Sometimes you’ll find yourself needing to pivot to a different visa—but the best next option can’t be filed onshore. That might be because the section 48 bar applies, the visa is offshore-only, or the onshore version carries heavy Schedule 3 risk. The BVB switch solves that problem: you take a short, genuine-reason trip to lodge the new visa online from overseas, return to Australia, and then hold a new Bridging Visa B (BVB) that’s linked to that offshore application, so you can stay onshore while it’s processed.
(Important: a cancellation makes any BVA/BVB cease immediately and usually puts you on a BVE—you can’t do the switch from a BVE. A refusal doesn’t automatically end your bridging; what you can do next depends on your review rights and timing.)
When this makes sense
- You’re s 48-barred onshore. If you’ve had a refusal or cancellation since last entry and don’t hold a substantive visa, s 48 blocks most onshore applications. A short trip lets you lodge offshore, then come back and link a BVB to that offshore case so you can remain in Australia while it processes. See our section 48 explainer.
- The target visa is offshore-only or offshore-preferred. A common example is a Offshore Partner visa application, which many people choose offshore to avoid Schedule 3 issues onshore.
- You’re pivoting away from an ART appeal. A better pathway opened up, and you don’t want to uproot life here. The switch lets you set up the new case offshore and stay onshore while it’s decided.
How the BVB switch works
- First BVB (linked to your current onshore matter).
You’re in Australia on a BVA or BVB (for example, because an onshore application or review is pending). You apply for a BVB with a genuine, documented travel reason and dates. If granted, that BVB lets you leave and return for the first short trip. - Go offshore, lodge the new visa online, then return.
While physically outside Australia, you lodge the new visa online (e.g., the combined Partner 309/100). Everyone included in the application travels together to lodge, then you all return to Australia within the BVB’s “must return by” date. - Second BVB (linked to the new offshore application).
Back onshore, you apply for a second BVB and link it to the TRN of the offshore application. Once that second BVB is granted (now tied to the offshore visa case), you can decide whether to withdraw the old onshore matter. You then remain in Australia on that second BVB while the offshore visa is processed.
What must be true for this to work
You’re in Australia on a BVA or BVB. Only BVA/BVB holders can be granted a BVB. If you’re on a BVE (for example, after a cancellation), this pathway won’t work.
- You can lodge the target visa online from offshore. Online offshore lodgement is critical because internet applications are taken to be “made in Australia” unless the regulations say otherwise. That’s what lets the Department link a new bridging visa to the offshore application once you’re back onshore. If a visa cannot be lodged online from offshore (for example, Subclass 461 which is paper only), the switch won’t work.
- At least one stage can be granted while you’re onshore. For Partner cases, that’s the Subclass 100 in a combined 309/100. Always confirm the grant-location rules for your visa type.
- You have genuine reasons for two trips. Each BVB needs its own substantial reason with evidence and dates that align. Don’t say the reason is “lodging a visa”.
- Everyone in the family unit moves together at key points. All included applicants go offshore to lodge, and all return to keep bridging in place while the offshore case is processing.
- Linking is precise. The first BVB ties to your onshore matter; after you return, the second BVB must be linked to the TRN of the offshore application. Only after that second BVB is granted should you consider withdrawing the onshore matter.
Why online lodgement matters
For bridging-linking purposes, internet applications are treated as made in Australia unless a regulation prescribes otherwise (for example, reg 2.07AF(2)). That policy position allows a new BVB to be linked to your offshore, online application once you’re back in Australia. If the visa can’t be lodged online from offshore, you can’t create that bridging link—and you risk finding yourself unlawful onshore if your appeal ends before the offshore visa can be granted.
Timing risks and common traps
- Appeal finalises before your second BVB is granted. If your onshore review finishes (especially with a cancellation) before you have the second BVB tied to the offshore application, your bridging may cease and you can’t transition to a BVB from a BVE.
- Long first-BVB travel windows. A long “must return by” date on the first BVB can overlap unhelpfully with hearing dates or decision timeframes. Map the calendar.
- Paper-only offshore visas. If the target visa isn’t lodged online, you cannot link bridging on your return.
- Weak travel reasons. Each BVB requires a substantial and evidenced reason.
- Withdrawing too early. Don’t withdraw the onshore matter until the second BVB (linked to the offshore TRN) is granted.
A simple example
You’re on a BVA because an ART appeal is pending. You’re s 48-barred and want to pivot to a Partner (309/100) offshore application to avoid Schedule 3 risks. You apply for a BVB with a genuine, documented reason (for example, urgent family reasons), travel, lodge the 309/100 online while offshore, and return before the “must return by” date. Back in Australia, you apply for a second BVB, link it to the Partner TRN, and—once it’s granted—consider withdrawing the appeal. You then remain in Australia on that second BVB while the offshore Partner case is processed. See our Partner visa guide for what evidence will be needed.
If cancellation/refusal is on foot
- Cancellation: if your visa is cancelled, any BVA/BVB ceases immediately. You’ll usually need a BVE to stay lawful. You cannot get a BVB from a BVE, so the switch won’t be available.
- Refusal: a refusal does not automatically end bridging. Whether you can proceed (and whether s 48 applies) depends on your review rights, status, and timing.
- Exclusion periods: if a prior cancellation or refusal engages exclusion criteria (e.g., PIC 4013 or PIC 4014) for the visa you want, you’ll need to factor that in. Some exclusions can be waived in limited circumstances for temporary visas; others can’t.
- Workplace exploitation & other nuances: some protections may apply in exploitation scenarios; get advice promptly.
Practical sequencing
- Stay lawful at all times.
- Don’t start a new onshore application that the s 48 bar or an exclusion period will obviously kill.
- If you’re considering an onshore Partner 820 while on a bridging visa, ensure the Schedule 3 case is properly built; otherwise the offshore 309/100 via the BVB switch may be safer.
- Treat any NOICC response as mission-critical; avoiding cancellation is better than trying to salvage status later.
- Never assume an ART appeal or court process pauses everything—time limits keep running.
How Leyton Stone Law can help
We can help you map this pathway and handle the linking so the sequence works.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration matters can be complex — you should seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your individual circumstances before making any decision.
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