Visa Refused in Australia: What Happens to Your Bridging Visa

When a visa you applied for in Australia is refused, the first question is usually: can I stay? The answer depends on which visa you hold now, whether you lodge a review, and how quickly you act. This guide explains what happens to a Bridging Visa A after a refusal and the steps to take before it ends.

First, check which visa you hold

A bridging visa only comes into effect when your previous substantive visa ends. If your old visa is still valid on the day of the refusal, you remain on that visa, with its conditions, until its expiry date. Your bridging visa then takes over, and its end date is worked out from the refusal or review.

If you are not sure, check VEVO or your ImmiAccount, and read the refusal letter. See bridging visas explained.

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How long a Bridging Visa A lasts after a refusal

What happens	When the BVA generally ends
Refused, no review lodged	35 days after the refusal decision
Refused, valid ART review lodged	35 days after the ART makes its decision
ART decides the review application was not valid, for example it was late	35 days after that ART decision
You withdraw the visa application or the ART review	35 days after the withdrawal
ART sends the case back to the Department	The BVA continues while the Department reconsiders
Refused for certain national interest reasons (PIC 4003)	At the time of the decision

The 35 days run from the decision, not from when you read the letter. A refusal sent by email is usually received the same day, so do not wait. Other bridging visas, such as a Bridging Visa C, have their own end dates, so check the grant letter.

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Lodging a review keeps you lawful

Most refusals of visas applied for in Australia can be reviewed by the ART. The applicant lodges the review and must be in Australia when it is lodged. The fee, or a fee reduction request with at least half the fee, must be paid within the deadline. See ART time limits and ART fees.

While the review is running, your BVA usually keeps the same work and study conditions as before. Reviews can take many months. See ART processing times.

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Travelling while a review is pending

A BVA does not let you return to Australia once you leave. If you need to travel, you must hold a Bridging Visa B before you depart. Leaving without one can end your BVA and may affect your review. See leaving Australia without a BVB.

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What if your bridging visa is about to end?

• Lodge a new application: if a refusal applies to you and you do not hold a substantive visa, the section 48 bar limits which visas you can apply for in Australia. A new application for an eligible visa can bring a new bridging visa.
• Apply for a Bridging Visa E: a BVE can give you time to make arrangements to leave, or to wait for another outcome in some cases.
• Depart on time: leaving before your bridging visa ends avoids becoming unlawful. See re-entry bans and exclusion periods.

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Student visa refusals

Most student visa refusal reviews are now decided on the papers, without a hearing. The ART sends a written invitation to give submissions and evidence. If you do not respond in time, the application must be dismissed. See reasons for student visa refusal.

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What you should do now

• Check your visa status today: work out whether you are on a substantive visa or a bridging visa.
• Write down two dates: the ART deadline and the date your bridging visa would end.
• Get the decision record: the reasons tell you what evidence is needed.
• Do not travel without a BVB: leaving on a BVA can end it.
• Get advice before the deadline: the choice between review, a new application or leaving depends on your case.