RESIDENT RETURN VISAS
Resident Return Visas (RRVs) are permanent visas for current or former Australian permanent residents or citizens to re-enter Australia as permanent residents.
Disclaimers: While we strive to ensure the information on this website is accurate and up to date, the information provided on this website is intended as a general guide and was accurate at time of publication.. Migration laws and policies can change frequently. We recommend visiting the Department of Home Affairs' website for the most current information.
The visa requirements listed on this website are general guidelines and represent the most common criteria. However, additional requirements or different criteria may apply based on individual circumstances. It is important to consult with an immigration professional or the relevant authorities to ensure you meet all specific requirements for your situation.
SUBCLASS 155
For those who have been living in Australia or have substantial ties with Australia.
SUBCLASS 157
For those who have compelling reasons for leaving Australia but are not able to meet the requirements of the subclass 155 visa.
When an RRV application is submitted, the applicant is automatically assessed against the criteria for both the subclass 155 and subclass 157 visas. If the applicant does not meet the requirements for the subclass 155 visa but qualifies for a subclass 157 visa, a Resident Return Visa with a maximum travel facility of 3 months may be granted under subclass 157.
Resident Return Visa - Subclass 155
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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You must be an Australian permanent resident, or a former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled, or a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced Australian citizenship
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To be eligible for a subclass 155 visa, you must meet one of the following conditions:
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Meet the residence requirement:
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Have been present in Australia for a total of at least 2 years in the last 5 years as either a permanent visa holder, or an Australian citizen​ OR
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Have substantial ties, be outside Australia and not absent for more than 5 continuous years:
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Be outside Australia
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Have substantial ties with Australia (personal, employment, business, cultural)
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Have not been absent for more than 5 continuous years
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Be either:
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An Australian permanent resident or
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Departed Australia as permanent resident or as an Australian citizen, but have since renounced or lost the citizenship, or
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Was an Australian permanent resident less than 10 years before resident return visa application, and your time outside Australia from departure until application date is less than 5 years in total
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Have substantial ties, be in Australia and not absent for more than 5 continuous years:
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Be in Australia
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Have substantial ties with Australia and
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Have not been absent for continuous 5 years or more since:
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The grant of the most recent Australian permanent visa, or
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Since ceasing the be an Australian citizen
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Be a member of the family unit of someone who holds a subclass 155 visa or of an applicant who meets the requirements for a subclass 155 visa who lodged a separate application
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You must meet the character requirements
WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS YOU TO DO
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Travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident until the travel facility expires:
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Those who met the residence requirement are usually granted a 5 year travel facility with their RRV
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Those who do not meet the residence requirement but meet one of the other conditions are granted a RRV with a travel facility of 1 year or less.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Subclass 155 visa holders should be aware that:
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It is not possible to extend the travel facility of the visa, regardless of the circumstances
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They must make sure that any travel involving leaving and re-entering Australia are made before the expiry date of the travel facility of the visa
FEES AND CHARGES
Government Visa Application Charges
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Base visa application charge for a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155) is of AUD490.00​​
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Please check the Department of Home Affairs' website for the latest information relating to visa application charges
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Please note that the visa application charge is the application fee charged by the Department to assess the application. Any professional fees or other services such as police checks, health examinations, translations, etc., are charged separately.
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View our schedule of fees for professional services here.
PROCESSING TIMES
Processing time for a Subclass 155 visa application may vary from 1 to 36 days depending on the individual circumstances and completeness of the application.
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More information may be found at the Department's website.