Bridging Visa D (BVD): Subclasses 040 and 041

A Bridging Visa D (BVD) is a very short bridging visa. It keeps you lawful for a few working days if your visa is about to expire, or has expired, and you tried to lodge a visa application but could not. It is a safety net, not a long term option. This page explains the two BVD subclasses and what to do next.

Subclass 040: Bridging (Prospective Applicant)

A subclass 040 BVD is for a person who:

• is unlawful, or holds a visa that will end within 3 working days of applying;
• has tried to make a valid onshore application for a substantive visa but could not; and
• will be able to make that application within the next 5 working days.

Trying means taking real steps. An intention is not enough. Policy examples include completing the form but being unable to pay the fee, or an online lodgement blocked by a system error. Working days do not include weekends or public holidays where you apply.

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Subclass 041: Bridging (Non-applicant)

A subclass 041 BVD is for an unlawful non-citizen who cannot, or does not want to, apply for a substantive visa, for example because of a statutory bar or because they are arranging to leave Australia. It is granted where no authorised officer is available to consider a Bridging Visa E. It lasts until the end of the fifth working day after grant, or until a BVE is granted, if that is earlier.

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How to get a BVD

You apply on Form 1007, in person at an interview with an immigration officer or by post to an immigration office in Australia. Family members can apply together. There is no visa application charge.

In some cases you are treated as having applied for a subclass 040 automatically. This can happen if you posted or couriered a substantive visa application that turned out to be invalid, for example because the fee was not paid. It does not apply to online applications, to applications invalid because of a section 48 bar, or to people in detention.

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Conditions

Every BVD has condition 8101, which means you cannot work. A subclass 041 BVD also has condition 8401, which requires you to report to the Department as directed. Failing to report can lead to cancellation. Keep your contact details up to date.

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What to do during your 5 working days

1. Lodge a valid application for a substantive visa that can be granted in Australia, with the correct fee and documents.
2. Check you are not barred from applying, for example by a section 48 bar or condition 8503. See condition 8503.
3. If you cannot apply, get advice about a Bridging Visa E or arrangements to leave Australia.
4. Keep your grant notice and diary the date your BVD ends.

Once a valid onshore application is lodged, you will usually move to a Bridging Visa C or, in some cases, a Bridging Visa A.

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Limits and traps

• You cannot get a subclass 040 if you have already been granted two since you last held a substantive visa.
• If your visa has condition 8503, a waiver can take longer than 5 working days, so a subclass 040 may be refused.
• When a BVD ends without a further visa, you become unlawful again.