Resident Return Visa (RRV)
Travel facility for Australian permanent residents
What is a Resident Return Visa?
A Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows Australian permanent residents and former Australian citizens to re-enter Australia after traveling overseas. Your permanent residency status does not expire, but the travel facility on your visa has a validity period of 5 years from the date of grant.
Once your travel facility expires, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa if you wish to travel outside Australia and return as a permanent resident. Without a valid RRV, you may only be able to return to Australia on a temporary visa.
Maintain PR Status
Keep your permanent resident status while traveling internationally.
Multiple Entry
Travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the visa validity period.
Flexible Validity
Visa validity from 3 months to 5 years depending on your circumstances.
Types of Resident Return Visas
Subclass 155 - 5 Year RRV
For permanent residents who have lived in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years.
Subclass 155 - 1 Year RRV
For permanent residents with substantial ties to Australia but not meeting the 2-year residency requirement.
Subclass 157 - 3 Month RRV
For permanent residents or former citizens who do not meet other RRV requirements but have compelling reasons to return.
Eligibility Criteria
5 Year RRV Requirements
1 Year RRV Requirements
You can apply for a Resident Return Visa while in Australia or overseas. If you are outside Australia when your travel facility expires, you must apply for an RRV before you can return as a permanent resident.
Demonstrating Substantial Ties to Australia
Cultural Ties
Involvement in Australian cultural, sporting, or religious organizations, community activities, or volunteer work.
Employment Ties
Employment with Australian company or government, professional qualifications recognized in Australia, or employment contracts.
Personal Ties
Family members in Australia, property ownership, bank accounts, investments, or ongoing financial commitments.
Educational Ties
Children enrolled in Australian schools, ongoing education or training in Australia, or educational qualifications obtained in Australia.
Compelling Reasons
Caring for ill family member overseas, working on Australian government assignment abroad, or other compelling circumstances.
Application Process
Check Eligibility
Determine which RRV subclass you are eligible for based on your residency history and ties to Australia.
Gather Evidence
Collect documentation proving your residency in Australia or substantial ties if applying for 1-year RRV.
Complete Application
Fill out the application form online through ImmiAccount with all required information.
Submit Documents
Upload all supporting documents including passport, evidence of residency or ties, and character documents.
Pay Application Fee
Pay the visa application fee online at the time of lodgement.
Await Decision
Wait for visa decision. Most applications are processed within days to weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for an RRV?
You should apply for a Resident Return Visa before your current travel facility expires if you plan to travel outside Australia. You can apply while in Australia or overseas. It's recommended to apply well before your planned travel date to allow time for processing.
What happens if my RRV expires while I'm overseas?
If your travel facility expires while you are outside Australia, you can still apply for a new RRV from overseas. However, you cannot return to Australia as a permanent resident until your new RRV is granted. You may need to apply for a different visa type to return temporarily.
Does an RRV affect my permanent residency?
No, a Resident Return Visa does not affect your permanent residency status. It only provides the travel facility to re-enter Australia. Your permanent residency remains valid regardless of whether you have a current RRV, but you need an RRV to travel and return as a permanent resident.
Can I apply for citizenship without an RRV?
Yes, you can apply for Australian citizenship even if your travel facility has expired, as long as you meet the citizenship residency requirements. However, if you need to travel outside Australia during your citizenship application process, you will need a valid RRV to return as a permanent resident.
What evidence do I need for substantial ties?
Evidence may include employment contracts, business registration documents, property ownership papers, bank statements, family member details, professional membership certificates, tax returns, or letters from Australian organizations. The specific evidence required depends on the type of ties you are claiming.
Need Help with Your Resident Return Visa?
Our registered migration agents can assess your eligibility and assist with your application.
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