The subclass 155 Return resident visa is for Australian permanent residents who have been living overseas and wish to come back to Australia. An Australian permanent resident gets a 5-year travel facility attached to their permanent valid visa. After the travel validity of the visa expires, the permanent resident will require a resident return visa (RRV). This is so they can re-enter Australia and retain their permanent residency status.
What Is a Resident Return Visa in Australia?
The Resident Return Visa subclass (RRV) is a visa category in Australia that allows current or former Australian permanent residents to regain or maintain their status as permanent residents when traveling outside of Australia.
The RRV ensures that individuals who have a substantial connection to Australia can continue to return and live in the country as permanent residents. The RRV has two subclasses: return visa subclass 155 and subclass 157. Sometimes permanent visa holders have to leave for compelling and compassionate reasons.
Subclass 155
The subclass 155 Resident Return Visa is for current or former Australian permanent residents who wish to re-enter Australia as permanent residents. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have spent at least two of the last five years residing in Australia as a permanent resident or former citizen. Alternatively, they must demonstrate substantial personal ties or business ties to Australia. Substantial ties can include personal, employment, or cultural connections to the country.
Subclass 157
The subclass 157 Resident Return Visa is for former Australian permanent resident who have lost or renounced their permanent resident status. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have previously held a permanent resident visa and have spent at least one day in the last five years residing in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen, or they must demonstrate substantial ties to Australia.
Other Information
Both the subclass 155 and subclass 157 RRVs require applicants to meet certain criteria, including evidence of their last permanent visa status, proof of their residency in Australia or substantial ties to the country, and meeting character and health requirements.
The validity period of an RRV can vary based on individual circumstances. It can be granted for up to five years, one year, or even less in certain situations. If an individual’s RRV has expired or is about to expire, and they do not meet the residency requirement or substantial ties criteria, they may need to explore alternative visa options, such as applying for a new permanent visa or temporary visa to enter Australia.
Subclass 155 Return Resident Visa
The Subclass 155 Return Resident Visa is an important visa category in Australia that allows certain individuals to regain their status as permanent residents after spending an extended period outside of the country. This visa subclass is designed for Australian permanent residents who have been residing abroad for an extended period and wish to return to Australia to resume their permanent resident status.
The Subclass 155 visa serves as a pathway for former Australian permanent residents to regain their residency rights. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have previously held a permanent resident visa, such as the Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 skilled visa. They must also have spent at least two of the last five years residing in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen.
The primary purpose of the Subclass 155 Return Resident Visa is to enable individuals to resume their lives in Australia as PRs. This visa allows holders to live and work in Australia indefinitely. They can also access social benefits and healthcare services, just like any other permanent resident.
Applying for the Visa
To apply for the Subclass 155 visa, applicants must submit a comprehensive application to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The application must include supporting documentation to demonstrate their eligibility. This may include:
- evidence of their previous permanent resident status;
- proof of their residency in Australia, such as tax records or utility bills; and
- evidence of their ties to Australia, such as family relationships, employment opportunities, or assets.
It is important to note that the Subclass 155 visa application process can be complex. We highly recommend you to seek professional assistance or guidance from a migration lawyer. They can ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements.
Once granted, the Subclass 155 Return Resident Visa allows individuals to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. It is crucial to activate this visa by travelling to Australia within a specified period, usually within five years from the visa grant date. Failure to activate the visa within this timeframe may result in the visa becoming invalid.
Upon arrival in Australia, visa holders can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency. For instance, the ability to live and work in Australia without restriction. They can also access healthcare services through Medicare, pursue educational opportunities, and sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
It is important to maintain the residency obligations associated with the Subclass 155 visa to ensure the ongoing validity of the visa. This includes residing in Australia for at least two years in every five-year period. It also includes meeting other relevant requirements, such as not spending extended periods outside of Australia.
Subclass 155 Return Resident Visa & Subclass 157
| Subclass 155 RRV | Subclass 157 RRV | |
| Validity Period | This visa can be granted for up to five years, allowing individuals to maintain their permanent resident status while traveling outside Australia. | This visa is typically granted for a shorter duration, usually for one year or less, depending on individual circumstances. It is designed for former permanent residents who have lost or renounced their permanent resident status and need to re-establish their ties to Australia. |
| Eligibility | To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have spent at least two of the last five years residing in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen, or demonstrate substantial ties to Australia. | This visa is specifically for former Australian permanent residents who have lost or renounced their permanent resident status. To be eligible, individuals must have previously held a permanent resident visa and have spent at least one day in the last five years residing in Australia as a permanent resident, or demonstrate substantial ties to Australia. |
It is important to note that both visa subclasses require applicants to meet character and health requirements. Moreover, they must provide supporting documentation to demonstrate their eligibility. Additionally, maintaining the residency obligations associated with these visas is crucial to ensure the ongoing validity of the visas.
Seek Advice from Immigration Lawyers Sydney
Immigration laws and visa requirements change over time. Therefore, we advise you to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs. You can also seek advice from a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visas.
Were you a former Australian citizen? Are you looking to become an Australian citizen by conferral? Read this blog for more information on Australian citizenship. We can also help Australian citizens with any matters in relation to migration.
Contact our team of solicitors for more information about subclass 155 return resident visa.
