051 Bridging visa E (BVE) (subclass 051)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Bridging visa E (subclass 051)
Purpose	Protection visa processing stay
Stay	Temporary; until specified event
Cost	No application fee
Eligibility timing	Noticed within 45 days
Location requirement	In immigration detention
Work rights	Not stated in the source
Study	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Family	Include family unit members
Travel facility	Ends immediately on departure
Citizenship pathway	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Not stated in the source
Visa record	Digitally linked to passport
Key obligation	Comply with Australian laws

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Purpose

The Bridging (Protection Visa Applicant) visa (subclass 051) allows certain eligible non-citizens to remain lawfully in Australia while their Protection visa application is being finalised.

Eligibility

You must:

• Have been refused immigration clearance or bypassed immigration clearance.
• Have come to the Department’s attention as an unlawful non-citizen within 45 days of entering Australia.
• Be in immigration detention.
• Have applied for a Protection visa that has not been finally determined, or have applied for judicial review of a Protection visa refusal.
• Meet other specific requirements relating to age, health or nomination, or meet requirements for a further subclass 051 visa.
• Meet the character requirement.

You can be any age.

You and family members applying with you may need to meet the health requirement. The Department may also require family members to meet character requirements.

Stay and Visa End Date

The visa is valid until:

• A specified date;
• A particular period ends; or
• A specified event occurs.

It also ends if you:

• Leave Australia;
• Are granted a substantive visa; or
• Have the BVE cancelled.

You cannot extend this visa to stay longer.

Rights and Conditions

This visa allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while your Protection visa application is being processed.

Your specific visa conditions are available through VEVO.

You and anyone included in the application must comply with all Australian laws.

Family Members

You can include members of your family unit when you apply.

Travel

A BVE is not a travel visa. It ends immediately if you leave Australia.

You cannot return to Australia unless you hold another substantive visa. If you travel outside Australia after applying, you need a visa to return.

Before leaving Australia, you must hold a valid passport or other travel document.

Cost and Processing

There is no fee for a BVE application.

Processing times are available through the Department’s visa processing time guide. The guide is indicative only.

Processing may take longer if:

• The application is incomplete or incorrect;
• Required documents or further information are missing; or
• Information needs verification.

Evidence and Documents

Provide accurate information.

Required identity evidence includes:

• Current passport pages showing photograph, personal details, issue date and expiry date;
• National identity card, if available; and
• Evidence of any name change.

Name-change evidence can include a marriage or divorce certificate, official change-of-name documents, or documents showing other names used.

The Department will advise if a police certificate, health examination, biometrics, interview, or further information is required.

How to Apply

Before applying, check whether you already hold a BVE through VEVO.

In some cases, a valid substantive visa application made in Australia also results in a BVE application. The Department will tell you if this occurs; do not lodge a separate application in that case.

You and all included applicants must be in Australia when lodging the application. You can apply only if you do not already have an undecided BVE application.

Apply Online

The preferred method is online through ImmiAccount.

Apply on Paper

Complete Form 1008 — Application for Bridging visa E and post it to the nearest Australian Visa and Citizenship Office. You may need to attend an interview.

After Applying

The Department will confirm receipt of your application and documents.

Do not expect status updates within standard processing times. Wait for the Department to contact you.

Tell the Department promptly if you:

• Made a mistake in your application — use Form 1023;
• Change your phone number, email, address or passport;
• Have a child born; or
• Want to withdraw the application.

Representatives

For an authorised recipient, use Form 956A.

For immigration assistance, use Form 956. Immigration assistance may be provided only by a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person.

Visa Outcome

The Department will notify you in writing of its decision.

If granted, the notice states your visa grant number, start date and conditions. Keep a copy while in Australia.

If refused, the notice states the reasons and whether review rights are available.