Resident Return Visa (RRV) 155 & 157 – Eligibility & Evidence

What is a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows Australian permanent residents to renew their travel facility and continue travelling in and out of Australia as a permanent resident. Permanent residence itself does not expire, but the travel facility attached to it does.

If you have lived in Australia for at least two of the last five years as a permanent resident, you will usually qualify for a 5-year RRV (subclass 155). In these cases, applications are often straightforward. Your travel history and residency evidence must be clear and accurate.

If you do not meet the two-year residence requirement, you may still qualify for a shorter-term RRV (subclass 157). You must show substantial ties to Australia or compelling reasons for your time spent overseas.

Who Needs a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

You may need an RRV if you: Have lived outside Australia for an extended period, Are overseas and wish to return as a permanent resident, Need to travel urgently but your PR travel facility has expired, Hold permanent residence but no longer meet the original five-year travel period.

If you are an Australian permanent resident and your original travel facility has expired or is about to expire, you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to travel outside Australia and return as a permanent resident. While permanent residence itself does not expire, the ability to travel in and out of Australia does.

The type and length of RRV granted depends on how long you have lived in Australia and whether you can demonstrate ongoing ties to Australia.

Which Resident Return Visa applies to you?

5-year RRV (subclass 155)
You have lived in Australia for at least 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent resident, you will usually be eligible for a 5-year travel facility. You may apply from inside or outside Australia. Professional assistance: A$300, Government visa charge: A$490

1-year RRV (subclass 155 – substantial ties)
If you do not meet the 2-in-5 year requirement, but you have not been absent from Australia for 5 years or more (unless there are compelling reasons), you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate substantial ties to Australia, such as: In these cases, a 1-year travel facility

How We Help With RRV Applications

We provide professional assistance with Resident Return Visa (RRV) 155 and 157 applications. We assess your eligibility and prepare your application under current Department of Home Affairs policy.

Our support includes:

• Confirming whether you qualify for subclass 155 or 157
• Advising on the strongest evidence for your circumstances
• Preparing and lodging your application correctly
• Responding to requests for further information if required

A MARA-registered migration agent prepares and lodges every application. This helps ensure your eligibility is assessed correctly and your evidence is presented clearly.

What Evidence Is Required for an RRV Application?

The evidence you need for an RRV application depends on whether you meet the residence requirement or rely on ties to Australia.

If you meet the two years in five residence requirement, you will usually need travel records, visa history, and documents showing periods of physical presence in Australia.

If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of substantial ties to Australia or compelling reasons for your absence. These may include work, business, personal, or cultural connections. Supporting documents should clearly explain your circumstances.

Clear and well-organised evidence helps avoid delays and reduces the risk of refusal.