Profile Review
We calculate your time in Australia and identify the relevant RRV pathway.
Resident Return Visa Australia
Resident Return Visa Australia
A Resident Return Visa, or RRV, allows eligible current and former Australian permanent residents to travel overseas and return with permanent resident status.
Permanent residence allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. However, your ability to re-enter Australia depends on the travel facility attached to your permanent visa.
Commercial RRV Support
How We Can Help
Our team can review the residence, ties, absence and evidence issues that commonly determine which RRV pathway may be relevant.
Ties Assessment
We review your business, employment, cultural and personal connections.
Long Absence Support
We help explain compelling reasons for extended time overseas.
Document Review
We check your statements, travel records and supporting evidence.
Application Guidance
We assist with ImmiAccount lodgement and Home Affairs requests.
Who Needs an RRV?
An RRV is about your travel and re-entry rights as a current or eligible former permanent resident.
You may need one if:
- Your permanent visa travel facility has expired
- It will expire before you return to Australia
- You are overseas and need to return as a permanent resident
- You are an eligible former permanent resident
- You previously lost or renounced Australian citizenship
If you are in Australia and do not plan to travel, you generally do not need an RRV merely because the travel facility has expired.
Check your current travel rights through VEVO before booking travel.
Resident Return Visa Requirements
Applicants must generally be:
- Current permanent resident
- Former permanent resident whose visa was not cancelled
- Former Australian citizen
You may apply from inside or outside Australia, but you cannot be in immigration clearance when the visa is granted.
One Application, Two Possible Subclasses
Subclass 155 and 157 at a Glance
You lodge one application. Home Affairs assesses whether you meet the criteria for Subclass 155 or Subclass 157.
| Pathway | Possible Travel Facility |
|---|---|
| Subclass 155 through residence | 5 years |
| Subclass 155 through substantial ties | Up to 12 months |
| Subclass 155 through family eligibility | Up to 12 months |
| Subclass 157 | 3 months |
These periods relate to travel and re-entry rights. They do not limit how long a permanent resident may live in Australia.
Subclass 155
5-Year Travel Facility
You may qualify under Subclass 155 if you:
- Spent at least 730 days in Australia during the previous five years
- Held Australian permanent residence or citizenship during those days
- Counted only eligible time held as a permanent resident or citizen
The 730 days do not need to be continuous. Time held only on a temporary or bridging visa generally does not count.
Applications meeting this requirement are usually more straightforward.
When the Residence Test Is Not Met
Substantial Ties to Australia
Applicants who do not satisfy the residence test may still be considered for Subclass 155 by demonstrating strong, ongoing connections to Australia that provide a clear benefit to the country.
Business Ties
Active ownership, management or contribution to an Australian business.
Employment Ties
Current employment, a credible job offer or an ongoing professional connection.
Cultural Ties
Meaningful involvement in Australian cultural, artistic, sporting, religious or community activities.
Personal Ties
Strong family, residential or community connections and genuine plans to live in Australia.
The connection must be substantial, ongoing and beneficial to Australia. This pathway may provide a travel facility of up to 12 months.
Extended Time Overseas
Compelling Reasons for a Long Absence
Applicants who have been continuously outside Australia for five years or more may need to provide compelling reasons for the absence.
The explanation should cover the full absence and be supported by evidence matching the relevant dates.
Relevant circumstances may include:
- A close family member’s severe illness or passing
- Work or study commitments
- Living overseas with a partner or minor children
- Lengthy medical treatment
- Legal proceedings outside your control
- Natural disasters, political unrest or travel restrictions
Subclass
157
3-month travel facility
Subclass 157: 3-Month Travel Facility
You may qualify if you:
- Spent at least one day but less than two years in Australia during the previous five years
- Held permanent residence or Australian citizenship during that period
- Have compelling and compassionate reasons for leaving Australia
Applicants outside Australia must generally not have been continuously absent for more than three months immediately before applying, unless compelling and compassionate circumstances explain the longer absence.
