A bridging visa can be held before it is in effect. It usually comes into effect when the person no longer holds another visa that keeps them lawful, and it ceases when a specified event or date occurs.
You can hold a bridging visa before it is actually in effect. This can happen when another visa is still keeping you lawful in Australia.
Many bridging visas cease because an event happens, such as another visa being granted, a visa application being refused or withdrawn, a review outcome occurring, cancellation, deportation, or the holder leaving Australia. A Bridging B visa can also cease if the travel facility ends while the person is outside Australia. Some bridging visas cease on a specified date.
For many bridging visas granted on or after 19 November 2016, the visa usually ceases after a fixed period following several refusal, invalidity, review or withdrawal events.
Last checked 13 August 2026.