Overview
The Resident Return visa (RRV) lets Australian permanent residents (and some former permanent residents and former citizens) renew their travel facility so they can leave and re-enter Australia as permanent residents. The Subclass 155 grants either a 5-year or 1-year travel facility depending on your residence and ties to Australia; the Subclass 157 is a 3-month facility for those who cannot meet the 155 criteria but have compelling circumstances.
The RRV is the visa you only think about when you need it — and that’s usually right before a trip. The 5-year 155 is the standard renewal for PRs who have been in Australia at least 2 of the last 5 years. If you have spent more time overseas, the 1-year 155 (with substantial ties) or the 157 may still let you travel. We help you choose the right pathway and assemble the ties evidence where the 2-year residence rule is not met.
Who is eligible
- Be a current or former Australian permanent resident, or a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced citizenship
- For the 5-year 155: usually lawful residence in Australia as a PR for at least 2 of the last 5 years
- For the 1-year 155 (limited): substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties of benefit to Australia where the 2-year residence rule is not met
- For the 157: compelling and compassionate reasons preventing your return within the travel facility, with proof you held a permanent visa
- Meet character requirements
Costs
Fees change with annual indexation. See the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
See the official global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Confirm which RRV you need. 5-year 155 if you meet the 2-out-of-5 years residence rule; 1-year 155 if you can show substantial ties; 157 if you can't meet either but have compelling reasons.
- Gather your evidence. Residence history (movement records, addresses), and — if relying on ties — evidence of business, employment, family or cultural connections to Australia.
- Lodge the application. RRVs can be lodged onshore or offshore. Onshore applications are usually quickest.
- Travel. Once granted, you can leave and re-enter Australia as a PR for the duration of the travel facility.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my travel facility expires while I'm overseas?
You can still apply for an RRV from outside Australia. If you cannot meet the 5-year 155 criteria, the 1-year 155 (with substantial ties) or the 157 (with compelling circumstances) may be options. Plan ahead — applying before you travel is always easier.
Do I lose my permanent residence if my RRV travel facility expires?
Your permanent residence status doesn't end when the travel facility expires — but you can't re-enter Australia as a PR until you get a new RRV. The 5-year travel facility is the standard renewal.
How long does an RRV take to process?
Straightforward 5-year 155 applications are often processed quickly. Applications relying on ties or compelling circumstances take longer because they require careful assessment of evidence.
Can I apply for an RRV from anywhere?
Yes — RRVs can be lodged onshore or offshore. Lodging onshore (while in Australia) is usually faster.