From Monday 30 November 2026, the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) will change how it assesses newly lodged Bridging Visa B (BVB) applications made by people with a pending employer-sponsored visa application. In short, travel facilities will generally be granted for shorter periods, and applicants will need to clearly explain (and support) why they need to travel. Below, we explain what this means and how to prepare.
What is a BVB and who does this change affect?
Upon lodging a visa application in Australia whilst holding another substantive visa, you will be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that enables you to remain in Australia lawfully while your further application is being processed. However, a BVA does not allow you to travel. If you leave Australia whilst holding an active BVA, it ceases, and you may not be able to return while your application is still being decided.
A BVB solves this problem. It includes a travel facility, which is a set period during which you can leave and re-enter Australia while your substantive visa application remains on foot.
This update specifically concerns BVB applications associated with employer-sponsored visa applications, such as applicants (and their family members) with a pending:
- Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) visa application;
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) visa application; or
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Subclass 494) visa application.
What is changing from 30 November 2026?
Importantly, the law itself is not changing. What is changing is how strictly the existing policy settings will be applied in practice.
In practical terms, for BVB applications lodged on or after 30 November 2026:
- travel facility periods will generally be shorter than recent practice; and
- applicants will need to demonstrate substantial reasons for their travel, with supporting information or evidence.
Will my BVB travel period be shorter?
Most likely, yes. In recent times, it has been relatively common for employer-sponsored applicants to receive BVBs with lengthy travel facilities, even where the applicant had only one trip in mind. From 30 November 2026, the Department has indicated this will no longer happen as a matter of course.
Instead, the period granted will reflect:
- the applicant’s stated reason for travel;
- the anticipated travel dates; and
- the applicant’s individual circumstances.
The Department has asked applicants to clearly set out the purpose, anticipated timing and expected duration of their travel when lodging the application.
What counts as a “substantial reason” for travel?
To grant a BVB, the delegate must be satisfied that your reasons for leaving and re-entering Australia are substantial (clause 020.212(2)(d) of the Migration Regulations 1994). This is not a new requirement, but it will now be applied more closely.
Notably, the Department has said that a general statement that you intend to go on holiday or visit family may not, by itself, be enough.
That does not mean holidays or family visits can never qualify. It means the application should explain the circumstances properly and, where possible, back them up. For example:
Reason for travel | Information or evidence that may help |
Visiting a seriously ill family member | Medical letter or report, evidence of the relationship |
Attending a family event (wedding, funeral, birth) | Invitation, death notice, evidence of the relationship |
Work-related travel for the sponsor | Letter from the employer explaining the business need for the trip |
Managing personal affairs overseas (property, legal matters) | Correspondence, court or tribunal notices, property documents |
Returning home after a long absence | Explanation of time since last visit, family circumstances |
The more specific and well-supported the explanation, the easier it will be for the delegate to assess the application favourably.
What if I have already lodged a BVB application?
BVB applications lodged before 30 November 2026 will continue to be processed in line with recent practice. Unless the Department specifically asks you for more information, you do not need to provide any further documents for a BVB application that is already with the Department.
If you are planning travel in the coming months and are eligible to apply now, it may be worth lodging your BVB application before 30 November 2026. You should seek advice on whether this is appropriate in your circumstances.
When should I apply, and should I book flights first?
The Department recommends lodging a BVB application no less than 2 weeks, and no more than 3 months, before any planned travel, in line with its published BVB guidance.
In our experience, BVB applications have been taking approximately 1 to 4 weeks to process.
You do not need to buy flights to prove that you intend to travel. In fact, the Department has cautioned applicants to think carefully about the risk of making non-refundable bookings before the BVB is decided. If your BVB is not granted in time, or is granted for a shorter period than you planned, you may be left out of pocket.
How can I improve my chances of a BVB grant that suits my travel plans?
Before you lodge a BVB application on or after 30 November 2026, check that you have:
- explained why you need to travel: go beyond “holiday” or “visiting family”. Explain who, why and why now;
- set out your travel dates: include your intended departure date, return date and total time away. If your dates are flexible, say so and explain why;
- attached supporting evidence: for example, medical letters, invitations, employer letters or court documents, as relevant;
- asked for a period that matches your plans: requesting a long, open-ended travel facility without explanation is unlikely to succeed;
- lodged at the right time: ideally between two weeks and three months before you plan to leave; and
- avoided non-refundable bookings: wait until your BVB is granted, where possible.
If your travel is urgent (for example, due to a family emergency), make this clear in the application and provide whatever evidence you can.
Need help with a BVB application?
These changes mean that a carefully prepared BVB application matters more than ever, particularly for employer-sponsored applicants who need to travel for family or work. Every situation is unique, and the right approach depends on your reasons for travel, your timing and the status of your substantive visa application. If you are planning to travel while your employer-sponsored visa application is pending, feel free to reach out to our team or book a consultation to discuss your options.
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