What happens if I need to travel while my partner visa is being processed?

While waiting for your partner visa to be approved many circumstances can arise. There may be a need to travel whether for work or to visit family in your home country.

If you are currently in Australia on a visa, then the conditions of your visa will determine whether you can leave the country and return. Once a partner visa application is lodged, a Bridging Visa A (BVA) is usually granted to commence once your current visa expires to tide you over until your partner visa is granted. An important point to remember is that you cannot travel on a BVA.

If you need to travel while awaiting the decision on your partner visa, you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB). A BVB allows you to leave Australia and then return. BVBs are granted with a defined travel period. This travel period will expire once you return to Australia. Your BVB will remain valid until a decision is made on your partner visa. Any rights granted on the BVA will be transferred over to your BVB, e.g. work rights etc.

To learn more about traveling while awaiting a visa decision or bridging visas contact the Visa Solutions team on 1800 828 008.