Bridging Visa B Changes 2026 for Protection Visa Applicants

Bridging Visa B changes 2026 introduced new restrictions for people with ongoing Protection visa applications or related court proceedings from 1 November 2026.

The changes generally prevent affected applicants from applying for a new Bridging Visa B while their Protection visa matter remains ongoing.

Who Is Affected?

The new restrictions generally apply if:

• a Protection visa application has not been finally decided or withdrawn; or
• court proceedings relating to a Protection visa application, including an appeal, are still ongoing.

The restrictions may also affect family members who were included in a combined Protection visa application while judicial review proceedings remain ongoing.

How Do the Bridging Visa B Changes 2026 Affect Applicants?

The date the Bridging Visa B application was lodged is important.

Requirements at the Time of Decision

At the time the Bridging Visa B application is decided, the applicant must not have:

• a Protection (Class XA) visa application that has not been finally determined or withdrawn; or
• ongoing judicial review proceedings, including any appeal, relating to a Protection visa application.

This restriction applies even if the applicant has another substantive visa application under consideration. An applicant cannot qualify for a Bridging Visa B through another substantive visa application while the Protection visa application or related judicial review remains unresolved.

The restriction may also affect members of the same family unit who lodged a combined Protection (Class XA) visa application where judicial review proceedings relating to the refusal remain pending.

An affected Protection visa applicant who leaves Australia without another visa permitting return may not be able to re-enter Australia.

Planning to Travel Outside Australia?

A Bridging Visa B may allow an eligible bridging visa holder to leave and return to Australia during an approved travel period. However, the new Bridging Visa B restrictions may prevent some Protection visa applicants from obtaining a new Bridging Visa B.

Travelling outside Australia without an appropriate visa may affect a person’s ability to return.

If you have an ongoing Protection visa matter, you should obtain professional advice before:

• applying for a Bridging Visa B;
• booking international travel;
• leaving Australia; or
• making decisions about your Protection visa application or court proceedings.

Book an Appointment

If you have an ongoing Protection visa application or related court proceedings and are planning to travel overseas, Contact Us before making travel arrangements.

A Registered Migration Agent can assess how the new Bridging Visa B restrictions may apply to your circumstances.