Processing times / Bridging visa B
Bridging visa B processing time
Home Affairs publishes no processing time for the bridging visa B (subclass 020). Its guidance is to apply no more than 3 months and not less than 2 weeks before you travel, and not to leave Australia until it is granted.
Apply at least
2 weeks ahead
Apply at most
3 months ahead
Key facts
- Home Affairs publishes no processing time for the bridging visa B (subclass 020).
- The department advises applying no more than 3 months and not less than 2 weeks before the date you want to travel.
- A BVB must be granted before you leave Australia, and lets you return within its travel period.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “Bridging visa B processing time.” Updated 12 November 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/bridging-visa-b-processing-time/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
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Bridging visa B questions
How long does a bridging visa B take to process?
Home Affairs says there are no processing times available for the BVB. Instead, it says you should apply no more than 3 months and not less than 2 weeks before the date you want to travel.
What happens if I apply too late?
You must be in Australia when the BVB is decided. If you leave it until the last minute you risk not being granted a BVB before you are due to leave. Without one you might not hold a visa that lets you return, and would need to be granted a substantive visa offshore first, with no guarantee.
Why not apply earlier than 3 months?
Some visas can only be granted while you are in Australia. If you apply too far ahead, the department says it can be hard to assess whether your substantive visa will be ready for decision while you are away.
Who can apply for a bridging visa B?
You must be in Australia, hold a BVA or BVB, and have a pending onshore substantive visa application that is not a protection visa. A BVB lets you leave and return within its travel period; if you are not back before that date it ceases.
Can I change the conditions on my BVB?
No. To change conditions, such as work rights, you apply for a bridging visa A.