Resident Return Visa

Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 and 157)

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows Australian permanent residents or former permanent residents to travel in and out of Australia while maintaining their permanent resident status. If your travel facility on your permanent visa has expired, or if you have lost your permanent residency, this visa enables you to re-enter Australia and retain your status.

Key Features of the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 and 157)

  • Maintain Permanent Residency: The visa allows permanent residents to retain their status when they travel internationally.
  • Travel Rights: The visa grants the right to travel in and out of Australia for a specified period (typically 1 or 5 years).
  • Re-establish Permanent Residency: If your permanent resident status has lapsed, this visa allows you to regain your residency and live in Australia permanently.
  • No Work Restrictions: As a permanent resident, you are free to live, work, and study in Australia.

Subclass 155 and 157: What’s the Difference?

There are two types of Resident Return Visas: Subclass 155 and Subclass 157. The main difference between these visas is the length of the travel facility provided.

  1. Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155)

This is the most common Resident Return Visa and typically grants a 5-year travel facility if you have lived in Australia for at least 2 years out of the past 5 years as a permanent resident.

  • 5-Year Travel Facility: If you have lived in Australia for 2 years or more out of the last 5 years, you will likely be granted a 5-year visa.
  • 1-Year Travel Facility: If you do not meet the 2-year residency requirement, you may be eligible for a 1-year visa if you can demonstrate strong ties to Australia, such as family, employment, or business commitments.

  1. Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157)

This visa is for permanent residents who do not meet the 2-year residency requirement and are unable to demonstrate strong ties to Australia. It provides a 3-month travel facility.

  • 3-Month Travel Facility: The Subclass 157 visa is typically granted for 3 months to allow short-term travel.
  • Eligibility: You must have lawfully spent at least 1 day in Australia in the past 5 years as a permanent resident and demonstrate compelling reasons for travel.

Eligibility Requirements for the Resident Return Visa

To apply for the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157), you must meet specific criteria based on your residency history and ties to Australia.

For Subclass 155 (5-Year or 1-Year Visa):

  1. 2-Year Residency Requirement:
    • To qualify for the 5-year visa, you must have been in Australia as a permanent resident or Australian citizen for at least 2 years out of the last 5 years.
  2. Strong Ties to Australia (if not meeting the 2-year residency requirement):
    • If you do not meet the 2-year residency requirement, you may still qualify for a 1-year visa by demonstrating substantial ties to Australia. These ties can be:
      • Family ties: Having immediate family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
      • Employment ties: Ongoing employment in Australia, or having accepted a job offer in Australia.
      • Business ties: Ownership or management of a business in Australia.
      • Cultural ties: Active participation in cultural or community organizations in Australia.

For Subclass 157 (3-Month Visa):

  1. Spent 1 Day in Australia:
    • You must have spent at least 1 day in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen in the past 5 years.
  2. Compelling Reasons for Absence:
    • You must show compelling reasons for leaving Australia if you do not meet the residency requirement, such as medical treatment, family emergencies, or other significant factors.

Required Documentation for the Resident Return Visa

When applying for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157), the following documents are typically required:

  1. Proof of Identity:

    • Passport (certified copies of the bio-data pages).
    • Evidence of your permanent resident status or previous Australian citizenship.

  2. Proof of Residency:

    • Travel history, including entry and exit dates from Australia.
    • Evidence of having lived in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years (for Subclass 155, 5-year visa).

  3. Proof of Ties to Australia (for applicants who do not meet the 2-year residency requirement):

    • Family ties: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or evidence of Australian citizen/permanent resident relatives.
    • Employment ties: Job offers, employment contracts, or evidence of active employment in Australia.
    • Business ties: Business registration documents, tax records, or evidence of business activity.
    • Cultural or community ties: Letters from community organizations, evidence of participation in cultural or charitable activities.

  4. Compelling Reasons for Absence (for Subclass 157 applicants):

    • Medical records, emergency documentation, or other relevant evidence explaining why you had to leave Australia and were unable to meet residency requirements.

Application Process for the Resident Return Visa

The application process for the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) generally follows these steps:

  1. Submit Your Application

You can lodge your application online via ImmiAccount or submit a paper-based application. Ensure all required documents are uploaded, including proof of residency, ties to Australia, and any necessary explanations for your absence.

  1. Await Processing

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application, verifying your residency history and ties to Australia. Processing times may vary but typically range from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the stream you apply for.

  1. Visa Outcome

If approved, you will be granted a travel facility valid for either 5 years, 1 year, or 3 months, depending on your visa stream. Once granted, you can freely travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity period.

Visa Costs

The visa application fee for the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 and 157) is AUD 475. Additional costs may apply for obtaining health checks, police certificates, or other supporting documents, depending on your circumstances.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we specialize in assisting permanent residents and former Australian citizens with their Resident Return Visa applications. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess whether you meet the residency or strong ties requirements for the Resident Return Visa.
  • Document Preparation: We help you gather and prepare all necessary documents, including travel history, proof of ties, and any explanations for your absence from Australia.
  • Visa Application Lodgment: We assist with lodging your visa application, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous updates throughout the visa process and assist with any complications that may arise.

Reclaim Your Travel Rights with the Resident Return Visa

If you are an Australian permanent resident or former citizen and need to regain your travel rights, the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) offers a pathway to re-enter Australia and maintain your permanent residency status. A Square Migration Services is here to guide you through the application process and ensure a smooth outcome.

Contact us today to begin your Resident Return Visa application and secure your travel rights.