Subclass 020 Bridging visa B (BVB)
BVA holders who need to travel outside Australia and return while their substantive visa is pending.
The Bridging visa B (BVB) (subclass 020) is an Australian bridging visa. This guide covers who the 020 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $190) and processing time (≈ days), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 020 visa is for
BVA holders who need to travel outside Australia and return while their substantive visa is pending.
Not a substantive visa — it adds travel rights to your bridging situation.
Subclass 020 eligibility criteria
- Currently hold a Bridging visa A (or eligible bridging situation)
- A genuine reason to travel and return
- Your substantive application still pending
Subclass 020 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Bridging visa B (BVB) (subclass 020) is ≈ $190, with an indicative processing time of ≈ days. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Bridging |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore |
| Length of stay | A specified travel period |
| Work rights | As per your conditions |
| Study rights | Usually yes |
| Government charge | ≈ $190 |
| Processing time | ≈ days |
| Pathway to PR | Not a substantive visa — it adds travel rights to your bridging situation. |
Pathway & next steps
Not a substantive visa — it adds travel rights to your bridging situation.
Many applicants also compare the 010 (Bridging visa A (BVA)), the 030 (Bridging visa C (BVC)), the 050 (Bridging visa E (BVE)). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 020 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 020 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 020 visa cost?
The Bridging visa B (BVB) (subclass 020) base application charge is ≈ $190. Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 020 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ days. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 020 visa lead to permanent residence?
Not a substantive visa — it adds travel rights to your bridging situation.
Can I work on the subclass 020 visa?
Work rights on the Bridging visa B (BVB) (subclass 020): As per your conditions.
Who can apply for the 020 visa?
BVA holders who need to travel outside Australia and return while their substantive visa is pending.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change — confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — official Australian immigration authority