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BVB Changes

From 1 November 2026, a Protection (Subclass 866) visa applicant can no longer apply for a Bridging visa B (BVB) to travel overseas and return to Australia, including where they have pursued merits or judicial review.

This change does not affect BVB applications lodged before 1 November 2026, those BVB applications will continue to be processed.

A BVB application must now be made in association with a substantive visa application other than a Protection (Subclass 866) visa.

If you already hold a BVB and its travel facility has expired, you cannot apply for another BVB for further travel.

At the time of decision on the BVB application, the applicant must also not have a Protection (Subclass 866) visa application that is undecided or under merits or judicial review.

A Protection (Subclass 866) visa applicant who departs Australia will not be able to re-enter Australia.

BVE visa Changes

From 1 November 2026, new Regulations restore the Minister’s discretion (which was unintentionally removed) to impose Condition 8564 (Must not engage in criminal conduct) and Condition 8566 (Code of behaviour) on certain Bridging visa E (BVE) grants.