Resident Return Visas
Only Australian citizens have the freedom to travel in and out of Australia indefinitely. For those who are not seeking Australian citizenship or are not yet eligible, permanent residency must be maintained through a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
The RRV is designed for current or former Australian permanent residents and former Australian citizens who wish to travel overseas and return to Australia as permanent residents after their original travel facility expires.
Permanent residency visas typically include a five-year travel facility, allowing visa holders to depart and re-enter Australia. Once this travel facility expires, or is close to expiring, permanent residents should apply for a Resident Return Visa to maintain their ability to return to Australia as permanent residents.
At Migration Affairs, we understand that maintaining your permanent residency status in Australia is essential for your long-term plans. If you hold a permanent visa and wish to travel internationally while retaining your residency status, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) may be the solution. There are two main types of RRVs: Subclass 155 and Subclass 157.
Resident Return (subclass 155) Visa
The Subclass 155 RRV is typically issued with a five-year travel facility, allowing you to travel freely in and out of Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must have been lawfully residing in Australia for at least two out of the last five years as the holder of a permanent visa.
If you do not meet this residency requirement, you may still be eligible for the Subclass 155 RRV with a shorter 12-month travel facility. To qualify, you must demonstrate substantial ties to Australia, such as business, cultural, employment, or personal connections that benefit the country.
If you have been outside of Australia for more than five years, you will need to provide compelling reasons for your absence to support your application.
Resident Return (subclass 157) Visa
If you have spent at least one day but less than two years in Australia as a permanent resident within the last five years, you may be eligible for the Subclass 157 RRV. This visa comes with a three-month travel facility.
To apply, you will need to show compelling reasons for your departure from Australia and explain your continuous absence.
Whether you are a current or former permanent resident, the team at Migration Affairs is here to help you navigate the complexities of maintaining or reinstating your permanent residency. We offer expert advice and assistance in finding the best pathway for your situation, ensuring you comply with all requirements and can travel without worry.
Contact us today to discuss your eligibility for an RRV and how we can assist you in securing your right to return to Australia.
Australian Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant step toward full participation in Australian life. Citizenship can be acquired in several ways: automatic acquisition, by descent, or by conferral.
Most individuals seeking Australian citizenship will do so through conferral.
Eligibility for Australian Citizenship by Conferral (Australian Permanent Residents)
- Be an Australian permanent resident
- Have lived in Australia for a period of four years on a valid visa with absences of less than 12 months
- Have lived in Australia for the last 12 months as a permanent visa holder with absences of less than 90 days
- Be of ‘good character’ if you are 18 years or over
- Have adequate understanding what it means to be an Australian citizen
- Have basic knowledge of the English language to become an Australian citizen
- Intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
Citizenship applications can be complicated by a multitude of factors, for example, if you have been convicted of a criminal offence (good character requirement) or if you are residing overseas (likely to reside or continue to reside in Australia requirement).
FAQs
The duration of the RRV depends on your eligibility.
- A five year RRV is generally granted if you have resided in Australia for 2 out of the last 5 years.
- A 12 month RRV may be granted if you can show substantial ties of benefit to Australia, such as business, employment, cultural or personal ties.
- A 3 month RRV may be granted if you don’t meet any of the above requirements, but have compelling or compassionate reasons for departure and you spent at least 1 day in the last 5 years.
Talk to us at Migration Affairs and find out how we can assist you.
If you have been outside Australia for more than 5 years, you will need to show compelling reasons for your absence.
Examples of compelling reasons include severe illness or death of an overseas family member, you have been living overseas in an ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen partner or you have been caught up in a natural disaster, political uprising or other similar event.
Talk to us at Migration Affairs and find out how we can assist you.
If you leave Australia while your RRV application is pending and your original travel facility has expired, you may not be allowed to re-enter Australia unless the RRV is granted while you’re overseas. It’s safest to remain in Australia until your new RRV is granted, or speak to a registered migration agent before departing.
If you return to Australia without a valid travel facility on your permanent visa (such as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or Visitor visa), your permanent resident status will not be automatically reinstated. To regain your permanent resident status, you will need to apply for a Resident Return visa. The success of your application will depend on a thorough assessment of your individual circumstances, including various factors relevant to your case.
At the time of your application, you must have been living in Australia on a valid visa for 4 years with 12 months as a permanent resident. You must also not be outside Australia for more than 12 months in the last 4 years, including no more than 90 days in the past 12 months.
Talk to us at Migration Affairs and find out how we can assist you.
Yes, if you meet the general eligibility criteria (including time spent in Australia and permanent residency status), you can apply for citizenship while holding an RRV. The RRV confirms your permanent resident status and does not restrict your eligibility for citizenship.
Substantial ties may include:
- Business ties (e.g. ownership or management of an Australian business)
- Employment ties (working for an Australian employer, even remotely)
- Cultural ties (involvement in community, social or religious organisations)
Personal ties (close family in Australia, or prior long-term residence)
You’ll need to provide strong documentary evidence for your claimed ties.
No, each individual must apply for their own RRV, even if they are part of the same family unit. Each applicant’s eligibility will be assessed independently, although family ties may support a claim for “substantial ties.”
I’ve lived in Australia for 10+ years but spent the last few years overseas — do I still qualify for a 5-year RRV?
Possibly. The key requirement for the 5-year RRV is 2 years of physical presence in Australia in the last 5 years. If you don’t meet this, you may still qualify for a 12-month RRV if you can demonstrate substantial ties. The length of your previous residence and other circumstances (such as family or business ties) will be considered.
You must disclose any criminal convictions or legal issues in Australia or overseas. The Department will assess your conduct, including your compliance with Australian laws. Police clearances may be required. Even minor issues can affect eligibility, so honesty and full disclosure are essential.
The Australian Citizenship Test is a critical part of the application process for individuals seeking Australian citizenship by conferral. It is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of Australia’s history, culture, values, and political system, ensuring that new citizens are well-informed and ready to actively participate in Australian society.
To pass the Australian Citizenship Test, applicants must score at least 75%. The test is typically taken in English, and it is important to prepare adequately to ensure a successful result. If you do not pass the test on your first attempt, you are allowed to retake it. However, you will need to wait a specified period before reapplying.
Becoming an Australian citizen provides a range of significant advantages, including:
- Right to vote
- Access to Government Services and Welfare
- Eligibility for an Australian passport
- Expanded job opportunities particularly in government positions
If your RRV is refused, you may request a review with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if you were in Australia at the time of application. If you were outside Australia when applying, you may not have review rights. Seeking legal or migration advice is highly recommended in this case.
