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Do I need a Resident Return visa?
If you leave Australia after your visa travel validity has expired, you will not be able to return to Australia as a permanent resident. If you wish to return to Australia as a permanent resident, you must apply for and be granted this visa before your arrival in Australia
If you are already in Australia as a permanent resident, you do not need to apply for this visa if you do not wish to travel.
There are no limits on the number of Resident Return visas you can apply for.
There are two types of Australian Resident Return visa, the 155 (long-term) and the 157 (short-term). The 157 is a short-term visa usually valid for up to 3 months whereas, the 155 visa is long-term and is usually valid for up to 5 years.
Both visas allow you travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want until the travel validity expires.
How long will the travel validity last for?
155 Visa – For 5 years travel validity |
In Australia as a permanent resident (PR), former citizen or former permanent resident for 2 years which is equivalent to 730 days in the last 5 years. |
155 Visa – For 12 months travel validity |
Absent from Australia as a permanent resident (PR), former permanent resident for 2 years in the last 5 years. But if you can demonstrate substantial ties such as business ties, cultural ties, employment ties or personal ties that benefit Australia. |
155 visa – For 12 months travel validity |
Satisfy the requirements by having a member of family unit who holds this visa. |
155 visa – For 3 months travel validity |
Failed to satisfy the requirements but have compelling and compassionate reasons for departure. |
To be eligible, you must
There are no conditions attached to this visa.
Please refer to the examples below, it is directly extracted from the Department website.
Proving substantial personal ties to Australia |
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Example situation |
Example documents |
You have a history of long-term residence in Australia, spent your formative years in Australia or have spent a significant amount of time in Australia since first being granted a permanent visa. |
Utility bills, bank statements, travel record, permanent visa decision, school records |
You have an Australian citizen partner or, in the case of a minor child, Australian citizen parent, who has previously lived in Australia. |
Copies of birth certificates, marriage or citizenship certificates of partners and children |
You have one or more Australian citizen minor children living in Australia (including at boarding school) where no legal impediment to access exists. |
School reports, proof of residence of family home |
You are returning to Australia after living overseas with your family unit, including Australian citizen minor children. |
Plane tickets, property purchase documents, school enrolments, moving receipts |
Documents required because you are a member of the family unit of a person who holds this visa For married couples, provide the marriage certificate. |
For de facto relationships, provide either:
For both married and de facto applicants, you must provide evidence that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship. Evidence can include but is not limited to:
For children under 18 years old, provide:
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Step 1: Gather your documents
Step 2: You can either apply the visa application online via Australian Government Department of Home Affair, Immigration and citizenship website or on paper by submitting Form 1085 Application for a Resident Return visa.
Step 3: The Department will inform you the outcome in writing.
You can find all information in relation to the cost of this visa in the Department website.
The visa costs AUD410 for each applicant if you apply online. But if you apply on paper, it costs AUD490 for each applicant.
What if my Visa is refused?
What happens if my Resident Return Visa expires?
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