Resident Return Visa
By law, only Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry to Australia. Holders of permanent visas if they choose to travel internationally, must ensure they have a right of re- entry to Australia.
Once you have been granted a permanent visa, the visa gives them the right to live in Australia indefinitely but only provides the right to travel in/out of Australia for a limited period (usually 5 years).
​If you leave Australia after your travel validity expires, or it expires when you are outside Australia, you will not be able to return to Australia as a permanent resident. You will need to apply for a Resident Return visa. The Resident Return visa (Subclass 155 and 157) is for current or former Australian permanent residents and former Australian citizens who want to travel overseas and retain their permanent resident status.
What is a Resident Return Visa?
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows holders of Australian permanent residency to travel in and out of Australia, ensuring that their permanent residency status is maintained while they are away. This visa is typically for individuals who have lived in Australia as permanent residents and need to return after spending time abroad. It is important for people who wish to maintain their permanent residency while traveling or living overseas temporarily.
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​There are two main types of RRVs available to applicants:
Each of these visas serves different purposes, depending on the applicant's situation. Let’s look into each of these in more detail.
Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa
The Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa is the most commonly used version of the RRV. This visa is available for permanent residents who have spent some time living in Australia and have close ties with the country, such as employment or family. The Subclass 155 visa can be granted for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
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Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 155
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To be eligible for the Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa, the following conditions must be
met:
The applicant must be a former permanent resident or Australian citizen who has lived in Australia for at least 2 years during the last 5 years.
Alternatively, if the applicant has substantial ties to Australia (such as family or business), the visa can be granted even if the individual has not been in Australia for 2 years.
The applicant must not have had their permanent residency status cancelled.
Subclass 157 Resident Return Visa
The Subclass 157 Resident Return Visa is issued to those who have not lived in Australia long enough to meet the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 155 visa but still want to return. This visa can be issued for a 3-month period.
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Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 157
To be eligible for the Subclass 157 visa, applicants must:
Be a former permanent resident or an Australian citizen.
Have lived in Australia for at least 1 year in the past 5 years.
The applicant must demonstrate a valid reason for why they need the visa, such as the need to visit family members, attend business meetings, or take care of urgent matters in Australia.
Benefits of a Resident Return Visa
There are numerous benefits to holding a Resident Return Visa, especially for individuals who have close ties with Australia but have spent time living abroad. Here are some of the primary advantages:
Maintain Permanent Residency Status:
The RRV allows you to maintain your Australian permanent residency status while you are abroad. Without this visa, you risk losing your permanent residency if you leave Australia for an extended period.
Travel Freely:
One of the major benefits of the RRV is that it allows you to travel freely in and out of Australia. Whether for business, family reasons, or vacations, the RRV gives you the flexibility to return to Australia without worrying about your residency status.
Flexible Validity Period:
Depending on the type of RRV you receive, the visa can be valid for 1 to 5 years, allowing you to choose a period that aligns with your travel plans.
Access to Benefits:
As a permanent resident with a valid RRV, you will continue to have access to Australia's healthcare system (Medicare), social security benefits, and other rights and privileges granted to permanent residents.
How Long Can You Stay Outside Australia Without Losing Your Permanent Residency?
To maintain your permanent residency status, you must be able to prove that you have
substantial ties to Australia. The 2-year residency requirement for the Subclass 155 visa is
essential. However, there are exceptions, such as when you have significant ties to Australia in the form of family, business, or property.
If you stay outside of Australia for more than 5 years without an RRV, your permanent
residency status may be cancelled. Therefore, it is crucial to apply for a Resident Return
Visa before your travel if you intend to remain a permanent resident.
Contact Us
Canberra Visa & Migration Services have significant experience dealing with Ministerial Intervention. If you need any assistance, please contact our office to arrange a consultation.
