This article will provide a visa subclass 155 checklist of the following:
- eligibility requirements
- documentary requirements
- application process.
Have you ever had to leave Australia but always dreamed of returning? If so, the RRV visa subclass 155 (resident return visa) could be the perfect solution for you.
The RRV is a visa that allows you to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want, without having to reapply for a visa each time. This visa has a travel facility of up to five years from the date of its grant.
Australian residents can apply for this visa if they are:
- an Australian permanent resident
- a former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled
- a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced your citizenship.
For a more detailed discussion about visa subclass 155 and 157, check this article.
Visa Subclass 155 Eligibility Criteria Checklist
You can refer to the checklist below to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa subclass 155.
Not everyone can apply for visa subclass 155. Only these individuals are eligible to apply for this visa: ▢
- Australian permanent residents
- a former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled
- a former Australian citizen who lost or renounced your citizenship.
You must have been in Australia for 2 years in the last 5 years as the holder of a permanent visa (or permanent entry permit) or as an Australian citizen, in which case you will get a 5-year travel facility. ▢
If you’re outside Australia: ▢
- You must not be absent for 5 continuous years or more before the date of application (unless you have compelling reasons), and
- You must hold a permanent visa or last left Australia as a permanent resident or citizen (but subsequently lost citizenship), and
- You must be able to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that benefit Australia, and
- You were an Australian citizen or permanent resident less than 10 years before you applied, and
- You must not be absent from Australia for more than 5 years (unless you have compelling reasons) between the date you left Australia as a permanent resident or citizen and the date of application.
In case you’re in Australia ▢
- You must be able to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to Australia.
- You must not be absent for 5 continuous years since grant of your most recent permanent visa or when you stopped being an Australian citizen (unless you have compelling reasons).
- You must be a member of family unit of a person who already holds an RRV or has lodged a separate application for an RRV, and meets the time of application criteria for grant, in which case you can only be given a maximum 12 months travel facility.
Applicant must have substantial ties in Australia such as: ▢
- Business ties
- Cultural ties
- Employment ties
- Personal or family ties.
You must not hold either: ▢
- Authority to Return (issued between 1 March 1976 to 31 August 1979)
- Return Endorsement (issued between 1 September 1979 and 31 December 1986)
Applicant must be of good character and remain as such while staying in Australia. ▢
You must not have a cancellation action against your business skills visa. ▢
You must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused. ▢
Visa Subclass 155 Document Checklist
The documentary requirements for a visa subclass 155 vary depending on your circumstances. Refer to the table below for the checklist. You can also use this checklist.
| If you’re an applicant who has spent at least a total of two years in the last five years in Australia as an Australian permanent resident | ▢ Form 1085 Application for a Resident Return visa (RRV) – please ensure that the application form is completed in English and signed by the applicant. ▢ Visa Application charge ▢ If your name has changed since you were last a permanent resident; a certified copy of evidence of the change of name. ▢ Evidence of current or former permanent visa. |
| If you’re an applicant who has spent more than one day but less than two years in the last five years in Australia as an Australian permanent resident | ▢ All of the above AND ▢ Documents to demonstrate that you have substantial ties to Australia. These could be business, cultural, employment, or personal ties. ▢ A statement outlining the documents you have attached and a description of the nature of the ties and how they are of benefit to Australia |
| If you’re an applicant who has been absent from Australia for a period of more than five years | ▢ All of the above AND ▢ A statement demonstrating a compelling reason for any continuous absence of more than five years |
| If you’re an immediate family member of a family group where the family head holds or has applied for a Resident Return (subclass 155 or 157) visa | ▢ current proof of relationship ▢ certified copy of the family member’s valid Resident Return (subclass 155 or 157) visa or evidence that the family has lodged an application for a Resident Return (subclass 155 or 157) visa. |
Visa Subclass 155 Application Process Checklist
To guide you in your application journey for visa subclass 155, below is a checklist for the application process:
- Check your current visa status and travel facility before applying to determine if an application for a Resident Return visa is necessary. You can check this through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). ▢
- Gather your documents and apply online. ▢
- If there are changes in your application, make sure to let the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) know about these changes. ▢
- Wait for the decision of the DHA. If they grant your application, keep a copy of the decision with you when you’re in Australia. If they reject it, they will provide an explanation for such refusal. ▢
Questions about Visa Subclass 155
Immigration lawyers can answer your questions about visa subclass 155 and are qualified to provide legal advice on all aspects of Australian immigration law.
JB Solicitors offers these services:
- Assess your eligibility for the visa subclass 155 based on your personal circumstances.
- Prepare your application and gather all the necessary supporting documents.
- Represent you at interviews or hearings if your application fails to explain your circumstances and argue your case.
- Advising you on your rights and options under Australian immigration law.
Contact us today for further details about various visas available in Australia.
