Registered Resident Return Visa Subclass 155 & 157

The Resident Return Visa Subclasses 155 and 157 allow Australian permanent residents to travel outside Australia and return after their original travel facility has expired.

These visas do not grant permanent residency. They restore or extend your right to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

What Is a Resident Return Visa

A Resident Return Visa maintains your ability to leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

• Your permanent residency status remains intact

• Only the travel facility is time-limited

• Once the travel facility expires, you cannot re-enter Australia without a new RRV

Subclass 155 – Five-Year Travel Facility

You may be eligible for a Subclass 155 (5-year RRV) if:

• You are an Australian permanent resident or former permanent resident

• You have lived in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years

• You hold a valid passport

• You meet character requirements

This visa provides the longest and most flexible travel facility.

Subclass 157 – Short-Term Travel Facility

You may be eligible for a Subclass 157 (up to 3 months) if:

• You do not meet the 2-year residence requirement

• You have strong ties to Australia

• You have a compelling reason for leaving Australia or remaining outside Australia

This visa is generally granted when travel is urgent or limited.

Ties to Australia That May Be Accepted

If you do not meet the residence requirement, you must demonstrate substantial ties that benefit Australia, such as:

Business Ties

• Ownership or active involvement in an Australian business

• Ongoing commercial interests

Employment Ties

• Employment with an Australian employer

• Overseas work that directly benefits Australia

Family or Personal Ties

• Close family members living permanently in Australia

• Long-standing personal connections

Cultural or Community Ties

• Participation in Australian cultural, academic, or community activities

Who Can Apply

You may apply if you are:

• A current Australian permanent resident

• A former permanent resident whose visa was not cancelled

• A former Australian citizen who lost or renounced citizenship

Where You Can Apply From

• Inside Australia

• Outside Australia

If applying outside Australia, the visa must be granted before you travel.

Visa Conditions and Rights

Holders of Subclass 155 or 157 may:

• Live, work, and study in Australia

• Enrol in Medicare

• Travel freely while the travel facility is valid

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

Travel Facility Validity

• Subclass 155: up to 5 years

• Subclass 157: up to 3 months

The length granted depends on your residence history and evidence provided.

Cost

• Government application fee applies

• Paper applications incur an additional fee

• Fees are non-refundable if the visa is refused

Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on:

• Whether residence requirements are met

• Strength of supporting documents

• Application location

Family Members

Family members cannot be included in your application.
Each family member must submit a separate application.

Character Requirements

You must meet Australian character standards.
Past criminal history, visa breaches, or cancellations may affect the outcome.

Why Visa Aid

Resident Return Visas are commonly refused due to:

• Insufficient evidence of ties

• Incorrect assumptions about eligibility

• Poor explanation of time spent overseas

Visa Aid provides:

• Accurate eligibility assessment

• Strategic evidence preparation

• Professional application submission

• Support for complex travel history cases

Need Help With Your Resident Return Visa

If your travel facility has expired or is about to expire, do not risk refusal.

Book a consultation with Visa Aid for professional guidance.