Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 / 157)

Overview

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows current or former Australian permanent residents and former citizens to re-enter Australia and retain or restore their permanent residency status.It’s essential for anyone whose PR travel facility has expired but who wishes to return and continue living in Australia.

Why You Need an RRV

Even if you hold a permanent visa, your travel facility (the right to leave and return to Australia) expires 5 years after grant.Without a valid RRV, you cannot re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after travelling overseas.

Visa Types

🟩 Subclass 155 – Long-Term Resident Return Visa

• For permanent residents who have spent at least 2 of the past 5 years in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen.

• Usually granted for 5 years.

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🟦 Subclass 157 – Short-Term Resident Return Visa

• For permanent residents who do not meet the 2-year residence rule but have compelling reasons to travel.

• Granted for up to 3 months.

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Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an RRV, you must:

• Hold or have held a permanent resident visa or citizenship

• Have spent at least 2 years in Australia in the past 5 years (for Subclass 155), or

• Show substantial ties to Australia (employment, family, property, business, or cultural)

• Meet character requirements

Application Process

1. Confirm your current PR or citizenship status

2. Determine eligibility for Subclass 155 or 157

3. Prepare supporting documents (passport, travel history, ties to Australia)

4. Lodge your RRV application online via ImmiAccount

5. Wait for visa decision

   
   

Visa Cost and Processing Time

Common Reasons for Applying

• You’ve been living overseas and your PR travel facility has expired

• You frequently travel for business or family reasons

• You are returning to settle permanently in Australia after time abroad

• You previously held citizenship but gave it up and now want to return

Why Apply Through

Norris Chau Migration&Migration?

At Norris Chau Migration & Education Centre, our Registered Migration Agents (MARN) assist permanent residents in securing or restoring their PR status through the Resident Return Visa.We help you gather the right evidence of ties, submit your application correctly, and avoid unnecessary refusals.