The RRV visa Australia is more than just a visa. It’s a symbol of belonging, a reminder that Australia is not just a place you reside in, but a part of your identity. It’s a privilege that allows you to maintain your connection to this remarkable country, even as you explore the world’s wonders.
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) is a travel permission that allows the following people to travel in and out of Australia:
- An Australian permanent resident
- A former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled; or
- A former Australian citizen who lost or renounced their Australian citizenship.
The Resident Return Visas are available in two subclasses: 155 and 157.
- The subclass 155 visa is valid for up to five years from the date of grant.
- The subclass 157 visa is valid for three months from the date of grant.
RRV Visa Australia Eligibility
To be eligible for an RRV, an individual must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have lived in Australia for two years of the last five years as the holder of an Australian permanent residency visa
- Have substantial business, cultural, employment, or personal ties with Australia that are of benefit to the country and have not been absent from Australia for a continuous period of five years or more immediately before the application for the visa, unless there are compelling reasons for the absence
- Have had compelling and compassionate reasons for departing Australia, in which case they will be given a three-month travel validity
- Be a member of the family unit of a person who holds an RRV, in which case they will be given the same time period as their partner
However, you will not be eligible for this kind of visa if you hold a Transitional (permanent) visa because you were issued either an:
- Authority to Return (issued between 1 March 1976 to 31 August 1979)
- Return Endorsement (issued between 1 September 1979 and 31 December 1986)
To further assist you in your application, here’s a checklist that may be used as reference.
Six Benefits of RRV Visa Australia
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) Australia serves as a beacon of hope, a pathway back to the life that former Australian citizens once knew and cherished. But beyond the sentimental appeal, the RRV offers a multitude of practical benefits that make it an attractive option for eligible individuals:
1) Travel Validity
An RRV provides travel validity for up to 5 years depending on your circumstances. This allows you to enter and leave Australia multiple times during the validity period, maintaining your status as a permanent resident.
2) Maintaining Permanent Residency
If you leave Australia after your travel validity expires, or it expires when you are outside Australia, you will not be able to return to Australia as a permanent resident. The RRV visa Australia allows permanent residents to retain their status even when they travel overseas for extended periods. This means they can continue to enjoy all the privileges of permanent residency, such as the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
3) No Health Requirements
The usual health requirements do not apply to RRV applications. However, the application form does have questions relating to character, and depending on the answers provided, applicants may be required to provide police clearances, and applications may be refused on character grounds.
4) Unfettered Travel Freedom
With the RRV in their possession, permanent residents can savour the freedom to travel in and out of Australia as often as they desire, without the constraints of visa limitations. This flexibility proves invaluable for those who maintain close ties to both Australia and other countries, allowing them to seamlessly navigate their transnational lives.
5) Preserving Australian Benefits
The RRV visa Australia goes beyond mere travel authorisation; it serves as a tangible link to Australia, ensuring that permanent residents maintain their connection to the country’s essential services and benefits.
This means that RRV holders can continue to access services and benefits, such as Medicare, banking facilities, and property ownership. This continuity ensures that their lives remain connected to Australia even while they are abroad.
6) Simplified Re-entry
Upon their return to Australia, RRV holders are spared the complexities of visa applications and assessments. Their re-entry process is streamlined, allowing them to swiftly resume their lives in the country they call home.
If you want to know more about the RRV visa Australia, check out this basic guide.
The Benefits of the RRV Visa Australia for Retirees
Retirement beckons, promising a time of relaxation, exploration, and self-discovery. Australia’s Resident Return Visa offers a golden opportunity to return to the country and embrace the lifestyle that awaits. Benefits may include:
- The visa allows retirees to stay connected with their loved ones by making it easy to travel back and forth between Australia and their overseas home.
- Retirees can enjoy their Australian lifestyle in their retirement journey.
- Retirees can access a wide range of healthcare services, including doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
FAQs About RRVs
Q: What if I return to Australia without a permanent visa?
A: If you return to Australia without a permanent visa and a valid travel facility (for example, when holding a visitor visa), this might impact your:
- Entitlements as a permanent resident
- Ability to satisfy the permanent residence requirements when applying for Australian citizenship or another RRV.
Q: Can RRV applicants include their family members in their application?
A: No. Any family members who are permanent residents travelling outside of Australia will need to apply for their own Resident Return visas.
Q: How do I calculate the two-year physical presence requirement for permanent residency in Australia
A: Keep in mind that an applicant can only include time spent in Australia as a permanent visa holder. Hence, it is crucial to exclude any period of time they have held a bridging or temporary visa from the two-year calculation.
Why You Need a Migration Lawyer
The process of applying for the RRV visa Australia can be an exciting yet daunting. Navigating the intricate web of Australian immigration laws and regulations can be overwhelming, and any misstep could jeopardise your chances of returning to the land you call home.
If you get a migration lawyer to assist you, the tasks below will be easier to conquer:
- Assessing your eligibility. Migration lawyers can review your circumstances and determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the RRV visa Australia.
- Gathering and preparing documentation. They can assist you with gathering all the required documentation, including evidence of your identity, travel history, and ties to Australia.
- Completing the application forms. Migration lawyers can help you complete the application forms accurately and ensure that all the information provided is correct and consistent.
- Communicating with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). They can communicate with the DHA on your behalf, responding to any queries or requests for further information.
- Addressing any potential issues. If any issues arise with your application, migration lawyers can provide expert advice and assistance in resolving them.
- Representing you at interviews or tribunals. If required, they can represent you at interviews or tribunals related to your RRV application.
Schedule a consultation today with JB Solicitors’ migration lawyers. Contact us through this link.
