Resident Return Visa (RRV) – Subclass 155 / 157

Resident Return Visa (RRV) – Subclass 155 / 157

Keep Your Permanent Residency Active While Abroad

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) Subclass 155 and 157 allows current or former Australian permanent residents and eligible citizens to maintain or regain their permanent residency status. This visa is crucial if your travel facility has expired and you wish to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Whether you're returning to resume your life in Australia or simply need to maintain your PR status, the RRV offers a flexible solution.

What Is the Resident Return Visa?

The Resident Return Visa is the solution for permanent residents whose travel facility has expired. Without it, you may lose the right to re-enter Australia as a PR — even if you've spent years building a life there. The RRV helps you protect your long-term residency and avoid unnecessary disruptions to your future in Australia.

The RRV enables eligible permanent residents or former citizens to travel back to Australia while retaining their permanent resident status. There are two subclasses:

• Subclass 155 – For those who have spent a significant amount of time in Australia (usually at least 2 years in the past 5 years)
• Subclass 157 – For those who haven’t met the residency requirement but have compelling reasons for absence

The RRV replaces the original 5-year travel facility issued with a permanent residency visa.

Why Apply for This Visa?

Your permanent residency isn’t guaranteed without an active travel facility. This visa helps safeguard your legal status, giving you the ability to travel abroad for business, family, or personal reasons without compromising your PR or citizenship goals.

Maintaining your PR status is key to ensuring you can live, work, and travel freely in and out of Australia.

• Retain or regain permanent resident status
• Travel to and from Australia while maintaining PR
• Continue your path to citizenship
• Support family sponsorship and Medicare access
• Avoid loss of permanent residency due to expired travel rights

Who Should Consider It?

Whether life took you overseas for work, family, or opportunity — the RRV ensures you’re not locked out of returning. It's ideal for anyone who needs to preserve their connection to Australia despite time away.

This visa is designed for:

• Australian permanent residents whose travel facility has expired or is expiring soon
• Former permanent residents or citizens looking to re-enter and resume residency
• PR holders living abroad for extended periods

RRV Eligibility Requirements

Depending on your circumstances, there are two primary RRV pathways — one for long-term residents and one for those with compelling ties. Understanding which stream applies to you is key to a successful application.

Depending on the subclass, you must:

• Hold or have held Australian permanent residency or citizenship
• Meet the residency requirement (2 years in 5 years for 155) OR
• Provide compelling reasons for extended absence (for 157)
• Demonstrate ongoing ties to Australia (business, family, cultural, etc.)
• Meet health and character criteria

Application Process: Step-by-Step

The process for an RRV is usually straightforward, but it’s important to gather the right documents and apply under the correct subclass. Here’s how it works:

1. Check PR status and residency history
2. Prepare supporting documents (identity, residency, ties)
3. Apply online via ImmiAccount
4. Complete health and character checks if required
5. Await decision (often granted quickly if straightforward)

What You’ll Need

Accurate documentation helps support your claim to permanent residency and makes your application easier to process.

• Proof of permanent residency or previous PR visa
• Evidence of residency history in Australia
• Supporting documents for compelling ties or reasons for absence
• Passport and identity documents
• Police clearance and medical exam if requested

Health & Character Requirements

To maintain community safety, you may be asked to prove your good character and health — especially after time spent abroad.

• Police clearances from all countries lived in 12+ months
• Health check only if requested during processing

Why Apply with Us?

An RRV may seem simple, but complications can arise — especially with long absences or limited documentation. We make sure your case is handled properly.

✅ Residency eligibility assessment

✅ Help demonstrating compelling ties or reasons

✅ Fast, accurate online application support

✅ PR and citizenship planning advice

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DISCLAIMER: This information is for general guidance only. For official requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs.