Resident Return Visa (subclasses 155 / 157)
Check Resident Return Visa 155/157 eligibility before travel. Assess the 730-day residence rule, substantial ties, long absences and the travel facility you may qualify for.
- Purpose
- Permanent-resident return travel; not citizenship
- 155 — residence route
- Generally a five-year travel facility with at least 730 qualifying days in Australia during the five years before application
- 155 — other routes
- Potentially a shorter facility under eligible substantial-ties, family or other provisions
- 157
- A three-month travel facility only where its specific criteria are met
- Application location
- In or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance
- Current Australian citizens
- Not eligible for an RRV
A valid travel facility for eligible current or former permanent residents and certain former Australian citizens returning as permanent residents.
Important limitations
- Expiry of a travel facility does not itself end permanent residence. A permanent visa holder remaining in Australia without travel plans does not need an RRV solely because that facility expires.
- Applying for an RRV is not permission to travel or return. Obtain appropriate authority before relying on permanent-resident re-entry; an urgent ticket does not guarantee priority processing.
- Substantial ties do not automatically secure a five-year facility. An alternative grant may be shorter, and prolonged absences can require additional assessment.
- Do not treat subclass 157 as a discretionary short extension for anyone who fails 155. Its own criteria must be met.
- Eligibility, approval and timing depend on the applicable law and your circumstances. Booking does not lodge an application or guarantee an outcome.
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.
Key requirements
- Be a current permanent resident, a qualifying former permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled, or a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced citizenship. Current Australian citizens cannot apply for an RRV.
- For the usual five-year 155 facility, have at least 730 cumulative days in Australia as a permanent visa holder or Australian citizen during the five years immediately before application.
- If relying on a substantial-ties pathway, demonstrate relevant business, cultural, employment or personal ties that are both substantial and of benefit to Australia, and meet any applicable absence and other criteria.
- Assess subclass 157 separately against its specific residence, absence and compelling and compassionate circumstances requirements. It is not an automatic fallback if 155 criteria are not met.
- Meet relevant identity, character and other requirements. Each family member needs a separate application and must qualify; family circumstances can be relevant but are not automatic inclusion.
What this allows
- Travel to and return to Australia as a permanent resident while the facility remains valid.
- Where eligible, obtain an appropriate facility even without meeting the standard 730-day residence route.
- Plan return travel based on the actual grant and conditions rather than assume PR alone permits re-entry after the travel facility ends.
Evidence to prepare
- Passport, permanent residence or former citizenship records and current visa details.
- Accurate arrival and departure history and qualifying residence days.
- Where relevant, evidence of substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties benefiting Australia.
- Relevant explanations and evidence for lengthy absences, family circumstances or subclass 157 criteria.
How the process works
- Check current or former status and the existing travel facility.
- Calculate qualifying residence in the five years before application.
- If needed, assess a particular alternative 155 pathway or the separate 157 criteria.
- Prepare supporting evidence and lodge a valid application.
- Confirm the actual grant and travel facility before relying on it to return.
How we help
- Assess residence history, existing travel permission and the relevant 155 or 157 criteria.
- Review substantial ties, absence circumstances and relevant supporting evidence.
- Prepare the RRV application and explain the travel facility actually granted.
Related services
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
About Resident Return Visa (155/157)
Not simply for that reason. The travel facility governs return travel; permanent residence generally permits indefinite residence while the permanent visa remains in effect.
The usual residence route requires at least 730 qualifying days in Australia in the five years immediately before application as a permanent visa holder or Australian citizen. Other applicable criteria must also be met.
Alternative 155 provisions can apply, including relevant substantial ties or family circumstances, subject to their exact requirements. A shorter facility may be available; approval is not automatic.
Not automatically. Subclass 157 has its own criteria, including relevant residence, absence and compelling and compassionate circumstances requirements. Assess the actual facts rather than assume it is a fallback.
No. Each person needs a separate application and must qualify. Family-unit provisions can be relevant to eligibility or duration but do not create automatic secondary visa inclusion.
Yes, subject to eligibility. An application alone does not provide a new travel facility or guarantee return by a particular date.
No. Current Australian citizens are not eligible for an RRV. Citizenship and passport arrangements are separate from permanent-resident travel permission.
Your matter:
Resident Return Visa.
Selected service · Resident Return Visa
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 resident return visa 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.