Resident Return Visa – Subclasses 155 and 157

Maintain Your Ability to Return to Australia as a Permanent Resident

Australian permanent residency allows a person to remain in Australia indefinitely, but the ability to travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident depends on the travel facility attached to the permanent visa.

If your permanent visa’s travel facility has expired or is about to expire, you may need a Resident Return visa (RRV) to travel to and return to Australia as a permanent resident. The Resident Return visa includes subclass 155 and subclass 157 pathways.

Astra Consulting Group provides guidance and application support for eligible permanent residents and former permanent residents who require an RRV.

Resident Return Visa – Subclass 155

The Resident Return visa (subclass 155) is a permanent visa that can provide a travel facility of up to five years, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and whether the relevant requirements are met.

A key pathway is based on the applicant having been lawfully present in Australia for at least two years in the five years immediately before applying. Applicants who do not meet the standard residence requirement may still be eligible under other provisions where they can demonstrate the relevant substantial ties to Australia and meet the applicable requirements.

The appropriate assessment depends on your individual circumstances, including your residence history, travel history and connections with Australia.

Resident Return Visa – Subclass 157

The Resident Return visa (subclass 157) is another pathway available in specific circumstances.

It is a permanent visa that provides a travel facility for three months from the date of grant. Eligibility is subject to specific requirements, including requirements relating to residence in Australia and, in relevant circumstances, compelling and compassionate reasons for extended absence.

Because the eligibility criteria for subclass 157 are specific, an individual assessment is recommended before applying.

When Might You Need an RRV?

You may need to consider an RRV if:

• You are an Australian permanent resident whose travel facility has expired or is about to expire
• You have been living outside Australia for an extended period
• You have spent limited time in Australia during the relevant residence period
• You have substantial personal, employment, business or other ties to Australia
• You need to travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident

Your circumstances and travel history determine which pathway may be available.

Our RRV Assistance

We can assist with:

• Reviewing your permanent residency and travel history
• Assessing your circumstances against the relevant RRV requirements
• Identifying the appropriate RRV pathway
• Reviewing evidence of residence and ties to Australia
• Preparing and organising supporting documents
• Assisting with the application process
• Responding to requests for further information
• Providing updates throughout the application process

Residence and Ties to Australia

RRV applications can be particularly important for permanent residents who have spent significant periods outside Australia.

Where an applicant does not satisfy the standard residence requirement for a five-year travel facility, the Department may consider other relevant criteria, including the applicant’s substantial ties to Australia and the circumstances surrounding their absence. The evidence required will depend on the individual circumstances of the applicant.

Protecting Your Permanent Residency Travel Rights

An RRV is not a new grant of permanent residency in the usual sense. Rather, it is a pathway that can allow eligible Australian permanent residents and certain former permanent residents to obtain a valid travel facility to return to Australia as a permanent resident.

Before making international travel arrangements, it is important to check the travel facility attached to your current visa through VEVO and consider whether an RRV may be required.

Important: Eligibility for an RRV depends on your individual immigration, residence and travel history. The Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision on all visa applications. Requirements and policies may change, and professional assistance does not guarantee visa approval.