Resident return visa
(subclass 155 & 157)
Leaving Australia after the expiration of your travel validity, or if it expires while you’re outside Australia, will prevent you from returning to Australia as a permanent resident. However, this visa grants you the privilege to return as a permanent resident.
You are permitted to travel in and out of Australia as frequently as you desire until the travel validity expires. The travel facility can extend up to 5 years, contingent upon your individual circumstances. For further details, refer to the information provided under “About this visa.”
This visa is available for:
- Australian permanent residents
- Former Australian permanent residents whose last permanent visa remains valid and was not cancelled
- Former Australian citizens who relinquished or lost their Australian citizenship. It’s important to note that Australian citizens cannot apply for an RRV.
If you are currently in Australia holding a permanent visa, you do not need to apply for this visa unless you plan to depart and return to Australia as a permanent resident.
With this visa you can
As a permanent resident, you’re allowed to travel to and from Australia until the travel facility of your visa expires. However, if you depart Australia after the travel facility of your permanent visa has expired, you won’t be able to return as a permanent resident. To regain this status and return to Australia as a permanent resident, you must apply for and receive this visa before your arrival.
If you’re already in Australia as a permanent resident and don’t intend to travel, you’re not required to apply for this visa.
There’s no limit on the number of Resident Return visas (RRVs) you can apply for.
Before applying for an RRV, it’s essential to check the expiry date of the travel facility on your permanent visa to ensure it covers your intended travel period. You can verify this information on VEVO.
Cost
The application fee for each applicant is AUD465.00 if you apply online. However, you must apply online unless we grant you authorization to apply on paper.
If you are authorized to apply on paper, the fee is AUD545 for each applicant. If you are exempt from paying the non-internet application charge, a refund will be automatically processed, and the payment returned to you.
Additionally, you may need to cover other expenses such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. We will inform you if these are required.
For an accurate estimate of your visa costs, you can use the Visa Pricing Estimator. Please note that the estimator does not include other associated costs.
RRV Refunds
Refunds are generally not provided in the following situations:
- If your Resident Return Visa (RRV) application is refused.
- If you lose the remaining travel facility on your previous visa when your RRV is granted.
- If you did not utilize the travel facility attached to your RRV, regardless of the reason.
However, if you believe that an error on our part led to you lodging your RRV application incorrectly, please inform us. Include documentary evidence with your request to support your claim. We will review your case accordingly.
Additionally, SHEV and TPV holders, as well as former holders who arrived in Australia before February 14, 2023, may qualify to apply for a permanent Resolution of Status (RoS) visa (subclass 851).
Moreover, you might be eligible to apply for certain other visas in Australia, such as skilled and family visas, but not a permanent Protection visa, if you satisfy the Safe Haven Enterprise visa pathway requirements and the specific prerequisites for each visa category.
How long the travel facility lasts
The travel facility granted on your Resident Return Visa (RRV) will depend on your circumstances:
Residence Requirement Met: If you have been present in Australia for a total of at least 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent visa holder or Australian citizen, you will be granted a 5-year travel facility on your RRV.
Substantial Ties with Australia: If you have not met the residence requirement but can demonstrate substantial ties with Australia that benefit the country, you will be granted a maximum of 12 months travel facility on your RRV.
Member of Family Unit: If you are applying as a member of the family unit of a person who holds an RRV or has lodged a separate application for an RRV and meets the time of application criteria for grant, you will also be given a maximum of 12 months travel facility.
Compelling and Compassionate Reasons: If you have not met the above requirements but have compelling and compassionate reasons for departure, you will be given 3 months travel facility on your RRV (subclass 157) if you have not been absent from Australia in the 5 years prior to making an application.
It’s important to note that you cannot carry over the remaining travel facility from any previous visa to the subsequently granted RRV. Refunds are not provided for any lost travel facility. Additionally, you cannot request an extension of the travel facility under any circumstances.
If your current permanent visa’s travel facility covers your intended travel period, it’s advisable to withdraw your pending RRV application. You can do this in writing as soon as possible.
Always be aware of the expiry date of your RRV’s travel facility before making any travel arrangements. You can check this on VEVO. We will send you a reminder about the expiry of the travel facility of your RRV (Subclass 155) visa if you are eligible. However, if you have a pending RRV application, you won’t receive a reminder.
If you return to Australia without a valid permanent visa and travel facility, it might impact your entitlements as a permanent resident and your ability to satisfy the permanent residence requirements for Australian citizenship or another RRV.
