Author: Jair Castro – Team Lead & Migration Strategist
With the holiday season approaching, many people are planning trips overseas to visit family, take a break, or simply enjoy some time away. However, if you are waiting for a decision on a temporary or permanent visa while on a bridging visa, or if you are a permanent resident whose travel facility is close to expiring, your current visa status plays a critical role in determining whether you can lawfully return to Australia.
Many people assume they can travel freely while their visa application is still in progress or simply because they hold permanent residency. In reality, travelling without the correct visa, valid travel facility or required permission can place your entire immigration status at risk and may prevent you from re-entering Australia.
Understanding how bridging visas work, whether you are permitted to travel on your current permanent resident visa, and when a Bridging Visa B (BVB) or a Resident Return Visa (RRV) is required is essential to avoid unintended consequences, including being unable to return to Australia.
This article outlines two key travel scenarios every visa holder should understand:
- Travelling while on a bridging visa
When a Bridging Visa B (BVB) is required to protect your ability to leave and re-enter Australia lawfully before the expiry date.
- Travelling as an Australian permanent resident
Why permanent resident status alone does not guarantee re-entry and when a Resident Return Visa (RRV) is required.
Travelling overseas: why your Bridging visa matters
A Bridging visa is a temporary visa granted by the Department of Home Affairs that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your substantive visa application is being processed or your immigration status is being resolved.
There are several types of bridging visas, each with different conditions. The most common is the Bridging Visa A (BVA), which permits you to stay in Australia legally but does not allow international travel. If you depart Australia on a BVA, it ceases automatically and you may not be able to return until a new visa is granted.
The option for travel: Bridging Visa B (BVB)
If you need to travel and return to Australia while your substantive visa is still being assessed, you must apply for and be granted a before leaving Australia. This visa allows temporary overseas travel within a clearly defined period approved by the Department.
Without a BVB, you risk being unable to re-enter Australia while your application is ongoing.
Eligibility for a Bridging Visa B
Under standard circumstances, to be eligible for a BVB you must:
- Hold a valid Bridging Visa A (BVA)
- Be awaiting a decision on a substantive visa that is not yet finalised or is under judicial review
- Have a genuine reason for leaving and returning to Australia
Some complex situations may still qualify for a BVB and should be assessed with professional guidance.
When should you apply for a BVB?
Timing is crucial. It is recommended that applications are lodged:
- No more than three months before your intended departure date
- No less than two weeks before travel
Applying too early or too late can risk refusal or delays that may impact your travel plans.
How long can you travel on a BVB?
A BVB is granted with a specific travel validity period. You can only depart and re-enter Australia within that approved window.
When assessing the travel period, the Department considers:
- The purpose of your travel
- The expected decision timeframe for your substantive visa
Your visa grant notice will clearly state the permitted dates of travel. You should not book non-refundable tickets until you understand the travel conditions attached to your BVB.
Supporting documents, you should provide
To strengthen your BVB application, you should provide:
- Evidence supporting your reason for travel (for example, work, medical or compassionate grounds, family events)
- Intended travel dates
- Full overseas address if staying outside Australia for more than 14 days
This information assists in determining an appropriate travel period and strengthens your application.
Key travel limitations
A Bridging Visa B does not allow unrestricted travel. Important conditions include:
- Re-entry is not permitted once the travel period expires
- If you remain outside Australia beyond the approved travel period, you must wait offshore for your substantive visa to be granted or apply for a new visa, if eligible
- If your travel period expires while in Australia and you need to travel again, a new BVB application is required
Non-compliance with these conditions can have serious consequences for your immigration status.
When does a BVB cease?
Your Bridging Visa B will end if:
- Your substantive visa is granted
- You are issued another bridging visa
- The Department cancels your BVB or your underlying visa
- You remain outside Australia after the travel period expires
- You depart Australia after the approved travel period has ended
Plan carefully before booking travel
Travelling while awaiting a visa decision requires careful planning. A BVB is not optional; it is essential to protect your ability to return to Australia. Without it, even a short trip could leave you stranded offshore.
Travelling as an Australian permanent resident, why PR alone is not enough
Holding Australian permanent residence does not guarantee you can return to Australia after travelling overseas. Your ability to re-enter depends on whether the travel facility attached to your permanent visa is still valid.
If you leave Australia after your permanent visa travel facility has expired, you will not be able to return as a permanent resident unless you first obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
What is a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?
An RRV allows eligible permanent residents to:
- Travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident until the RRV travel facility expires
- Maintain their permanent resident status when returning from overseas
If you are already in Australia, hold permanent residency and do not intend to travel, you do not need an RRV. However, if you plan to travel, your travel facility is critical.
Key points permanent residents must understand
Before booking international travel, permanent residents should:
- Check the expiry date of their permanent visa travel facility in VEVO
- If the travel facility has expired or is close to expiring, apply for and be granted an RRV before attempting to return
- Understand that if they remain in Australia and do not travel, an RRV is not required
- Be aware there is no limit to the number of RRVs they can apply for
How long does the RRV travel facility last?
The length of the travel facility granted on an RRV depends on your circumstances, including residence and ties to Australia. Broadly:
- Up to 5 years if you meet certain residence requirements (for example, the two-year residence requirement in the last five years)
- Up to 12 months if you have substantial ties that benefit Australia, but do not meet the residence requirement
- Up to 3 months in limited compassionate circumstances
The remaining travel facility from a previous visa cannot be “carried over” to a new RRV.
Risks of travelling without a valid travel facility
If you attempt to return to Australia without a valid travel facility, for example, on a visitor visa instead of holding an RRV or current PR travel facility, this can affect:
- your entitlements as a permanent resident
- your ability to meet permanent residence requirements for Australian citizenship
- your ability to obtain future RRVs
Permanent residents should treat their travel facility expiry with the same seriousness as visa conditions and review dates well before confirming travel plans.
Plan carefully before booking travel
Whether you are on a bridging visa or hold permanent residency, international travel is not something to assume is safe or automatic. You should:
- Confirm exactly what visa you hold
- Check whether you need a Bridging Visa B to leave and return while an application is in progress
- Check whether your PR travel facility is still valid and if you need an RRV
- Seek advice early if timing, eligibility or conditions are unclear
- Do you have 6 months or more of validity on your passport?
Australia requires travellers to hold a passport with at least six months’ validity, so it is essential to check that individuals meet this requirement, as those with less than six months remaining will not be permitted to re-enter the country.
Without the correct visa or travel facility, even a short trip could leave you stranded offshore or affect your long-term immigration options.
Need advice before travelling?
Every situation is different. The right approach depends on your current visa, travel plans and long-term goals.
Absolute Immigration can:
- Review your current visa or permanent residence status
- Confirm whether you need a BVB or RRV
- Help you understand the risks of travel in your specific circumstances
- Guide you through the correct application process
For tailored advice and assistance with your Bridging Visa B, Resident Return Visa or travel planning, contact our team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
