Resident Return Visa (155/157)

Returning to Australia with a Subclass 155 or 157 Visa

Are you an Australian permanent resident planning to travel? The Resident Return Visa (RRV), including subclasses 155 and 157, allows you to maintain your permanent residency status and ensures your ability to return to Australia even after your travel validity expires.

For a fee of AUD 465 (online application) or AUD 545 (paper application), you can secure your travel rights. These visas provide the flexibility to travel in and out of Australia multiple times until the visa’s travel validity period ends, offering peace of mind for frequent travelers.

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, and exercise caution when seeking professional assistance to avoid delays or complications.

What is the Resident Return Visa?

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows individuals to maintain their permanent resident status in Australia. It is designed for current or former permanent residents and former Australian citizens who wish to travel and re-enter Australia as permanent residents. While Australian permanent residents have the privilege of traveling freely, this status does not grant indefinite re-entry after the original visa’s travel validity expires. Securing an RRV ensures uninterrupted permanent residency status and facilitates your return to Australia.

Key Features:

Eligibility: Available to Australian permanent residents, former permanent residents, and former Australian citizens. However, current Australian citizens are not eligible.
Flexibility: Grants maximum travel facility based on individual circumstances, enabling travel in and out of Australia.
No Limits: There is no cap on the number of RRVs you can apply for, though costs and processing times should be considered.
Appeals: Decisions on visa refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if necessary.

Whether you’re planning a short trip abroad or need to secure your ability to return long-term, the RRV ensures that your permanent resident status remains intact.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 155 and Subclass 157 RRVs

To qualify for a Resident Return Visa under subclass 155 or subclass 157, applicants must meet specific requirements, including residency history, ties to Australia, and character standards.

Applicant Categories:

Eligible individuals include:

Australian permanent residents.
Former Australian permanent residents, provided their last permanent visa was not canceled.
Former Australian citizens who lost or renounced citizenship.

Additional Eligibility Factors:

Temporary visa holders may qualify if they were previously permanent residents or Australian citizens.
Applicants must demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are beneficial to the country (e.g., familial, cultural, or economic ties).
Character requirements must be met, and the applicant should not have had a visa canceled or a prior application refused.

Assessment Process:

Applications are assessed for both subclass 155 and subclass 157 eligibility.

Subclass 155:
- Granted to applicants who meet the residency requirement, have strong ties to Australia, or are family members of visa holders.
- Travel validity can extend up to 5 years, depending on circumstances.
Subclass 157:
- Granted when subclass 155 requirements are not met but the applicant qualifies for subclass 157.
- Provides a maximum travel facility of 3 months.
- Eligibility includes:
  - Lawfully spending at least 1 day but less than 2 years in Australia in the past 5 years.
  - Holding Australian permanent residency or citizenship during that time.
  - Demonstrating compelling and compassionate reasons for leaving Australia.

Benefits of Subclass 155 and Subclass 157 RRVs

Maintain Permanent Residency Status: Ensures continuity of permanent resident status for individuals who have spent significant time outside Australia.
Flexibility: Allows visa holders to travel freely and return to Australia as permanent residents.
Preserve Ties to Australia: Supports ongoing connections, including family, employment, cultural affiliations, or economic contributions.
Tailored Validity Periods: Offers travel validity suited to the applicant’s circumstances, from short-term (3 months) to long-term (up to 5 years).

Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer?

Navigating the requirements for RRVs can be complex, especially when ties to Australia or compelling circumstances must be demonstrated. At Expert Migration Lawyer, we provide tailored guidance, ensuring your application is comprehensive and decision-ready. Contact us to secure your pathway to maintaining permanent residency and traveling with confidence.

How the Subclass 155 and 157 Resident Return Visas Work

The Resident Return Visas (RRVs), subclasses 155 and 157, enable Australian permanent residents, former permanent residents, and eligible former citizens to re-enter Australia and maintain their permanent residency status. These visas offer different travel validity periods depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Subclass 155 Visa

Travel Validity: Up to five years from the date of grant.
Purpose: Designed for individuals with substantial ties to Australia, such as family, business, or cultural connections, or who meet the residency requirement.
Eligibility: Ideal for long-term residents or those with ongoing commitments in Australia.

Subclass 157 Visa

Travel Validity: Three months from the date of grant.
Purpose: Suitable for individuals who have not met the residency requirement for subclass 155 but have compelling or compassionate reasons for their absence.
Eligibility: Requires applicants to have spent at least 1 day but less than 2 years in Australia in the past 5 years and held permanent residency or citizenship during that period.

