Are you a permanent resident of Australia for the last five years and are planning on traveling abroad? You won’t be able to return to Australia as a permanent resident if your travel validity expires while abroad. However, you can only return as a permanent resident with a Resident Return visa.
You have the right to stay in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident, with full employment and educational privileges. However, many people are unaware that a permanent resident visa includes a five-year initial travel period. During this time, you can leave and return to Australia as often as you choose.
When applying for their permanent residency, applicants frequently lack adequate knowledge about one of the more confusing Australian permanent resident visa requirements. So, here is everything you need to know about the Australian Resident Return Visa to determine your eligibility.
What is a Resident Return visa?
In contrast to Australian citizenship, having Australian PR does not grant you the automatic right to return to the nation from abroad. You must apply for a resident return visa (RRV) to renew the travel privilege.
When a permanent resident holder’s travel privileges on their permanent visa expire, they can apply for a Resident Return visa. Although holders of permanent visas are permitted to stay in Australia indefinitely, their travel privileges expire after five years. Therefore, individuals must apply for an Australian Resident Return visa to ensure they have the right to re-enter Australia if they intend to travel abroad after this time.
Permanent residents outside Australia for extended periods may still qualify for an RRV if they provide valid reasons for their absence. They can return to Australia and maintain their permanent residency status by applying for a Resident Return visa.
You can travel freely to and from Australia for a maximum of five more years if you have a Resident Return visa. It only renews your authorization to travel; you still have the same rights as before and are still considered a permanent resident. You can apply for a new Resident Return visa once your current one’s travel privileges expire. The number of times you can apply for a Resident Return visa in a row is unlimited.
Requirements for RRV
Australian permanent residents who fulfill specific qualifications may be eligible for a Resident Return visa. You can apply for this visa abroad or while in Australia.
Here’s what you need to apply for this visa:
- The applicant is a current or previous permanent resident or citizen of Australia.
- A valid passport
- Meet the residency requirements or provide a substitute if authorities have not revoked your previous permanent resident visa or you have not forfeited your citizenship.
Validity of the visa and necessary requirements for it:
- Rights and status as a permanent resident remain unchanged.
- Travel privileges for a maximum of five years
Can family members also be eligible for RRV?
Your family members may also be eligible for a Resident Return visa if they are permanent residents of Australia. They can apply for a five-year visa if they have been on a permanent visa in Australia for at least two years. Family members may qualify for a one-year visa based on their relationship, even with limited residency in Australia. They might submit a separate visa application even though they are not eligible to be included in your application as secondary applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for RRV
Your Australian visa status is the most crucial factor in your resident return visa eligibility. You can apply for a Resident Return visa if you currently have a valid permanent resident visa. Furthermore, former Australian citizens and permanent residents whose previous permanent visa was not revoked are eligible for this visa.
- A permanent resident of Australia, a former permanent resident whose most recent permanent visa was not revoked, or
- A former citizen of Australia who renounced or lost their citizenship.
- Applicants seeking an RRV must not be citizens of Australia.
The applicants are assessed against the Subclass 155 and 157 visa conditions when an RRV application is lodged. A maximum period of three months may be granted on a Subclass 157 RRV if the applicant is eligible for one and the conditions for a Subclass 155 RRV are not met.
If you’re an Australian citizen or a permanent visa holder, you can still remain eligible for an RRV, even if you currently hold a temporary visa.
If you’re an Australian permanent visa holder who re-entered Australia on a temporary visa – like an Electronic Travel Authority – apply for the RRV as soon as possible if you intend to remain in Australia permanently.
Resident Return Visas: Subclass 155 and Subclass 157
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) under Australia enables permanent residents to retain their travel rights once the initial five-year validity period has expired. Even though permanent residents can live in Australia indefinitely, an RRV guarantees that they are legally allowed to leave and return to the country. There are two types of RRVs: Subclass 155 and Subclass 157, depending on residency history and circumstances.
Subclass 155: Travel Validity for One or Five Years
The Subclass 155 visa grants travel privileges for either five or one year, depending on the applicant’s eligibility. To qualify for the five-year RRV, applicants must have spent at least 730 days (two years) in Australia on a permanent visa within the past five years. This residency does not need to be consecutive, but time spent on temporary or bridging visas does not count toward the requirement.
If an applicant does not fulfill the two-year residency condition, they may still be eligible for a one-year RRV by establishing “substantial ties” to Australia. Such ties might include employment, business, cultural contributions, or family relations. For instance, an example of employment ties could consist of work for an Australian company, while business ties may entail managing or owning a business in Australia. Cultural ties are engaging with or contributing to Australian cultural activities, whereas family ties usually involve close relations staying in that country. The application must explicitly provide proof and statements to elucidate how your ties assist Australia.
Subclass 157: Three-Month Travel Validity
The Subclass 157 visa is for people who cannot qualify for the Subclass 155 visa but are still required to travel. Applicants must have spent at least one day in Australia during the past five years on a permanent visa to be eligible. They must also provide compelling reasons for their absence or inability to meet the residency requirement.
For example, someone who left Australia shortly after gaining permanent residency to care for a critically ill family member abroad may qualify for this visa. The three-month validity provides temporary travel rights while addressing compassionate or unexpected circumstances.
Alternative Eligibility and Compassionate Grounds
In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not fulfill the required standard residency or tie conditions may still be considered eligible for an RRV. Compelling reasons for the applicant’s absence may be family emergencies, health issues, or other commitments that are not controllable. The applicant is also required to have excellent personal, professional, or cultural ties to Australia. These ties must benefit Australia and be supported by suitable evidence.
Application
The RRV can be lodged from inside or outside Australia. Applicants who have established residency are usually provided with a five-year visa. Applicants whose applications depend on strong ties or humanitarian grounds will receive a one-year visa. Applicants of Subclass 157 typically receive a three-month visa. All RRVs are electronically attached to the applicant’s passport; there is no requirement for actual labels or stamps.
The RRV guarantees permanent residents the right to travel, keeping them in touch with Australia. Thus, knowing what is required and preparing the necessary documents helps those applying for renewals of their travel privilege.
Health and character requirements
For RRV applications, the standard character and health standards do not apply. There are character-related questions on the application form, though, and based on the responses, candidates might need to submit police clearances or have their applications rejected for lack of character.
Visa entitlements
The 155 and 157 are both permanent resident visas for Australia. You will be eligible for:
- Work
- Study
- Sign Up for Medicare
- Sponsor family members who qualify for PR
- Leave and return to Australia whenever you like.
When you are qualified, apply for Australian citizenship. Contact One Visa right now to find out if you qualify for an RRV.
Conclusion
The Australian Resident Return Visa is a vital tool for permanent residents who wish to maintain their travel privileges while retaining their rights and status in Australia. Understanding the nuances of Subclass 155 and 157 visas, eligibility criteria, and alternative pathways ensures a smooth renewal process.
One Visa is dedicated to simplifying the visa process with expert guidance tailored to your needs. Let them guide you in securing your Resident Return Visa and achieving your aspirations stress-free.
Ready to renew your travel privileges? Contact One Visa today and let our specialists handle your application with efficiency and care. Visit their website or reach out for a personalized consultation.
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