How to Apply for an Australian Resident Return Visa

The Australian Resident Return Visa (RRV) is a vital immigration pathway designed for permanent residents or former permanent residents who want to maintain or regain their right to re-enter Australia after traveling overseas. Many people mistakenly assume that once they obtain permanent residency, their ability to return to Australia is indefinite—but this isn’t the case. The Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157) ensures that your permanent residency remains valid when you travel abroad and need to re-enter Australia. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how to apply for an Australian Resident Return Visa, eligibility criteria, documentation, common mistakes, and expert tips to ensure a smooth application process.

Understanding the Resident Return Visa

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) is an essential document for individuals who hold, or once held, Australian permanent residency and wish to return to Australia as a permanent resident after leaving the country. This visa allows you to re-enter Australia and resume your status as a permanent resident without losing your residency rights.

There are two main subclasses of the RRV:

• Subclass 155: Generally valid for up to 5 years and suitable for those who have maintained close ties with Australia or have lived there for at least 2 of the last 5 years.
• Subclass 157: Valid for 3 months and designed for individuals who have compelling reasons for needing to travel but have not met the residency requirements for the 155 visa.

Both subclasses serve the same core purpose—preserving your status as an Australian permanent resident.

Why You May Need a Resident Return Visa

When you are granted an Australian permanent visa, you are allowed to live in Australia indefinitely. However, the travel facility—the right to leave and re-enter Australia—expires after 5 years from the date your visa was granted. If you travel outside Australia after this period without an RRV, you risk losing your ability to return as a permanent resident.

You need a Resident Return Visa if:

• Your initial permanent residency travel facility has expired or is about to expire.
• You are outside Australia and wish to return to continue living there as a permanent resident.
• You want to preserve your path toward Australian citizenship, which requires maintaining continuous permanent residency.

The RRV serves as your bridge to re-enter Australia legally and maintain your long-term residency rights.

Eligibility Requirements for a Resident Return Visa

Before applying for an RRV, it’s important to understand whether you meet the eligibility requirements. These differ slightly between subclasses 155 and 157.

For Subclass 155

You are eligible for the 155 visa if:

1. You are an Australian permanent resident or a former permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not canceled.
2. You have spent at least two years (730 days) in Australia in the last five years as a permanent resident or citizen.
3. If you have not spent two years in Australia, you must demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are beneficial to the country—these may be personal, business, cultural, or employment-related ties.

For Subclass 157

You may qualify for the 157 visa if:

1. You have spent at least one day in Australia in the last five years as a permanent resident or citizen.
2. You have compelling reasons for needing to leave or re-enter Australia.

These reasons can include urgent family matters, employment opportunities, or medical needs.

If you no longer hold permanent residency but previously did, you may still be eligible under certain conditions, provided your visa wasn’t canceled for legal reasons.

Demonstrating Substantial Ties to Australia

If you have not met the two-year residency requirement, you can still qualify for the subclass 155 visa by proving substantial ties to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your ties based on evidence in the following areas:

• Personal Ties: Having close family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Employment Ties: Maintaining employment in an Australian company, even while abroad, or contributing professionally to an Australian organization.
• Business Ties: Owning or managing a business in Australia or having substantial investments in Australian enterprises.
• Cultural Ties: Participating in or contributing to Australian cultural, artistic, or community organizations.

To strengthen your case, provide documents that demonstrate the continuity and significance of your ties, such as contracts, tax records, business registrations, and correspondence.

Key Documents Required for an RRV Application

The Resident Return Visa application requires comprehensive documentation to verify your identity, residency, and ties to Australia. Ensure that all documents are accurate, up to date, and, where applicable, translated into English by a certified translator.

Here’s what you will typically need:

• A valid passport.
• Previous visa grant notices or permanent residency confirmation.
• Proof of time spent in Australia (such as entry and exit stamps, travel records, or movement history).
• Evidence of substantial ties (business ownership documents, employment contracts, family records, property ownership, or community involvement).
• For subclass 157 applicants, documentation supporting compelling reasons for travel.
• Proof of identity, such as driver’s license or national ID.
• Recent passport-sized photographs (if applying offline).

The Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents based on your personal situation, so having a well-organized set of supporting evidence is crucial.

How to Apply for a Resident Return Visa

The Australian Resident Return Visa application process can be completed online or by mail, but most applicants prefer the online route for faster processing.

Step 1: Create or Log In to Your ImmiAccount

Visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website and either log in to your existing ImmiAccount or create a new one. This portal is used for all visa applications and allows you to upload documents, track progress, and receive updates electronically.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Once logged in, select the Resident Return Visa (155/157) option. Fill in all sections carefully, including your personal details, travel history, and evidence of ties to Australia. Double-check for accuracy—errors or omissions can delay your application.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all relevant supporting documents as electronic files. Each document must meet the file size and format requirements listed on the portal. Use clear, legible scans and label each document appropriately (e.g., “Employment Proof” or “Family Relationship Evidence”).

