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.
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