If you are already in Australia, your travel facility has expired, and you do not wish to travel, you do not need to apply for an RRV.
Include family
When applying for certain visas, you might not be able to include family members as secondary applicants in your application. However, if other family members are also applying for the same visa separately at the same time, you can request to have all your applications processed together, provided you declare them in your application.
Although you can’t include family members as secondary visa applicants in your application, it’s still important to provide information about any immediate family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. This is particularly crucial if you are trying to demonstrate that you have substantial ties of benefit to Australia.
In summary, while you cannot directly include family members in your application as secondary applicants, you should still provide relevant information about them, especially if they are Australian citizens or permanent residents, to support your visa application.
Apply from
You have the flexibility to apply for the visa from either within or outside Australia, but you must not be in immigration clearance at the time of application. If you are authorized to apply using a paper form, it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided to you strictly. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in your application being deemed invalid, and consequently, it will not be considered. Additionally, you cannot submit your application in person.
If you have already applied for the visa but have not yet been granted it, and you urgently need to travel, you should reach out to the appropriate authorities for assistance. They can provide guidance on how to proceed in such circumstances.
Children born in Australia to visa applicants automatically receive the same visa status as their parents at the time of birth. Additionally, if either parent is an Australian citizen or permanent resident when the child is born, the child may acquire Australian citizenship by birth. Further details on the requirements for evidence of Australian citizenship can be found through appropriate channels.
Processing times
For an estimate of how long it may take to process your visa application, you can refer to the visa processing time guide tool provided by the immigration authorities. This tool offers insights into the processing times for recently decided applications, although it’s important to note that it serves as a general guide and may not reflect the exact timeframe for your specific application.
Typically, applications that meet the residence requirements are processed within 5 working days from the date of lodgement. However, if your application does not meet these requirements, it may take longer to process, potentially up to 12 weeks or more from the date of lodgement.
Several factors can contribute to delays in processing your application, including incomplete or incorrectly filled forms, missing documents, requests for additional information, and the time required for verification of provided information.
It’s essential to ensure that you submit all necessary documents and information accurately and promptly, as any discrepancies or missing items can prolong the processing time. Additionally, your application will not be processed until the correct application charge is paid. If there are any issues with payment, you will be notified, and any charges paid will be refunded if necessary.
Your obligations
As a visa holder in Australia, it is imperative that you comply with all Australian laws. This requirement applies to both federal and state laws, covering various aspects of behavior, including but not limited to:
- Criminal laws: Obeying laws related to theft, assault, drug offenses, property damage, and other criminal activities is mandatory.
- Immigration laws: Adhering to visa conditions, such as not overstaying your visa, complying with work restrictions, and notifying authorities of any changes in circumstances, is essential.
- Traffic laws: Following road rules, such as driving within speed limits, wearing seat belts, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is mandatory.
- Employment laws: Abiding by laws governing employment, including workplace health and safety regulations, minimum wage requirements, and fair working conditions, is necessary.
- Civil laws: Complying with civil laws related to contracts, property ownership, and disputes is also important.
Failure to adhere to Australian laws can result in serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, visa cancellation, and deportation. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws applicable to your circumstances and ensure full compliance during your stay in Australia.
Travel
Once your Resident Return Visa (RRV) is granted, you can travel for a specified period from the date of its issuance. However, it’s important to note that after this period expires, you will need another RRV visa to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
Alternatively, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you may also consider applying for Australian Citizenship. Becoming an Australian citizen would enable you to travel using an Australian passport, eliminating the need for a Resident Return Visa.
To determine when your existing travel facility ends, you can check the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) portal, which provides information about your visa status and conditions, including the expiration date of your travel facility.
Visa label
Your visa will be electronically linked to your valid travel document. This means you won’t receive a physical label or sticker in your passport. Instead, the details of your visa will be accessible electronically, typically through systems like VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). This digital linking simplifies the visa process and eliminates the need for physical labels or stamps in passports.
Be either
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) is available to individuals who are Australian permanent residents, former Australian permanent residents whose last permanent visa was not canceled, or former Australian citizens who lost or renounced their citizenship. It’s important to note that Australian citizens themselves cannot apply for an RRV.
When applying for an RRV, applicants are assessed against the criteria for both subclass 155 and 157 visas. If the requirements for the subclass 155 RRV are not met, but the applicant is eligible for a subclass 157 RRV, the maximum travel facility that can be granted with a subclass 157 RRV is 3 months.