Application Process

Applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport.
- Submit an online application or paper application, depending on preference.
- Provide evidence of substantial ties to Australia, such as cultural, business, or familial connections.
- Pay the relevant visa application fee.
The application must be accurate, complete, and supported by documentation that demonstrates eligibility.

Benefits of Using a Migration Lawyer for RRVs

Engaging an Australian Migration Lawyer can simplify and improve your Resident Return Visa application process. Here’s how:

Expert Guidance
- Lawyers have extensive knowledge of migration laws, ensuring applications comply with all requirements.
Eligibility Advice
- Tailored advice based on individual circumstances, such as demonstrating substantial ties or addressing challenges related to previous visa status.
Overcoming Challenges
- Assistance with complex cases, such as those involving compelling reasons for absence or lapses in residency requirements.
Peace of Mind
- From document preparation to submission, a migration lawyer ensures your application is thorough and decision-ready, reducing delays or refusals.

Resident Return Visa Processing Times

Processing times for Resident Return Visas (RRVs) can vary, and the most recent estimates are as follows:

Subclass 157 Visa (Three-Month Travel Facility)

50% of applications: Processed in approximately 32 days.
90% of applications: Processed in approximately 86 days.

Subclass 155 Visa (Five-Year Travel Facility)

50% of applications: Processed in less than 1 day.
90% of applications: Processed in approximately 19 days.

To stay updated, applicants are encouraged to check the processing time tool on the Department of Home Affairs website for the most accurate and current information.

Resident Return Visa Considerations

When planning to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, you can apply for one of two visa options depending on your circumstances:

Subclass 155 Visa: Five-Year Travel Facility

Eligibility: Suitable for former Australian permanent residents and citizens who meet the residency requirements or have substantial ties to Australia.
Purpose: Allows re-entry into Australia for up to five years. Ideal for individuals who want long-term flexibility or plan to remain in Australia indefinitely.

Subclass 157 Visa: Three-Month Travel Facility

Eligibility: Designed for individuals who:
- Have been away from Australia for a short time.
- Cannot meet the residency requirements for a subclass 155 visa but can demonstrate compelling reasons for their absence (e.g., family emergencies or business commitments).
Purpose: Allows re-entry for three months and requires documentation supporting the compelling reasons.

Key Considerations for Applicants:

Residency Status and Ties to Australia
- Demonstrate substantial ties to Australia, such as family, cultural, or business connections.
Compelling Reasons for Subclass 157
- Provide relevant documentation for reasons like medical emergencies, work commitments, or family obligations.
Supporting Evidence
- Ensure that all applications are complete and accurate, including proof of eligibility and circumstances.
Regular Updates
- Monitor processing times and visa conditions through the Department of Home Affairs website to avoid delays or complications.

At Expert Migration Lawyer, we specialize in guiding applicants through the complexities of Resident Return Visas. Whether you’re navigating eligibility requirements or compiling compelling evidence, our experienced team is here to provide tailored advice and support to help secure your visa efficiently. Contact us today to start your application with confidence.

How Expert Migration Lawyer Can Help You

At Expert Migration Lawyer, we understand the sensitive and challenging nature of family violence cases. Our team is committed to providing compassionate and professional legal assistance to ensure your safety and support your visa application process.

Here’s how we can help you:

1. Confidential and Secure Guidance

We prioritize your safety and confidentiality throughout the process. Our team handles your case with the utmost discretion, ensuring that your information remains secure.

2. Tailored Migration Advice

Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific situation. Our migration lawyers provide personalized advice to help you identify the most suitable visa options based on your circumstances.

3. Comprehensive Documentation Support

We assist you in collecting and organizing the necessary evidence and documents to strengthen your family violence claim. This includes police reports, medical records, and affidavits from witnesses or support services.

4. Preparation of Submissions

Our team prepares detailed submissions to the Department of Home Affairs, clearly explaining your experiences and circumstances to support your claim effectively.

5. Advocacy and Representation

We act as your representative, ensuring that all communication with the Department of Home Affairs is handled professionally. Our team is experienced in responding to requests for additional information and addressing any concerns raised by the Department.

6. Alternative Visa Pathways

If you are not eligible for a permanent Partner visa after a relationship breakdown, we explore alternative visa pathways for you and your family. This includes evaluating your eligibility for other types of visas that align with your goals and circumstances.

7. Ongoing Support

From start to finish, we stand by your side. Our goal is to provide you with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance throughout the process, helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.