Resident Return Visa (subclass 155/157)

Maintain or Regain Your Permanent Residency Status in Australia

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows current or former Australian permanent residents and former citizens to re-enter Australia as permanent residents. It is essential for those whose travel facility has expired or who have spent extended time outside Australia.

Key Benefits

• Re-enter Australia as a Permanent Resident
  Regain your ability to live, work, and study in Australia permanently
• Travel Flexibility
  Travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years, depending on your circumstances
• No Points Test or Sponsorship Required
  Based on your residency history and ties to Australia.
• Available to Former Citizens
  If you lost or renounced Australian citizenship, you may still qualify
• Online or Paper Application
  Apply from inside or outside Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Subclass 155 or 157, you must meet the following:

General Requirements

• Be a current or former Australian permanent resident (whose last permanent visa was not cancelled), or
• Be a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced citizenship
• Meet residency or substantial ties
• Not be an Australian citizen (citizens do not need an RRV to re-enter Australia).

Visa Types

Subclass 155 – Long-Term RRV

• Granted for up to 5 years if you have lived in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent resident.
• If you haven’t met the 2-year requirement, you may still qualify based on substantial ties to Australia (business, cultural, employment, or personal).

Subclass 157 – Short-Term RRV

• Granted for up to 3 months.
• For those who:
  • Have spent less than 2 years in Australia,
  • Need to travel urgently,
  • Have compelling reasons for leaving Australia

Visa Conditions

• Permanent Residency Maintained
  You retain your permanent resident status while holding an RRV.
• Travel Facility
  Allows travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity period.
• No Automatic Grant
  You must meet residency or substantial ties criteria.
• Apply Before Travel
  If your travel facility is expiring, apply for an RRV before leaving Australia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)