If you leave Australia while holding a Bridging Visa A (BVA), your visa ceases automatically the moment you cross the Australian border.

It is a common misconception that a BVA allows for international travel; it does not. If you depart without first obtaining a Bridging Visa B (BVB), you will effectively be stranded offshore, and you will not be able to re-enter Australia using your BVA.

What This Means for Your Pending Visa Application

While your substantive visa application (the main visa you applied for) is generally not automatically cancelled by your departure, you face significant logistical and legal hurdles:

• You Cannot Return on a BVA: Because your BVA ceases upon departure, you have no valid visa to return to Australia. You must wait offshore until your substantive visa is granted before you can travel back.
• The “Onshore” Requirement: Many visa applications lodged in Australia (such as certain partner or skilled visas) have a requirement that you must be in Australia for the visa to be granted. If you are stuck offshore, the Department of Home Affairs may not be able to grant your visa, or you may be required to notify them of your change in circumstances, which could lead to your application being refused.
• Potential for Refusal: If you are unable to return to Australia when the Department requires additional information, a medical examination, or a formal interview, your application may be processed in your absence and potentially refused due to a failure to meet requirements.

Can You Fix This?

• If you are still in Australia: You must apply for and be granted a Bridging Visa B (BVB) before you leave. A BVB specifically grants you the right to travel and re-enter Australia during a specified period while your main application is being processed.
• If you have already left: You cannot apply for a new BVA or BVB while you are offshore. You generally must wait outside Australia for the outcome of your substantive visa application. You should contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent immediately to inform them of your situation and ensure your contact details are updated so you do not miss important correspondence.