Even if you currently hold a temporary visa, you may still be eligible for an RRV if you were previously a permanent visa holder or an Australian citizen.
If you were an Australian permanent visa holder who returned to Australia on a temporary visa (such as an Electronic Travel Authority), it’s recommended to consider applying for an RRV as soon as possible if you intend to remain permanently in Australia.
Age requirement
That’s correct. There are no age requirements for applicants applying for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). Individuals of any age who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for an RRV to maintain or regain their status as Australian permanent residents.
Eligibility
Meet our residence or substantial ties requirements
This information outlines the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Resident Return Visa (RRV) in Australia. To summarize:
Residence Requirement: You must meet one of the following conditions:
- Have been present in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent visa holder or Australian citizen, which grants a 5-year travel facility.
- Be outside Australia and demonstrate substantial ties to the country that are of benefit to Australia, allowing for a maximum 12-month travel facility.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident less than 10 years before applying and have not been absent from Australia for more than 5 years, demonstrating substantial ties to Australia for a maximum 12-month travel facility.
- Be in Australia and demonstrate substantial ties, with no absence for 5 continuous years, allowing for a maximum 12-month travel facility.
- Be a family member of a person holding an RRV or who has lodged an application, with a maximum 12-month travel facility.
Substantial Ties: Your ties to Australia must be substantial and beneficial, including business, cultural, employment, or personal (including family) ties.
You can find examples of how to demonstrate these ties in the application process.
Not hold an Authority to Return or Return Endorsement
If you hold a Transitional (permanent) visa issued as either an Authority to Return (issued between 1 March 1976 to 31 August 1979) or a Return Endorsement (issued between 1 September 1979 and 31 December 1986), you are not eligible for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). Instead, you should refer to the guidelines provided under “Overseas travel as a permanent resident.”
Meet character requirement
To meet the character requirement for a Resident Return Visa (RRV), you must demonstrate that you are of good character. This means that you must not have a substantial criminal record or be associated with any activities that could be considered disruptive or harmful to the Australian community.
When assessing your character, the Department of Home Affairs will consider factors such as:
Criminal Record: Any criminal convictions, including spent convictions, both in Australia and overseas.
Immigration History: Any breaches of immigration law, including visa cancellations or refusals.
Personal Conduct: Your behavior and conduct, including any involvement in illegal activities or associations with individuals or groups involved in criminal or harmful activities.
Character References: Providing character references from reputable individuals who can vouch for your good character and integrity.
Compliance with Laws: Your compliance with Australian laws and regulations, including tax and financial responsibilities.
If you have any concerns about meeting the character requirement, it’s essential to seek advice from a migration agent or legal professional who can provide guidance on how to address any issues and present your case effectively.
Not have cancellation action against your business skills visa
If you have been subject to cancellation action on business grounds for certain business skills visas, you may not be eligible for the Resident Return Visa (RRV). This restriction applies to individuals who have held or currently hold the following visa subclasses:
- Class EA subclass 132 visa
- Class BH subclass 840-846 visas (repealed)
- Class EB subclass 188 visa
- Class UR subclass 160-165 visas
- Class EC subclass 888 visas
Additionally, you may not be eligible for the RRV if you have been granted a subclass 155, 157, or 159 visa or faced cancellation action for your subclass 155, 157, or 159 visa on the same business visa grounds.
Similarly, if you are or were a family member of a person affected by the above circumstances and held or have held one of the mentioned visa subclasses as a dependant family member, you may not be eligible for the RRV.
It’s essential to review your specific circumstances and visa history carefully to determine your eligibility for the Resident Return Visa. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, consulting with a migration agent or legal professional would be advisable. They can provide personalized advice based on your situation.
Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
When assessing your application for the Resident Return Visa (RRV), your immigration history will be taken into account. This means that if you have had a visa cancelled or refused in the past, you may not be eligible for this visa.
However, there are some circumstances in which you may still be able to apply for a permanent visa even if you have had a visa cancelled or an application refused. It’s important to review the limitations and requirements outlined in the relevant guidelines, particularly if you are applying from within Australia.
If you are applying for a visa from outside Australia, you should consult the guidelines specific to that process.
If you require assistance with your visa application, you can seek help from registered migration agents or other professionals who are qualified to provide immigration assistance. They can guide you through the application process and help address any concerns or complications related to your immigration history.