Subclass 157 is not an automatic alternative where Subclass 155 requirements are not met.
Prepare the Right Evidence
Document Checklist
Required documents depend on the pathway used.
Core Documents
- Current passport
- Evidence of permanent residence or former citizenship
- Name-change documents, where applicable
- English translations of non-English documents
Evidence of Australian Ties
- Personal statement
- Employment or business records
- Family and relationship evidence
- Australian property or residence records
- Cultural or community participation
- Plans to return and settle in Australia
Long Absence Evidence
- Medical reports
- Death certificates
- Employment or study records
- Court documents
- Family circumstances
- Travel restrictions or government notices
People without an electronic visa record may also need evidence of their first arrival and previous residence in Australia.
Application Process
How to Apply for a Resident Return Visa
Applications are generally lodged online through ImmiAccount.
Check your travel facility in VEVO
Calculate your eligible time in Australia
Identify the relevant residence, ties or family pathway
Prepare evidence for any extended absence
Lodge the application and pay the charge
Monitor ImmiAccount for further requests
Each family member generally requires a separate application.
Costs and Timing
RRV Cost and Processing Time
Government charges and processing estimates can change, so review the current position before lodging.
Resident Return Visa Application Cost
Online application
AUD 1,475
per applicant
A lower charge may apply to eligible citizens of specified Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
Other expenses may include:
- Police certificates
- Document translations
- Professional assistance
Visa charges can change. Check the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.
Use the Think Higher Visa Fee Estimator →Indicative Processing Time
Meets the two-years-in-five-years requirementUsually within 5 working days
Does not meet the residence requirement12 weeks or longer
Processing may take longer if:
- The application is incomplete
- Documents are missing
- Further information is requested
- Details require verification
A booked flight does not guarantee priority processing.
Why Think Higher
Why Choose Think Higher Consultants?
Registered Agent
Receive guidance from Registered Migration Agent Aneel Khowaja, MARN 1571699.
11+ Years’ Experience
Our team has more than 11 years of experience in Australian migration matters.
Strategic Advice
We provide clear guidance for residence-based, substantial-ties and long-absence applications.
Complex Evidence
We understand how business, employment, cultural and personal ties may need to be demonstrated.
Complex Cases
We assist former permanent residents, applicants with long absences and people applying from overseas.
Common RRV Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an RRV Be Renewed?
No, the existing travel facility cannot be renewed or extended. You must submit a new application and meet the requirements again. Any unused travel period from the current visa is not transferred to the new grant.
What Happens if My Travel Facility Expires?
Your permanent residence does not automatically end while you remain in Australia. However, you generally need valid travel rights before returning from overseas as a permanent resident.
Can I Apply From Outside Australia?
Yes, you may apply from inside or outside Australia, provided you are not in immigration clearance when the visa is granted.
Can I Get an RRV After More Than Five Years Overseas?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on your previous permanent resident or citizenship status, substantial ties to Australia and compelling reasons for the absence. A long absence does not automatically result in refusal, but detailed supporting evidence may be required.
Does an Expired Travel Facility Mean I Have Lost My PR?
No. If you remain in Australia, expiry of the travel facility does not automatically end your permanent residence. However, you generally need valid travel rights to return after travelling overseas.
Can I Return to Australia on a Visitor Visa?
Returning on another visa may affect your permanent resident status, future RRV eligibility and Australian citizenship residence calculations. You should assess your permanent resident travel options before applying for another visa.
Do Australian Citizens Need an RRV?
No. Australian citizens do not need a Resident Return Visa and generally travel to and from Australia using an Australian passport.
Resident Return Visa Assessment
Get Help With Your RRV Application
Applications can become complex when the residence requirement is not met or the applicant has spent several years overseas.
Think Higher Consultants can assess your travel history, Australian ties and reasons for absence before guiding you through the application.
Book a consultation to discuss your Subclass 155 or Subclass 157 eligibility.
Residence history review
Substantial ties assessment
Long absence evidence review
Subclass 155 / 157 pathway guidance