Bridging Visa B Fees Australia

Bridging Visa B (BVB) Fees Australia

The Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) allows eligible people in Australia to temporarily leave and return to Australia during a specified travel period while they wait for a decision on a substantive visa application or deal with an eligible immigration matter.

A BVB application has a visa application charge. The exact amount should be checked using the current Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator, because Australian visa charges can change and the applicable charge is determined by the date the application is received.

How Much Does a BVB Cost?

The BVB application charge should be confirmed through the current Department of Home Affairs pricing information before lodging your application.

We recommend not relying on an old fixed BVB fee published online, as visa application charges may be adjusted, including annual pricing changes.

The Department's official guidance confirms that:

• Visa application charges are payable in Australian dollars.
• Charges can change from time to time.
• The applicable cost depends on the date the application is received.
• Payment must be made before the BVB application can be processed.
• A payment surcharge may apply depending on the payment method.

BVB Application Charge

Before submitting a BVB application, applicants must pay the applicable visa application charge through the required Department process.

For BVB applications submitted through the Department's online process, payment is made through ImmiAccount before submission.

The BVB application form is Form 1006 – Application for a Bridging Visa B.

Are There Additional BVB Costs?

Apart from the government visa application charge, other expenses may arise depending on your circumstances.

These can include:

• 💳 Payment processing surcharge
• 📄 Document translation costs
• 📑 Professional migration assistance fees
• ✈️ Travel and related expenses
• 📋 Costs associated with obtaining supporting evidence

The Department states that payment surcharges may apply when visa application charges are paid by certain credit cards or PayPal. Current published surcharge rates include 1.40% for Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB, and 1.01% for PayPal.

Does the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge Apply to a BVB?

The Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) does not apply to bridging visa applications.

Home Affairs specifically states that the STAC is not paid for bridging, criminal justice or enforcement visa applications.

BVB Fee Payment

A BVB application must be paid for before it can be validly submitted.

For applications requiring the Department's BVB webform process, applicants are instructed to pay through ImmiAccount before submitting the application.

It is important to make sure the correct amount is paid. Home Affairs states that a visa application is not valid until the required first instalment has been received in full. If the correct amount is not paid, processing may not commence and the applicable charge may increase before the correct payment is received.

Who Can Apply for a Bridging Visa B?

A BVB is generally relevant to eligible people who:

• Are in Australia
• Hold a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B
• Have a substantive visa application or other eligible immigration matter
• Need to travel outside Australia temporarily
• Need permission to return to Australia during the approved travel period

The Department's BVB application form identifies holding a Bridging Visa A or B as one of the requirements for grant.

Why Is a BVB Important for Travel?

Unlike most other bridging visas, a Bridging Visa B provides a travel facility for an approved period.

If you leave Australia while holding a different bridging visa, that bridging visa may cease.

Therefore, if you need to travel overseas while waiting for another Australian visa decision, you should check your travel rights before leaving Australia.

BVB Travel Period

A BVB does not provide unlimited travel rights.

The Department grants a specific travel period. You must return to Australia within the approved travel period if you intend to rely on the BVB to return.

Your requested travel dates and reasons for travel should therefore be clearly explained in your application.

BVB Application Requirements

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide:

• Current passport
• Current visa details
• Bridging visa information
• Substantive visa application details
• Reason for travelling
• Proposed travel dates
• Evidence supporting your reason for travel
• Evidence of significant or compelling circumstances where required
• Other documents requested by the Department

The Department assesses the application based on the information and supporting documents provided. Applicants must provide true and accurate information.

How to Apply for a BVB

A typical BVB application involves:

1. Check your current visa status
Confirm that you hold an eligible bridging visa and understand your current conditions.

2. Confirm your travel requirements
Determine why you need to leave Australia and when you intend to travel.

3. Prepare supporting documents
Collect evidence explaining your travel circumstances.

4. Complete Form 1006
Complete the Application for a Bridging Visa B where required.

5. Lodge the application
Eligible applicants who lodged their substantive visa application through ImmiAccount generally use ImmiAccount for their bridging visa application where applicable. Other eligible paper-lodged applications may use the Department's BVA/BVB/BVC webform.

6. Pay the applicable fee
Pay the current BVB application charge before submitting the application.

7. Wait for the decision
Do not make travel arrangements that depend on BVB approval until you understand your visa position and travel period.

Can the BVB Fee Be Refunded?

Visa application charges are generally not refundable if an application is refused or withdrawn, subject to limited circumstances under the Department's refund rules.

BVB Fees and Professional Assistance

The government visa application charge is separate from any professional migration assistance fee.

If you use a registered migration agent or another professional service provider, their service fees are generally charged separately from the Department's visa application charge.

Get Help With Your BVB Application

BVB applications can be particularly important when you have an ongoing Australian visa application and need to travel overseas.

The Visa can assist you with:

✔️ BVB eligibility assessment
✔️ Current BVB fee guidance
✔️ Travel-period requirements
✔️ Supporting document preparation
✔️ Form 1006 guidance
✔️ BVB application preparation
✔️ Bridging visa conditions
✔️ Travel and return considerations

Important BVB Fee Notice

Visa application charges can change. Always confirm the current Bridging Visa B fee through the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before making payment.

The Visa can help you understand the applicable BVB requirements and prepare your application based on your individual circumstances.