Australia Resident Return

Summary

Australia's Resident Return visa (Subclasses 155 and 157) helps current or former Australian permanent residents, and some former Australian citizens, return to Australia as permanent residents after their travel facility expires.

Australian permanent residence can continue even when the travel facility attached to the visa has expired. The RRV is about restoring or extending the ability to leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Eligibility

Home Affairs lists this route for:

• Australian permanent residents.
• Former Australian permanent residents whose last permanent visa was not cancelled.
• Former Australian citizens who lost or renounced Australian citizenship.

The case often turns on either recent physical residence in Australia or substantial ties to Australia. Character requirements also apply.

What This Route Allows

The visa can let you travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident until the travel facility expires. Depending on circumstances, travel validity can be up to 5 years.

What This Route Is Not

This is not for Australian citizens; citizens use Australian passports. It is also not a first-time migration route for someone who never held Australian permanent residence or citizenship.

Next Steps

1. Confirm whether you are a current or former permanent resident, or a former citizen.
2. Check whether your travel facility is still valid.
3. Gather evidence of Australian residence or substantial ties.
4. Prepare character and identity documents.

Sources

• Department of Home Affairs - Resident Return visa (Subclasses 155 and 157) - official visa page.