The Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) fee is AUD $575 per application, according to the Department of Home Affairs. A lower fee applies from 1 July 2026 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid application.
This guide explains what you pay, who pays less, what the fee does not cover and how to avoid wasting it. Every fact comes from the official Home Affairs visa page.
In This Guide
- Bridging Visa B Fee: The Quick Answer
- Bridging Visa B Fee at a Glance
- What the Bridging Visa B Lets You Do
- Lower Fee for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Citizens
- Who Can Apply for a Bridging Visa B?
- How to Apply and Pay
- Other Costs to Plan For
- Is the Fee Refundable?
- Costly Mistakes to Avoid
- Processing Time: What to Know Before You Pay
- Bridging Visa B Fees FAQs
- Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
- Conclusion
Bridging Visa B Fee: The Quick Answer
You pay AUD $575 when you apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB). That is the government charge, and it is separate from any other visa fee you have paid.
The fee is paid once per BVB application. It buys you permission to leave Australia and return during a set travel period while your main visa application is still being processed.
If you only plan to stay in Australia, you do not need this visa and you do not pay this fee.
Bridging Visa B Fee at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Bridging visa B (BVB), subclass 020 |
| Application fee | AUD $575 (except in limited circumstances) |
| Lower fee from 1 July 2026 | Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application |
| Length of stay | Temporary, until your substantive visa application is finally determined |
| Travel | Leave and return to Australia within the defined travel period |
| Work rights | Only if your BVB permits it |
| How to apply | Online, through ImmiAccount or the online webform |
| Processing time | No processing time is listed for this visa |
What the Bridging Visa B Lets You Do
A BVB is a bridging visa. It keeps you lawful in Australia while Home Affairs decides your substantive visa application.
Its main benefit is travel. With this visa, you can:
- Stay lawfully in Australia until your substantive visa application is finally determined, or until any judicial review linked to it is completed.
- Leave and return to Australia within the defined travel period.
- Work, if your BVB permits it.
So the AUD $575 is really the price of your travel rights. Without it, leaving Australia while you wait could put your return at risk.
Lower Fee for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Citizens
From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application.
Home Affairs does not give a single flat figure in the overview. It points applicants to the “About this visa” tab for the details.
If you hold a passport from a Pacific Island country or Timor-Leste, read that tab before you pay. You may be paying more than you need to.
Who Can Apply for a Bridging Visa B?
Paying the fee does not help if you are not eligible. Home Affairs says you must:
- Be in Australia when you apply.
- Hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or a Bridging Visa B.
- Have applied in Australia for a substantive visa that can be granted while you are in Australia.
- Be in Australia at the time of grant, if you meet all the eligibility requirements.
If you are unsure which bridging visa you hold, check your visa details in VEVO or ImmiAccount before you apply.
How to Apply and Pay
From 1 August 2022, you can no longer apply for a Bridging visa A, B or C in person or on a paper form.
Applications must be made online, either through ImmiAccount or the online webform. You pay the application charge as part of lodging your application.
Have your travel dates and the reason for your trip ready. Keep your payment receipt and your application reference number.
Other Costs to Plan For
The AUD $575 is only the visa charge. Most people also budget for:
- Flights and accommodation for the trip itself.
- Your substantive visa charge, which is separate from the BVB fee.
- Professional help, if you choose to use a registered migration agent. Agent fees vary, so ask for a written quote.
Plan your travel budget around the BVB fee, not after it. A non-refundable ticket booked before the BVB is granted is a common and expensive mistake.
Is the Fee Refundable?
As a general rule, visa application charges are not refunded once you lodge. That includes changes to your travel plans.
Before you pay, check the current refund rules on the Home Affairs website. If you are not sure you will travel, wait until your plans are firm.
Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Booking flights before the visa is granted
Wait for the grant. A ticket you cannot use is money lost on top of the visa fee.
Leaving on a Bridging Visa A
A BVA does not give travel rights. If you want to leave and return, you need the BVB first.
Trusting an old fee
Some older or third-party pages show different amounts. Use the Home Affairs page as your final check.
Missing the lower fee
If you are a Pacific Island or Timor-Leste citizen, you may qualify for a lower cost from 1 July 2026. Read the eligibility details first.
Applying at the last minute
No processing time is listed for this visa. A late application can leave you unable to travel when you planned.
Processing Time: What to Know Before You Pay
Home Affairs currently shows no processing time for the Bridging Visa B. That means you cannot count on a fixed number of days.
So apply early, and only book travel once your visa is granted and you have checked the travel period. Your travel dates must sit inside that period.
Bridging Visa B Fees FAQs
How much is a Bridging Visa B?
The Bridging Visa B (subclass 020) costs AUD $575 per application, according to the Department of Home Affairs. The department notes this applies except in limited circumstances.
Is there a lower Bridging Visa B fee?
Yes, for some people. From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application. Check the “About this visa” tab on the Home Affairs page to see if you qualify.
Is the Bridging Visa B fee refundable?
As a general rule, visa application charges are not refunded once you lodge, even if your travel plans change. Check the Home Affairs refund rules before you pay.
Does the Bridging Visa B fee include my main visa application charge?
No. The AUD $575 covers only the Bridging Visa B application. Your substantive visa (the visa you are waiting on) has its own separate application charge, which you have already paid or must pay.
Do I pay again if I need to travel a second time?
A Bridging Visa B lets you leave and return to Australia once during its travel period. If you need another trip later, you will generally need to apply for another Bridging Visa B. Confirm your situation with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Can I apply for a Bridging Visa B in person or on paper?
No. From 1 August 2022, in-person and paper applications for Bridging visas A, B and C ended. You must apply online through ImmiAccount or the online webform.
Who can apply for a Bridging Visa B?
You must be in Australia when you apply, hold a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B, and have applied in Australia for a substantive visa that can be granted while you are in Australia. If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you must also be in Australia when the visa is granted.
Do I need a Bridging Visa B if I already hold a Bridging Visa A?
Yes, if you want to leave Australia and come back. A Bridging Visa A does not give you travel rights, and it can end when you depart. Get your Bridging Visa B granted before you book non-refundable flights.
Can I work on a Bridging Visa B?
Only if your Bridging Visa B permits it. Work rights depend on the conditions attached to your visa, so check your grant notice and VEVO.
How long does a Bridging Visa B take to process?
Home Affairs does not currently list a processing time for this visa. Apply as early as you can, well before your planned travel date.
Why do some websites show a different Bridging Visa B fee?
Some older or third-party pages show outdated figures. The Home Affairs page lists AUD $575, so always use the official source before you pay.
Do I need a migration agent to apply for a Bridging Visa B?
No, you can apply yourself. A registered migration agent can help you check your eligibility, time your travel around your substantive visa and avoid mistakes that cost you money.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
The fee is easy to find. The harder part is the timing: your travel dates, your substantive visa and your bridging visa all have to line up.
Asia Pacific Group (APG) is a MARA-registered migration and education consultancy with offices across Australia. Our registered agents, can check your eligibility and plan your travel before you pay a cent.
Book a free consultation with APG:
Conclusion
The Bridging Visa B costs AUD $575, with a lower cost from 1 July 2026 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. It covers one thing: your right to leave Australia and return while your main visa is processed.
Check your eligibility, apply online, wait for the grant and then book your flights. That order protects your money.
If your situation is not simple, find a registered migration agent Australia applicants can verify on the OMARA register before you lodge. A short chat can prevent a costly mistake.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Australian visa requirements, conditions, fees and government policies can change. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before making a visa application or travel decision. For advice about your individual circumstances, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
