•

Bridging Visa B: Up to 5 Years Validity Explained

Riverwood Migration

May 9, 2026

Share this article:

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Your Most Trustworthy Migration Partner.
‍Just A Click Away.

Book a Consultation

Bridging Visa B Validity Extended for 482 and 186 Applicants

Home Affairs confirmed at the MIA-Home Affairs Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting on 25 March 2026 that Bridging Visa B (BVB) grants have been updated to carry longer validity periods. The change directly addresses longstanding concerns about BVB durations being too short for applicants whose substantive visa applications remain pending for extended periods.

Under the updated approach, BVBs are now being granted with a two-year validity where the BVB is associated with a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) application, and up to a five-year validity where associated with a Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) application.

Why This Change Matters

BVBs allow applicants who hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to depart and re-enter Australia while their substantive visa application is under assessment. Without a valid BVB, leaving Australia causes the BVA to cease, and the applicant cannot return on a bridging visa.

Given that Subclass 186 applications in particular have faced processing times that stretch across multiple years, applicants were frequently required to lodge repeated BVB applications simply to maintain travel flexibility. The updated validity periods directly reduce that administrative burden.

Who Is Affected

This change applies to applicants in the following situations:

You have lodged a Subclass 482 visa application and hold, or are applying for, a BVB to travel outside Australia while your application is pending.
You have lodged a Subclass 186 visa application and require a BVB to maintain travel rights during the processing period.

The extended validity does not apply automatically to all bridging visas. The BVB grant terms are set by the delegate at the time of decision, and the durations above reflect the updated approach Home Affairs is applying to these two visa streams.

Important Guidance: Do Not Lodge Multiple BVB Applications

Home Affairs specifically requested at the 25 March 2026 meeting that applicants and their representatives not lodge multiple BVB applications in an attempt to extend travel authorisation. This practice creates unnecessary caseload and does not accelerate outcomes.

Where a BVB application has been lodged and is experiencing delays, the correct course of action is to escalate the matter rather than submit a second or further application. Your migration lawyer can advise on the appropriate escalation pathway for your circumstances.

Practical Steps for Applicants

Confirm the visa subclass your pending application relates to (Subclass 482 or 186).
Check whether you currently hold a BVB and, if so, confirm its expiry date and the travel return conditions attached.
If you need to travel and do not yet hold a BVB, lodge a single BVB application and, if processing is delayed, request escalation through your migration lawyer.
Do not lodge a second BVB application while one is already pending.

Key Takeaways

BVBs linked to Subclass 482 applications are now granted with a two-year validity.
BVBs linked to Subclass 186 applications are now granted with up to five years of validity.
This change was confirmed at the MIA-Home Affairs Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting on 25 March 2026.
Lodging multiple BVB applications is not recommended. Delays should be escalated, not duplicated.
The change reduces the administrative burden on applicants facing long processing timelines for employer sponsored visas.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.