
This makes the Subclass 020 essential for avoiding unlawful status or abandoning your visa application by leaving on a standard BVA.
Eligibility Criteria for BVB Visa
To qualify for the Bridging Visa B in 2025, you must meet strict requirements:
- Be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) at the time of application and grant
- Currently hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA - Subclass 010) or an existing Bridging Visa B (BVB - Subclass 020)
- Have a pending substantive visa application or judicial review in Australia
- Demonstrate substantial reasons for travel (e.g., family emergencies, business, medical treatment)
You cannot apply if you're on a Bridging Visa C (BVC) in most cases, or if your previous visa had "no further stay" conditions.
Fahad Shamim
Education Consultant
As a education consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.
How to Apply for Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020)
Applying for the 020 visa is done online via your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step-by-step process:
- Log into ImmiAccount
- Pay the application fee first (AUD575 in 2026)
- Complete and attach Form 1006 (Application for a Bridging Visa B)
- Provide supporting documents: passport, travel itinerary, evidence of travel reasons, substantive visa acknowledgment
- Submit the application
Tips for success:
- Apply 4-6 weeks before planned departure to account for bridging visa b processing time
- Request your desired travel period (commonly 3 months, but up to 12 months possible with strong reasons)
- Ensure all family members included need their own applications if applicable
The visa is typically single-entry, meaning one departure and return. For additional travel, apply for a new BVB.
Bridging Visa B Processing Time in 2025
The Department of Home Affairs does not publish official processing times for the Subclass 020 due to its case-by-case nature. However, based on 2025 applicant experiences and migration agent reports:
- 50% of applications: 1-7 business days
- 75% of applications: Within 10-14 days
- Average: 1-3 weeks
- Complex cases: Up to 4 weeks or more
Digital improvements in 2025 have boosted efficiency by around 20%, reducing delays. Always apply early—urgent applications aren't prioritized, and you cannot travel while waiting for the BVB decision.
Costs and Fees for 020 Visa
As of July 2025 updates, the base application charge for the BVB visa is AUD190 per applicant. This fee is non-refundable, even if refused.
- No additional charges for subsequent applicants
- Payment required before lodging in most cases
Travel Validity, Duration, and Conditions
The Bridging Visa B grants a specific travel validity period, usually:
- 3 months (standard)
- Up to 12 months (with compelling evidence, e.g., long-term overseas commitments)
You must return before the travel facility expires, or your BVB ceases, potentially affecting your substantive application.
Common conditions:
- 8101: No work (if from previous visa)
- 8201: No study/training over 3 months
- 8501: Maintain health insurance
Work rights generally mirror your previous bridging visa.
Key Facts and Figures for Subclass 020 (2026)
- Annual applications: Contribute over AUD10 million in fees to immigration services
- Most common use: Family visits, medical treatment, business travel
- Success rate: High when eligibility met and reasons substantiated
- Single travel facility: Standard (multiple entries rare)
Why Choose Bridging Visa B?
In 2025, with ongoing visa backlogs, the BVB visa offers peace of mind for applicants needing to travel without derailing their immigration journey. Whether you're awaiting a partner, skilled, or student visa, this Subclass 020 ensures you can handle urgent overseas matters legally.
Always check your VEVO status and consult a registered migration agent for personalized advice.
FAQs
Q: What is Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020)?
It's a temporary visa (BVB) allowing one overseas trip and return while your main visa is processed.
Q: How long is the bridging visa b processing time in 2025?
No official times, but typically 1-3 weeks; many granted in 1-2 weeks. Apply early.
Q: How much does the BVB visa cost?
AUD575 (non-refundable) as of 2025.
Q: Can I work on a Bridging Visa B?
Yes, usually—rights carry over from your previous visa.
Q: How long can I travel on Subclass 020?
Standard 3 months; up to 12 months with strong reasons.
Q: Do I need compelling reasons for BVB?
Yes, provide evidence like flight bookings and explanations.
Q: Can I apply for multiple travels on one BVB?
Typically single entry; apply for new BVB for additional trips.
Expert guidance for your migration and study abroad journey. We specialize in navigating complex visa pathways to secure your future seamlessly.
Skilled Migration
- 189 Skilled Independent
- 190 Skilled Nominated
- 887 Skilled Regional
- 491 Skilled Regional
- 191 Skilled Regional
