Resident Return Visa

Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 & 157)

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows eligible Australian permanent residents, former permanent residents, and certain former Australian citizens to travel to and re-enter Australia as permanent residents.

Understanding Permanent Residency and Travel Rights

Many Australian permanent residents are unaware that permanent residency and travel rights are separate.

When you are granted an Australian permanent visa, you will generally receive a 5-year travel facility. During this period, you can travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident without affecting your permanent resident status.

Your permanent residency itself does not expire at the end of the 5-year period. If you remain in Australia, you can continue living in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident. However, once the travel facility expires, you may no longer be able to leave Australia and return as a permanent resident without obtaining a new travel facility.

This is where a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or Subclass 157) becomes important.

If your travel facility has expired or is about to expire, you may need a Resident Return Visa before travelling overseas or before returning to Australia from overseas as a permanent resident.

Example

If you were granted permanent residency on 1 July 2025, your travel facility would generally remain valid until 30 June 2030. During those five years, you can travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident.

After the travel facility expires, you will generally need a Resident Return Visa if you wish to travel overseas and continue returning to Australia as a permanent resident.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible for a Resident Return Visa if you:

  • Are an Australian permanent resident whose travel facility has expired or is about to expire
  • Are currently outside Australia and need to return as a permanent resident
  • Previously held Australian permanent residency and your last permanent visa was not cancelled
  • Previously held Australian citizenship but later lost or renounced it

Benefits of a Resident Return Visa

Return to Australia as a Permanent Resident

An RRV allows eligible applicants to travel to and re-enter Australia as permanent residents after their previous travel facility has expired.

Continue Travelling Overseas

The visa provides a new travel facility, allowing you to leave and return to Australia while maintaining your permanent resident status.

155 visa ( 5 years extension)

For applicants who have lived in Australia for 2 years out of Five Years

Eligible applicants who meet the residence requirements may be granted a Subclass 155 visa with a travel facility of up to five years.

155 visa (1 year extension)

For Applicants who lived in Australia less than 2 years in the last 5 years but has Strong Australian Ties

If you do not meet the residence requirement, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate substantial business, employment, cultural, or personal ties to Australia.

It is useful to also explain why you were not able to stay in Australia during the last 5 years

155 visa ( 3 months extension)

Applicants who lived in Australia less than 2 years  ( but resided at least 1 day in Australia in the last 5 years) with no substantial ties to Australia

In certain circumstances, applicants who do not qualify for a longer Subclass 155 visa may be eligible for a Subclass 157 visa, which provides a three-month travel facility.

Speak to Think Visa Today

If you are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen and want to live in Australia, the Subclass 461 visa may be your pathway.

We help you apply correctly the first time and avoid costly mistakes that can delay your future in Australia.