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

As of the most recent update, the application fee for the RRV is AUD 465 if applied online or AUD 490 for paper applications. Payment can be made through credit card, PayPal, or BPAY directly within your ImmiAccount.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Review your application carefully before submission. Once submitted, you’ll receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which you can use to check your application status.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and case complexity. Generally, applications with complete documentation and strong ties are processed within 1 week to 3 months. You can check estimated processing times on the Department of Home Affairs processing time page.

Applying from Inside vs. Outside Australia

You can apply for an RRV either inside or outside Australia, but there are key differences in how each situation is handled.

• Inside Australia: You can remain in the country while your application is being processed. If your travel facility has expired, you can stay legally as a permanent resident until a decision is made.
• Outside Australia: You must wait for approval before boarding a flight to Australia. Do not attempt to enter Australia on a tourist visa if you intend to resume permanent residency, as this can cause complications.

If approved, your visa grant will be electronically linked to your passport, allowing you to travel freely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for a Resident Return Visa, even small mistakes can cause delays or rejections. Some of the most common include:

• Incomplete or incorrect information: Missing data or inconsistent records can trigger requests for further evidence.
• Insufficient proof of ties: Weak or poorly documented ties may not convince the immigration officer of your ongoing connection to Australia.
• Expired or invalid passport: Your RRV cannot be granted to an expired passport, so renew it before applying.
• Ignoring previous visa conditions: If your last visa was canceled or expired due to a breach of conditions, this can affect eligibility.
• Not applying early enough: Waiting until after your travel facility expires can complicate re-entry planning.

Avoiding these errors ensures that your application progresses smoothly without unnecessary delays.

What Happens After Submitting Your Application

After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment from the Department of Home Affairs. The next steps typically include:

1. Assessment: The department evaluates your eligibility, ties to Australia, and travel history.
2. Requests for Further Information (if necessary): You may receive a message asking for more documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
3. Visa Grant Notification: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notice detailing your subclass, validity period, and conditions.

If your application is refused, you’ll be informed of the reasons and your rights to appeal through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Processing Time and Validity

The processing time for an RRV depends on individual factors, such as your time spent in Australia and the strength of your supporting evidence. In most cases:

• Subclass 155 applications are processed within 1 week to 2 months.
• Subclass 157 applications are processed within a few days to 2 weeks, as they are usually urgent.

The validity period of your RRV is determined by your residency record:

• If you have lived in Australia for 2 of the last 5 years, you’ll likely receive a 5-year travel facility.
• If you have not met this requirement but have strong ties, you may receive a 1-year or shorter validity.
• Subclass 157 visas are valid for 3 months.

You can renew your RRV as many times as needed, provided you continue meeting the eligibility criteria.

Travel Tips After Receiving Your Resident Return Visa

Once your RRV is approved, keep these travel tips in mind:

• Always travel with a passport that matches the one linked to your RRV.
• Keep digital and printed copies of your visa grant notice.
• Monitor your visa’s expiry date and apply for renewal at least three months before it expires.
• If you plan to apply for Australian citizenship, avoid extended absences from Australia, as they may affect your eligibility.

Maintaining a consistent presence and connection to Australia helps strengthen your future visa and citizenship applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for an RRV if my permanent visa was canceled?
No. If your permanent visa was canceled, you must first have it reinstated or apply for a new visa.

2. Can I include family members in my RRV application?
No, each family member must apply individually for their own RRV.

3. What if I have dual citizenship?
If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need an RRV. However, if you hold permanent residency in addition to another citizenship, you must maintain your RRV for re-entry rights.

4. Do I need to be physically present in Australia to renew my RRV?
No, you can apply from outside Australia as long as your passport and ties meet the requirements.

5. What happens if my RRV is refused?
If refused, you will be notified in writing. Depending on your location, you may have the right to appeal through the AAT or reapply with stronger evidence.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Resident Return Visa is a critical safeguard for maintaining your permanent residency while traveling abroad. Whether you are a long-term resident living overseas or someone whose travel facility has expired, applying for the RRV ensures that your link to Australia remains secure.

By understanding eligibility criteria, gathering strong supporting documents, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently navigate the application process. Always apply through the official Department of Home Affairs website and keep your ImmiAccount updated to track your progress.

Maintaining your residency rights in Australia is about more than paperwork—it’s about preserving your place in one of the world’s most welcoming and dynamic nations. With careful preparation, timely applications, and accurate documentation, you can ensure your pathway back to Australia remains open and stress-free.