The RRV allows Australian permanent residents or former residents to return to Australia as permanent residents and restore their travel rights.
Residence Return (Subclass 155)
Return (Residence) Visa (Subclass 155)
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) – Subclass 155 allows eligible individuals who are, or were previously, Australian permanent residents or Australian citizens to return to Australia as permanent residents.
This visa is essential for those who need to maintain or restore their permanent residency status, especially if their travel facility has expired while they were outside Australia.
Maintain PR Status
Return to Australia
Travel Rights Restored
Highlights of the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155)
Apply Anywhere
You can apply for this visa inside or outside Australia.
Live & Work
Continue living, working, and studying in Australia as a permanent resident.
5-Year Travel Facility
Receive a travel facility valid for up to 5 years, depending on eligibility.
Restore PR Rights
Ideal if your travel facility expired while you were overseas.
Eligibility Pathways for the Subclass 155 Visa
Existing or Former PR
You may qualify if you are a current or former Australian permanent resident or someone who renounced Australian citizenship.
Meet Residency Rule
Must have spent 2 years (730 days) in Australia in the last 5 years as a PR or citizen.
Substantial Ties
If residency requirement is not met, applicants may qualify by demonstrating strong business, employment, personal or cultural ties.
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Additional Requirements & Important Notes
Residence-Based Eligibility
- • Residency Requirement: Must have been lawfully in Australia for 2 years in the past 5 years.
- • Onshore Applicants: Must not have been absent from Australia for 5 continuous years unless compelling reasons exist.
- • Offshore Applicants: Must not have been outside Australia for 5 years unless compelling reasons exist.
Other Eligibility Factors
- • Substantial Ties: Business, cultural, employment, or personal ties must benefit Australia.
- • Family Members: Family unit members may apply if the primary applicant is eligible.
- • Public Interest: Must satisfy health, character, and security requirements.
Return (Residence) Visa (Subclass 155) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What is a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?
- 2. How long is the Subclass 155 visa valid?The visa can be granted with up to a 5-year travel facility, depending on residency history and ties to Australia.
- 3. Can I apply from inside or outside Australia?Yes. You can apply onshore or offshore as long as eligibility conditions are met.
- 4. What is the “2 years in 5 years” residency rule?You must have been physically present in Australia for at least 730 days in the last 5 years as a permanent resident or Australian citizen.
- 5. What if I don’t meet the residency requirement?You may still qualify by demonstrating substantial business, personal, cultural, or employment ties beneficial to Australia.
- 6. What counts as compelling reasons for long absences?Illness, family emergencies, overseas employment commitments, or COVID-19 related disruptions may qualify as compelling reasons.
- 7. Can family members apply with me?Yes. Eligible family unit members may be included in the application if criteria are met.
- 8. Can my visa be refused?Yes, if you fail to meet residency, ties, compelling reasons, or health/character requirements.
- 9. Difference between Subclass 155 and 157?Subclass 155: For PRs meeting residency or substantial ties. Subclass 157: For PRs with 1 day residency & compelling reasons for departure.
- 10. How long does RRV processing take?Many applications process within 7 days if residency requirement is met. Applications involving ties take longer.
- 11. What happens if my visa is refused?You may seek review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), depending on eligibility and location.
- 12. Do I need a migration agent?Not mandatory, but recommended if you do not meet residency requirements or need help proving substantial ties or compelling reasons.