Australia•OceaniaBridging visa E (BVE) - Protection Visa Applicant
At a Glance
Varies
Free
Valid until a specified date, a particular event occurs, or the visa is cancelled/you leave Australia
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Australia
Overview
Fee-free bridging visa for people in immigration detention who have lodged a Protection visa application, valid until a specified event or departure.
The Bridging Visa E (subclass 051) is an Australian temporary visa for individuals in immigration detention who have lodged a Protection visa application. It allows them to reside lawfully in the community while their asylum claim is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs, rather than remaining in detention.
No application fee. The visa has no fixed duration — valid until a specified date, an event, or departure, which cancels it immediately. Work rights require a separate application proving financial hardship, unless the visa was granted under Section 195A by the Minister, in which case work is permitted.
This visa is ideal for people in immigration detention who have lodged a Protection visa application and need lawful status in Australia while their claim is processed.

Curious about life in Australia?
Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Australia
AustraliaRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be in Australia
Must be in immigration detention
Must have applied for a Protection visa
Must have been refused immigration clearance or bypassed it and come to the Department's notice within 45 days of arrival
Must meet health and character requirements
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Evidence of protection visa application.
Proof of identity (passport or other travel documents).
Documentation related to immigration clearance status.
Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides lawful status while a protection visa application is being assessed.
- No application fee.
- Allows individuals in detention to remain in the community under specific conditions while their protection claim is processed.
Worth Knowing
- Strictly limited to individuals in immigration detention seeking protection.
- Does not allow re-entry if you leave Australia.
- Temporary visa; does not guarantee permanent residency.
- Work rights are limited and typically require proof of financial hardship.
Application Process
Check qualification
Gather documents
Submit application online or via paper
Await decision
Related visas
More visas in Australia
- Refugee Visa
Humanitarian
- In-country Special Humanitarian Visa
Humanitarian
- Global Special Humanitarian Visa
Humanitarian
Humanitarian visas in other countries

Living in Australia
Ready to see if the Bridging visa E (BVE) - Protection Visa Applicant is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery