Official form guide
Form 1006: Application for a Bridging Visa B
This form is used to apply for a Bridging Visa B, which allows temporary travel outside and return to Australia for people who already hold another bridging visa. It's typically used when you need to leave Australia temporarily but want to maintain your current visa status.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1006 - Application for a Bridging Visa B
This form is used to apply for a Bridging Visa B, which allows temporary travel outside and return to Australia for people who already hold another bridging visa. It's typically used when you need to leave Australia temporarily but want to maintain your current visa status.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Not allowing enough processing time before your planned travel date is the most common mistake that can prevent you from getting your visa in time.
- 2Providing incorrect travel dates that don't match your actual plans
- 3Not including sufficient evidence of your intention to return to Australia
- 4Submitting the form too close to your planned travel date
- 5Not disclosing previous visa refusals or cancellations
Plain English
A Bridging Visa B is like a temporary travel pass that lets you leave Australia and come back while your main visa application is being processed. Think of it as a permission slip that keeps your visa status active during your trip abroad.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form at least 3-5 weeks before your planned travel date to allow processing time. Apply as soon as you know you need to travel, as processing can take several weeks.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form if you currently hold a bridging visa (A, B, C, E, or F) and need to travel temporarily
- Apply for this visa if you need to leave Australia for personal, business, or compassionate reasons
- Use this form if you want to maintain your current visa status while traveling
- Choose this visa if you need to travel for medical treatment not available in Australia
- Use this form if you need to attend a family event overseas while your main visa application is being processed
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Current bridging visa A
If you've had a bridging visa A cancelled, you may need a BVE instead
✓ Check your visa status in ImmiAccount before applying
Need to stay in Australia
If you're not planning to travel but need to extend your stay, a BVC may be more appropriate
✓ Confirm your current visa conditions
Applying for a new visa while overseas
If you're outside Australia and want to visit temporarily, a visitor visa may be more suitable
✓ Check if you need a visa for your destination country
Seeking permanent residency
If you're eligible for a permanent visa, applying directly may be better than using a bridging visa
✓ Consult a registered migration agent
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline for applying, but you should submit at least 3-5 weeks before your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time. Applications submitted closer to travel dates may not be processed in time.
Before you submit
- 1Verify that you currently hold a bridging visa in Australia
- 2Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- 3Complete all sections of the form honestly and thoroughly
- 4Include all required supporting documents
- 5Pay the correct visa application fee
- 6Make copies of everything you submit
- 7Check that your contact details are current
How to file this form
- 1Gather required documents including passport, current visa details, and travel evidence
- 2Complete Form 1006 online through ImmiAccount or download the paper version
- 3Pay the application fee using the approved payment methods
- 4Submit your application online through ImmiAccount or by mail to the specified address
- 5Wait for processing and respond to any requests for additional information
- 6Receive your Bridging Visa B decision and visa grant number
- 7Check your visa conditions and validity dates before traveling
Known limitations
- 1A Bridging Visa B does not allow you to work in Australia unless your current visa has work rights
- 2This visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency
- 3The visa may be cancelled if you don't return to Australia by the specified date
- 4Processing times can vary significantly based on individual circumstances
- 5The visa may not be granted if you have certain criminal histories or visa violations
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
3 items
Your name exactly as shown in your passport.
Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.
Contact
1 items
Current residential address, postal address, email, and phone number.
Request
1 items
The visa, citizenship, or sponsorship request this form relates to.
Evidence
1 items
Certified copies of identity and other documents required for the request.
Declaration
1 items
Declare that the information is true and correct, then sign and date.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current version of Form 1006 was updated in 2022 to include additional requirements for applicants with certain criminal histories. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most recent version before applying.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Updated personal declaration section for applicants with criminal records
- Added requirement for police check for stays longer than 12 months
- Updated supporting documents requirements for travel evidence
- Modified health declaration questions
- Added new section regarding visa condition changes
- Updated processing time information
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm 1006 is published by the Department of Home Affairs
- SRCBridging Visa B allows temporary travel outside and return to Australia
- SRCProcessing time is typically 3-5 weeks but can vary
- SRCApplications can be submitted online through ImmiAccount or by mail
- SRCThe visa requires applicants to maintain their current bridging visa status
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact processing times for all circumstances
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific document requirements for all situations
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: current application fees
Common confusion points
Many applicants confuse Bridging Visa B with Visitor Visas, but they serve different purposes
Some people don't realize that a Bridging Visa B doesn't automatically grant work rights
Applicants often misunderstand that they must maintain their current bridging visa status while waiting for the BVB
Many people don't know that they can only apply for a BVB if they already hold another bridging visa
Some applicants are unaware that they may need to provide additional evidence for multiple trips
People often confuse processing times with visa validity periods
Some applicants don't realize they can't apply for a BVB if they've had certain visas cancelled previously
Source transparency
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