The Resident Return Visa (subclasses 155 and 157) is granted to Australian permanent residents whose Permanent Visa travel facilitation has expired. A permanent resident visa holder can stay in Australia indefinitely, but the travel facility expires after five years. Therefore, if you plan to travel abroad after this period, you should apply for an Australian resident return visa to ensure you have the right to re-enter Australia.
Permanent resident visa holders who have compelled themselves to stay outside Australia for an extended period of time may also be granted a Resident Return Visa. Applying for a resident return visa gives you the opportunity to return to Australia and maintain your permanent residency status, as well as travelling with no limitation for 5 years.
How Much is the Cost for Resident Return Visa 155 Australia?
The cost of applying for a resident return visa is AUD465.00 for each applicant if you apply online, AUD545 for each applicant if the Australian Government authorises you to apply on paper.
If you are exempt from paying the non-internet application charge a repayment will automatically be processed and the payment returned to you. You may also have to pay for other costs including health checks, police certificates and biometrics. The Australian Government will advise you if this is required.
To work out what your visa will cost, you may use the Visa Pricing Estimator. Be noted, the estimator does not take into account the other costs.
Read more: 10 Reasons to Migrate to Australia Permanently
Resident Return Visa 155 Eligibility
Referring to the Department of Home Affairs, eligibility for a resident return visa 155 depends on individual circumstances. The most important criterion is your Australia visa status. Here some eligibility if you would like to apply Resident Return Visa:
- You must have been present in Australia for 2 years in the last 5 years as the holder of a permanent visa (or permanent entry permit),
- Have substantial ties and your ties can be business ties, cultural ties, employment ties, personal ties (including family ties).
- You are a family member of someone who already holds an RRV or has applied for an RRV
There are no age requirements for RRV applicants
If you are outside Australia:
- Don’t absent for 5 continuous years or more before the date of application
- You must hold a permanent visa or last left Australia as a permanent resident or citizen
How is your residency period calculated?
Your period of residence is a calculated like this:
- 2 year period is counted as 730 days
- 5 year period is counted back from the RRV application lodgement date
- Arrival and departure dates are also included in the day count. If you arrive and leave on the same day, that is counted as one single day
How to Apply for a Resident Return Visa Australia?
You can apply for a visa in or outside Australia, but not at the immigration clearance. If you are allowed to apply using a paper form, you must follow the instructions given. Failure to do so may invalidate your application. If your application is invalid, your application will not be considered. You cannot include your family member in this visa application.
If you have applied for your resident return visa 155 but have not been granted it and you need to travel urgently see contact Department Home Affairs.
Read more: 3 Ways to Become an Australian Permanent Resident in 2022
How Long Processing Times to Get Resident Return Visa?
The processing time for Resident Return Visa Subclass 155 is between 1 – 14 days. Be noted that the processing time is varying depending on the visa backlog in the Department of Home Affairs. Meanwhile, for the subclass 157, based on Department of Home Affairs website, for this subclass processing times are not available.
Your application will not be processed if you do not pay the correct application charge. If necessary, you will be notified and any charges repaid.
What is the benefit of this visa?
Resident return visa 155 holders can travel freely from and to Australia for up to five additional years. You remain a permanent resident with the same rights as before, just renew your travel authorization. Once your resident return visa travel facilitation expires, you can apply for a new resident return visa. There is no limit to how many times you can apply for a return residence visa in a row.
