For many visa holders in Australia, the Christmas season brings thoughts of family, friends, and home.
Whether you’re here on a student visa, skilled work visa, or partner visa, it’s natural to want to travel overseas during the holidays.
But before you book that ticket home, it’s essential to understand the travel conditions attached to your visa.
Understanding Your Visa Type and Travel Rights
The first step is to identify what kind of visa you currently hold and whether it allows for international travel.
Temporary Visas
Most temporary visas, such as student visas, skilled worker visas, and temporary graduate visas, allow you to leave and re-enter Australia as long as your visa remains valid.
However, if your visa is due to expire while you are overseas, you may have trouble re-entering the country.
Always check the expiry date and conditions listed in your visa grant letter before travelling.
Bridging Visas
If you’re waiting for a new visa to be processed, you may be on a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This visa lets you stay lawfully in Australia while your substantive visa is being processed, but it does not allow travel outside Australia.
To travel overseas while holding a BVA, you must apply for and be granted a Bridging Visa B (BVB). This visa allows temporary travel and re-entry during the specified period.
Without a valid BVB, your bridging visa will cease once you leave Australia, and you may be unable to return until your main visa is approved.
Permanent Residents
If you’re a permanent resident but not yet an Australian citizen, you can travel freely as long as your travel facility is still valid.
Most permanent visas come with a five-year travel facility, which allows you to leave and re-enter Australia during that time.
After the five years, you’ll need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to come back to Australia.
Travel During Visa Processing
One of the most common questions our clients ask around Christmas is:
“Can I travel overseas while my visa is still being processed?”
The answer depends on the type of visa application you’ve submitted and your current visa status.
If you travel overseas without proper travel permission, your visa application could be considered withdrawn by the Department of Home Affairs.
This means you’d need to start the process again and potentially lose valuable time and money.
If you’re on a bridging visa and plan to travel, apply for a Bridging Visa B well in advance – ideally several weeks before your intended departure.
The Department can be particularly busy leading up to the holiday period, and processing times may be longer.
Timing and Travel Documentation
If your travel plans are approved, make sure your passport, visa, and travel documents are all up to date.
Before you leave:
- Double-check your visa grant notice for any travel conditions (look for conditions like 8503 – No Further Stay or 8570 – Stay in Australia).
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your visa approval and return flight details.
If you have lodged a partner, skilled, or permanent visa application and it’s still in process, ensure the Department of Home Affairs can contact you while overseas.
Missing a request for further information could delay your application.
COVID-19 Considerations and Border Updates
While Australia’s borders are now open and international travel has largely returned to normal, visa holders should still check for updated travel advisories or entry restrictions for their home country and for Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs website is the best source for current travel guidance, and it’s wise to confirm airline and insurance requirements before booking.
Planning Ahead: How a Migration Lawyer Can Help
Navigating visa conditions can be complicated, especially when travel overlaps with pending applications or bridging visas. At Morgan Clifford Legal Services, our migration lawyers in Brisbane assist clients by:
- Reviewing their current visa status and travel entitlements;
- Preparing Bridging Visa B applications for temporary travel;
- Advising on Resident Return Visas (RRVs) for permanent residents;
- Ensuring visa applications remain valid while the client is overseas; and
- Managing correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs during your absence.
If you’re uncertain whether travel will affect your visa, it’s best to seek professional advice before leaving Australia. This can save you from costly complications such as visa cancellation, application withdrawal, or re-entry refusal.
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Trip
- Check your visa conditions early. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out if you’re allowed to travel.
- Apply for a Bridging Visa B at least four to six weeks before departure if you’re on a bridging visa.
- Keep all documents accessible while overseas.
- Stay informed – government processing times and travel requirements can change quickly.
- Contact your migration lawyer if your plans or visa status change.
Final Thoughts
Travelling home for Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and take a well-deserved break.
But for visa holders in Australia, it’s vital to ensure that your travel won’t jeopardise your immigration status or future plans.
At Morgan Clifford Legal Services, we understand how important family and holidays are, and we’re here to make sure your travel plans stay stress-free and compliant.
Before you pack your bags, take the time to confirm your visa conditions and seek professional advice if needed. That way, you can enjoy your Christmas trip home knowing that your return to Australia will be smooth and trouble-free.
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