Last Updated: 7 October 2026
A bridging visa lets you stay lawfully in Australia while a decision is made on a visa application you lodged in Australia. This guide covers bridging visas linked to an onshore Student visa (subclass 500) application.
Since 2 October 2026, fewer people can lodge a Student visa application from within Australia. Most temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday (417, 462), Visitor (600), Temporary Graduate (485) and Skills in Demand (482) holders, now apply from outside Australia. An application lodged offshore does not give you a bridging visa. So the first step is checking whether you can lodge onshore at all.
Not sure whether you can lodge onshore?
Book a consultation and a registered migration agent can check your visa and course before you apply.
Key Takeaways
- A bridging visa generally applies only when you lodge a valid application in Australia.
- From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders must lodge a Student visa application from outside Australia.
- Applications lodged offshore do not generate a bridging visa.
- Current Student visa holders may still lodge onshore if an exemption applies.
- A bridging visa A generally carries the same work conditions as your previous visa.
- A bridging visa A generally does not allow travel. A bridging visa B is needed before you leave.
- Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged.
Who can Lodge a Student Visa Application Onshore?
|
Situation |
Onshore lodgement |
|
Holder of a visa on the affected list (for example 417, 462, 482, 485, 600) |
Generally not available. Lodge from outside Australia |
|
Current Student visa holder needing up to 12 more months with the same provider |
May be available |
|
Current Student visa holder progressing to a higher AQF level |
May be available |
|
DFAT or Defence sponsored, PhD, or school studies |
May be available |
|
Current Student Guardian (590) holder applying for a further 590 |
May be available |
|
Lodged before 2 October 2026 |
Assessed under the earlier rules |
Exemptions have conditions, such as the higher education provider requirement when progressing between higher education courses. See our guide to the 2 October 2026 changes for the full list.
Planning a further course?
Find a course and check how it fits your current visa.
How Does the Bridging Visa Start?
If you lodge a valid onshore application, a bridging visa is generally granted without a separate application. There is generally no application charge for this first bridging visa.
You move onto it when your current visa ends. Until then, your current visa conditions continue.
Example: A student finishing a Diploma and moving to a Bachelor degree lodges onshore under the higher AQF level exemption. They stay on their current Student visa until it ends. If the new application is still pending, the bridging visa takes over.
What are My Work Rights?
A bridging visa A generally has the same work conditions as the visa you held when you lodged.
Example: A student who needs up to 12 more months with the same provider and lodges onshore would generally keep the work conditions of their current Student visa. Student visa holders are generally limited to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Check your conditions on VEVO.
Once a new Student visa is granted, its conditions apply. Work generally starts only after your course begins.
How Long does It Last?
There is no fixed length. It generally continues until a decision is made on your application. If an application is refused, it commonly continues for 35 days after the decision.
Processing times vary, so check the Home Affairs visa processing times page.
Can I Travel?
A bridging visa A generally does not include travel rights, and leaving Australia may end it ⚠. If you need to travel, apply for a bridging visa B before you leave, through ImmiAccount. The charge is $575 (it was $185 previously). Confirm it on the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Planning to travel while your application is pending?
Talk to a registered migration agent before you book flights.
A bridging visa lets you stay lawfully in Australia while a decision is made on a visa application you lodged in Australia. This guide covers bridging visas linked to an onshore Student visa (subclass 500) application.
Since 2 October 2026, fewer people can lodge a Student visa application from within Australia. Most temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday (417, 462), Visitor (600), Temporary Graduate (485) and Skills in Demand (482) holders, now apply from outside Australia. An application lodged offshore does not give you a bridging visa. So the first step is checking whether you can lodge onshore at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a bridging visa if I apply for a Student visa from outside Australia?
No. Home Affairs states that you will not receive a bridging visa linked to an application lodged outside Australia.
What is a bridging visa A?
A bridging visa A is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia after your current visa ends, while your substantive visa application is being processed.
Do I need to apply separately for a bridging visa A?
Generally no. It is usually granted when you lodge a valid application in Australia.
Will I be able to work on a bridging visa?
Work conditions generally follow the visa you held when you lodged your application, but they can differ. You can check your own conditions using VEVO.
Can I travel while I hold a bridging visa A?
A bridging visa A generally does not include travel rights. A bridging visa B allows you to leave and return to Australia once while your application is processed. Apply before you depart, and check the current charge on the Visa Pricing Estimator.
How long does a bridging visa continue after a decision is made?
A bridging visa generally continues for a set period after a decision, commonly 35 days. The exact period depends on your circumstances, so check your bridging visa conditions on VEVO.
