The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has advised that from 30 November 2026, new Bridging Visa B (BVB) applications linked to employer sponsored visa applications will be assessed under new rules: The periods granted for travel are expected to be shorter, and applicants will need to show clear, substantial reasons for each trip. 

Applicants who are waiting on an employer sponsored visa and plan to travel overseas in the coming months should review their plans now.

In recent practice, BVBs have often been granted with longer travel periods. From 30 November, DoHA will generally grant shorter periods that match the applicant’s stated reason for travel, expected travel dates and individual circumstances.

Delegates will also look more closely at the reasons for travel. Applications will be assessed against the existing legal requirement that an applicant’s reasons for leaving and re-entering Australia are substantial. A general statement that the applicant wants to take a holiday or visit family may not be enough on its own. Where travel relates to specific circumstances, such as visiting a seriously ill relative, supporting evidence will help the assessment.

The underlying legislation and policy are unchanged. The new approach to assessment rules is intended to free up resources for visa and nomination decisions.

Applications lodged before 30 November 2026

BVB applications lodged before 30 November 2026 will continue to be processed under the old rules. Applicants do not need to provide further information for applications already with the Department unless they ask for it.

What applicants should do

• Explain the purpose, timing and duration of travel clearly in every BVB application.
• Provide supporting evidence where travel relates to particular circumstances, such as medical letters, event details, or other documentation.
• Plan for each trip separately. A shorter travel period may not cover later trips, so a new BVB application may be needed for each one.
• Lodge at the right time. The Department recommends lodging between two weeks and three months before planned travel. Applicants with travel planned within the next three months may wish to lodge before 30 November.
• Avoid non-refundable bookings. Purchasing flights is not required to show an intention to travel, and the Department cautions against making non-refundable arrangements before a BVB is granted.

What employers should do

• Factor BVB timing into leave approvals for sponsored staff and nominees awaiting a visa decision, particularly over the Christmas and Lunar New Year periods.
• Encourage staff to raise travel plans early, so applications can be prepared and lodged within the recommended window.
• Be aware that overseas work travel may need its own BVB with a supporting explanation of the business purpose.

How Abacus Visa can help

Our team can assess whether reasons for travel are likely to meet the ‘substantial reasons’ requirement, prepare a well-supported BVB application, and advise on timing, including whether to lodge before 30 November. For employers, we can review upcoming travel among sponsored staff and help plan around pending visa and nomination decisions. Contact us to discuss your circumstances

More information can be found on the Department’s website.

This newsletter is a general summary for information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Readers should seek advice on their specific circumstances.