Returning Resident Visa Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Australia offers a range of visas that cater to individuals looking to move, stay, or return to the country. For permanent residents or former Australian citizens who have been abroad and want to return, the Returning Resident Visa (RRV), also known as the Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 and 157), is essential. This visa allows individuals to maintain or regain their Australian permanent residency status and is vital for those who travel abroad frequently.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Returning Resident Visa, from eligibility requirements to the application process, costs, and important considerations for renewing your visa.

1. Resident Return Visa Australia: Overview and Purpose

The Returning Resident Visa (RRV) is designed for current or former Australian permanent residents or former Australian citizens who need to travel outside the country but want to maintain their permanent residency status. Permanent residents must hold a valid travel facility to leave and return to Australia. An RRV allows you to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after traveling abroad.

Key Points:

• Subclass 155: This is the main RRV visa and is valid for 5 years or 1 year, depending on how long you have lived in Australia and your ties to the country.
• Subclass 157: This visa is for individuals who do not meet the standard criteria for the subclass 155 but need to travel urgently. It is valid for up to 3 months.

2. Resident Return Visa Australia Processing Time

The processing time for the Resident Return Visa varies based on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Factors such as whether you apply online or on paper, the completeness of your application, and whether further documentation is required can impact the processing time.

• Subclass 155 (5-year validity): For applicants who have met the residence requirement (at least 2 years in Australia within the past 5 years), processing times are typically faster and may take around 2 to 4 weeks.
• Subclass 155 (1-year validity): For applicants who do not meet the residence requirement but have substantial ties to Australia, processing can take longer—between 4 to 6 weeks.
• Subclass 157 (3-month validity): Processing for this visa is faster, typically within 1 to 2 weeks, as it is for urgent travel needs.

It’s essential to ensure that your application is complete and includes all required documents to avoid delays.

3. Resident Return Visa Renewal

For individuals whose travel facility has expired, the process of renewing a Resident Return Visa is straightforward. The renewal depends on how long you have been outside Australia and whether you continue to meet the requirements of the visa subclass.

• Eligibility for a 5-year RRV: You must have lived in Australia for 2 years within the last 5 years.
• Eligibility for a 1-year RRV: If you haven’t lived in Australia for 2 years but can demonstrate substantial ties to the country, you may be granted a 1-year RRV. These ties can be family, business, cultural, or personal.

To renew, you can apply online via the ImmiAccount portal or on paper. Ensure that you meet the necessary conditions and provide adequate documentation demonstrating your ties to Australia.

4. Resident Return Visa Application Form

You can apply for the Resident Return Visa by completing Form 1085. This form is available online through the Department of Home Affairs website. However, the fastest and easiest way to apply is through the ImmiAccount platform, where you can lodge your application and track its status.

In the form, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and passport details.
• Details of your Australian permanent residency status.
• Information about your ties to Australia (if applying for a 1-year RRV).
• Supporting documents (discussed further below).

5. Permanent Resident Visa Renewal Online

Renewing your RRV online is the most convenient and efficient way to maintain your permanent residency status. The ImmiAccount platform provided by the Department of Home Affairs allows you to:

• Lodge your application.
• Upload documents.
• Pay fees.
• Track the status of your application.

To renew your RRV, follow these steps:

1. Create or log in to your ImmiAccount.
2. Select the appropriate Resident Return Visa subclass (155 or 157).
3. Fill out the application form with the necessary information.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Pay the visa fee and submit your application.

6. Resident Return Visa Australia Document Checklist

When applying for the Resident Return Visa, you’ll need to submit various documents to prove your eligibility. Here’s a checklist of commonly required documents:

• Current Passport: A copy of your valid passport.
• Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Citizenship Documents: Proof of your previous permanent residency status or Australian citizenship.
• Evidence of Residency in Australia: If applying for a 5-year visa, you’ll need proof that you’ve lived in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, etc.).
• Substantial Ties to Australia: If applying for a 1-year visa, you’ll need documents showing family, business, cultural, or personal ties (e.g., employment contracts, business ownership documents, family records, etc.).

7. Resident Return Visa Australia Cost

The cost of applying for a Resident Return Visa depends on whether you apply online or by paper and the subclass you are applying for.

• Subclass 155/157: The current visa application fee is AUD 485 if applied online. Paper applications may incur additional fees.
• Additional Costs: If further documentation, medical examinations, or police checks are required, additional costs may apply.

Check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest fee updates.

8. Resident Return Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for the Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157), you must meet specific criteria:

Subclass 155 (5-year validity):

• You must have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least 2 years in the last 5 years before applying.

Subclass 155 (1-year validity):

• You must not meet the 2-year residency requirement but have substantial ties to Australia that demonstrate your commitment to the country (e.g., employment, business, family, or cultural connections).

Subclass 157 (3-month validity):

• You have lived in Australia for less than 2 years and need to travel urgently. This visa is for emergency situations and is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

Applying for a Resident Return Visa can be complex, especially if you haven’t lived in Australia for the required period. Demonstrating substantial ties to the country or urgent need for travel requires specific documentation, and the application process can be tricky.

For individuals seeking professional assistance, Migration Agents Perth can provide guidance and support. Experienced migration agents can help ensure that your application is complete, submitted correctly, and processed efficiently. Whether you need help proving your ties to Australia or navigating the application process, Migration Agents Perth can help you successfully obtain or renew your Resident Return Visa.