How to Apply for a Resident Return Visa in Australia

As a permanent resident visa holder in Australia, one of your rights is to freely travel to and from Australia, following a travel validity period of five (5) years. If you plan to travel abroad after your travel validity has expired or you are outside Australia when it expires, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa. This visa allows you to maintain your permanent resident status and return to Australia as needed.

Resident Return Visa Eligibility

When applying for the Resident Return Visa (RRV), one must be either:

A holder of a permanent resident visa
A permanent resident returning to Australia on a temporary visa
A former Australian permanent resident with an active permanent visa
A former Australian citizen who lost or renounced citizenship

There is no need to apply for an RRV if you are an Australian citizen or if you are a permanent resident with no intention to travel outside of Australia.

One must also have a valid passport and other official travel documents before applying to get an RRV. In instances where an applicant has already submitted their application and renewed their passport, they must inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible.

How to Apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclasses 155 and 157) in Australia

If you are eligible, below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Resident Return Visa in Australia.

1. Find a Registered Migration Agent to help you

Working with a registered migration agent can be helpful when applying for a Resident Return Visa. They can provide sound advice on the steps you need to take and guide you throughout the entire process. Additionally, a registered migration agent can ensure that you are well informed of your rights and obligations as you apply for your Resident Return Visa. If English is not your first language, you can also engage with a multilingual migration agent. They can provide assistance in your native language and help you navigate the application process more easily.

2. Prepare all the paperwork.

Depending on your status, you can immediately be granted a resident return visa if:

You are an Australian permanent resident
You have lived in Australia for two (2) years in the last five (5) years, either as a permanent resident or an Australian citizen
You have retained your name and date of birth since your last visa was issued
You meet the character requirements. These include having a good record of past and present conduct, a clean history with no substantial criminal record, and does not pose a risk to the safety and order of the Australian community. You can find more detailed information on the character requirements on the following website here.

3. Lodge your Resident Return Visa application

The process of applying for an RRV is done online. Only in situations such as errors on the ImmIAccount website can a paper application be acceptable. Your ImmiAccount allows you to apply for the RRV, continue a saved application, import an application, share it with another account, send an incomplete application to another account, or remove an application.

If you are working with a migration agent, it's a good idea to request a copy of the application they submit on your behalf.

4. Wait for the results

If you plan to travel after submitting your application, it's important to obtain a valid visa that allows you to return to Australia as a permanent resident. If you were outside of Australia when you submitted your application, you must remain outside the country until your RRV is granted. However, if you were in Australia when you lodged your application, you have the option to stay within or outside the country while your application is being processed.

Once the results of your application are out, you will be informed in writing about your visa grant number, your visa conditions, and the date your visa starts. It’s also important to note that the RRV should be renewed every five (5) years. If your application was refused, you would be informed of the reason why and if you are eligible to have a review of the decision. Regardless of the result, there is no refund on the visa application fees.

Thinking of travelling outside Australia and keeping your permanent resident status? Keep up to date with your Resident Return Visa and engage with our MARA-registered migration agents to assist you in the process. We offer expert advice in English, Spanish, Greek, and Italian.

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