Subclasses 155 and 157 visas

Eligibility

To apply for a Resident Return visa, you must:

• be either an Australian permanent resident, a former permanent resident whose last visa was not cancelled or a former Australian citizen;

• meet residence or substantial ties requirements

  • been present in Australia for 2 years in the last 5 years as the holder of a permanent visa (or permanent entry permit), or as an Australian citizen, in which case you will get a 5-year travel facility, or

  • be outside Australia and:

    • not absent for 5 continuous years or more before the date of application (unless you have compelling reasons), and

    • hold a permanent visa or last left Australia as a permanent resident or citizen (but subsequently lost citizenship), and

    • be able to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to Australia, or

  • be outside Australia and:

    • were an Australian citizen or permanent resident less than 10 years before you applied, and

    • not absent from Australia for periods that total more than 5 years (unless you have compelling reasons) between the date you left Australia as a permanent resident or citizen and the date of application, and

    • be able to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to Australia, or

  • be in Australia and:

    • be able to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to Australia, and

    • not been absent for 5 continuous years since grant of your most recent permanent visa or when you stopped being an Australian citizen (unless you have compelling reasons), or

  • You are a member of the family unit of a person who has been granted an RRV that is still in effect.

    
    

• not have a visa cancelled or a previous application refused;

• meet character requirements.

• not hold an Authority to return or return endorsement.