Restore Your Australian PR with Resident Return Visa (RRV) Subclass 155 & 157

Why You Need an RRV

If your permanent residency travel facility has expired, leaving Australia even temporarily, can jeopardise your ability to return as a permanent resident. You may find yourself unable to re-enter the country unless you apply for and are granted a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

This visa helps you maintain your PR status by reinstating your travel facility. Whether you’re currently overseas or planning a future trip, securing an RRV ensures uninterrupted access to your rights as an Australian permanent resident.

Quick Facts

The RRV is available through two subclasses 155 (standard) and 157 (short-term). It allows eligible applicants to regain international travel rights while maintaining their PR status.Here’s a snapshot of key details:

• Visa subclasses: Subclass 155 (mainstream) & Subclass 157 (three-month option)

• Stay period: Your permanent residency continues; only the travel facility expires

• Travel facility: Valid for 5 years, 12 months, or 3 months depending on your eligibility

• Government fee: AUD 475 (online) | AUD 555 (paper—requires written authorisation)

• Processing times:

  • ~5 working days (if the residence rule is met)

  • ~12 weeks (if applying under substantial ties or other categories)

• Repeat applications: Unlimited—there is no cap on how often you can apply

Who Can Apply?

• Current PR holders whose travel facility has expired

• Former PRs (whose last permanent visa was not cancelled)

• Former Australian citizens who lost or renounced their citizenship

Note: Australian citizens are not eligible for an RRV.

Three Clear Paths to Approval

1. Residence Rule

• You have lived in Australia for at least 2 years (730 days) in the last 5 years as a permanent resident or citizen

• Grants a 5-year travel facility

2. Substantial Ties

• You can demonstrate business, employment, cultural, or personal ties that benefit Australia

• Grants a travel facility of up to 12 months

3. Compelling Absence

• You have strong reasons for your absence and have not been in Australia in the past 5 years

• Grants a 3-month Subclass 157 visa

Note: Family-unit applicants receive the same travel facility as the main applicant—up to 12 months.

What Counts as “Substantial Ties”?

• Business: Directorships, significant shareholdings, active participation in Australian companies

• Employment: Job offers, ongoing employment, transfers to Australian branches

• Cultural: Involvement in community leadership, arts, or sports representing Australia

• Personal: Immediate family who are Australian PRs or citizens, or long-term property ownership in Australia

Documents to support your claim may include:Contracts, payslips, ASIC records, bank statements, official invitations, or family relationship certificates

Cost Breakdown

• Base application charge: AUD 475 (online)

• Paper surcharge: AUD 80 (total AUD 555 for paper lodgement)

• Additional costs (only if requested): Health checks, police certificates, biometrics

No refunds will be provided if:

• Your application is refused

• You don’t use the granted visa

• You lose any unused travel facility time

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Confirm your travel facility expiry using VEVO

2. Collect supporting documents based on your eligibility stream

3. Log in or create an ImmiAccount

4. Upload your evidence and submit the application with payment

5. Respond promptly to any case officer requests

6. Once granted, the RRV will be digitally linked to your passport

7. Track your travel facility’s new expiry and reapply as needed

   
   

Processing Times

• If residence rule is met: Approximately 5 working days

• If applying under substantial ties or compelling absence: Around 12 weeks

Processing may take longer if:

• Forms are incomplete

• Required documents are missing

• Additional checks or verifications are needed

• Incorrect fees are submitted

Travel & Citizenship Tips

• Apply before you leave Australia if your travel facility is expired

• Use VEVO to check your current travel facility expiry date

• You can lodge unlimited RRV applications

• Consider applying for Australian citizenship to avoid future travel restrictions permanently

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include my family?

Each family member must lodge a separate RRV application, but you can request that they be processed together.

Can I apply while holding a visitor visa?

Yes. Former PRs or citizens on temporary visas, such as a visitor visa, can still apply for an RRV.

What if I had a visa cancelled in the past?

Past visa cancellations or refusals may affect your eligibility. Always provide full disclosure when applying.

Ready to Secure Your RRV?

An expired travel facility doesn’t mean your journey as an Australian permanent resident has to end. If you’re eligible, submit a complete application with confidence.

Need help preparing a strong RRV application? Book a strategy session with our registered migration professionals to ensure accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.

Book Consultation