Citizenship & Resident Return
Compare citizenship by conferral and Resident Return Visas 155/157. Understand residence requirements, overseas absences and permanent-resident travel facilities.
Choose the page that fits
Options depend on your circumstances and the applicable criteria.
- Australian Citizenship by ConferralAssess residence, absences, identity, character and other criteria for becoming an Australian citizen, including relevant New Zealand SCV arrangements.
- Resident Return Visa155 / 157Assess a travel facility to leave and return as a permanent resident. Not a citizenship application or an automatic renewal.
- Permanent residence is different
- A permanent visa generally allows indefinite residence while it remains in effect. Its travel facility can expire separately. An RRV concerns return travel; citizenship is a different legal status.
Citizenship and a Resident Return Visa serve different purposes. iExcel assists with citizenship by conferral, residence and travel-history assessments, and RRV applications. An expiring PR travel facility is not itself the expiry of permanent residence.
Before you rely on this page
Check your actual travel facility before departing Australia. Citizenship approval is usually followed by a ceremony and pledge before citizenship takes effect. A pending citizenship or RRV application does not itself give you a new travel facility or an Australian passport.
Related services
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
Citizenship & Resident Return questions
Permanent residence does not ordinarily end just because the travel facility expires. Returning to Australia as a permanent resident requires an appropriate current travel facility. Check your actual visa and circumstances.
No. An RRV concerns permanent-resident return travel. Citizenship is a different status with its own eligibility, application and, usually, pledge requirements.
Not on its own. The general rule includes four years of lawful residence, the final 12 months as a permanent resident or qualifying SCV holder, absence limits and other criteria. Exceptions and special provisions require assessment.
Yes, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria. Do not assume the application alone permits boarding or return as a permanent resident.
Your matter:
Citizenship & Resident Return.
Selected service · Citizenship & Resident Return
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your citizenship & resident return consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.