Can I Travel Overseas While My Partner Visa Is Being Processed?

Can I leave Australia on a Bridging Visa A?

An onshore partner visa applicant can physically leave Australia on a Bridging Visa A, but the Bridging Visa A ends on departure and gives no right to return. An applicant who leaves without another visa may be unable to come back while the Subclass 820 is processing, and may then miss the requirement to be in Australia when the Subclass 820 is granted. Our article on partner visa overseas travel explains these risks.

How does a Bridging Visa B work for partner visa applicants?

A Bridging Visa B works by allowing an onshore partner visa applicant to leave Australia and return within a travel period set by the Department. It must be applied for and granted before departure, and the applicant must return before the travel period ends. The Department generally expects a substantial reason for the travel. Our article on the partner visa Bridging Visa B explains how to apply before leaving.

What if I still hold my earlier substantive visa?

An applicant who still holds an earlier substantive visa, such as a student or work visa, can usually travel and return on that visa while it remains in effect, provided the visa permits travel. The Bridging Visa A is not yet in effect at that point. Once the substantive visa ends, the Bridging Visa A takes over and a Bridging Visa B is needed for travel. Our article on bridging visas in Australia explains when each visa applies.

Can a Subclass 309 applicant travel during processing?

A Subclass 309 applicant can travel during processing, including to Australia on a visitor visa if one is granted, because the Subclass 309 has no rule that the applicant stay in one country while waiting. The applicant must keep the Department informed of contact details and must be outside Australia when the Subclass 309 is granted. Our page on the Subclass 309 visa explains the offshore process.

Does travel overseas affect the relationship evidence?

Travel overseas does not usually harm relationship evidence, and travel together is often good evidence of the social aspects and commitment of the relationship. Long periods apart while one partner travels should be explained, with evidence of contact during the separation. Our article on partner visa long-distance relationships explains how time apart is evidenced.

What if I left Australia without the right visa?

An applicant who left Australia without the right visa should get advice quickly about how to return and whether the Subclass 820 can still be granted. Options may include applying for a visitor or other visa to return, but each depends on the applicant's history and conditions. Our article on partner visa travel after refusal explains the return risks in a related situation.

How does My Migration Lawyers plan travel during a partner visa?

My Migration Lawyers plans travel during a partner visa by confirming which visa the applicant holds on the departure date, preparing a Bridging Visa B application where needed with evidence of the reason for travel, and checking the dates so the applicant returns within the travel period and is in the right place when the visa is decided. Applicants can speak with our partner visa lawyers before booking flights.