The processing time for resident return visa is one of the most common concerns among Australian permanent residents who wish to travel overseas and maintain their ability to return to Australia as permanent residents. Resident Return Visa (RRV) ensures that eligible Australians who were or are currently residing as permanent residents in Australia can maintain their travel privileges without losing their permanent resident visa status.
This blog explains the visa types, costs, eligibility requirements and the latest information regarding the resident return visa Australia processing time to help you make informed decisions.
What Is A Resident Return Visa?
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) is designed for Australian permanent residents whose travel facility has expired or is about to expire. A permanent visa does not expire, but the travel facility does. Without a valid travel facility, permanent residents may face problems when travelling outside Australia, which may result in not being able to return.
For those who are eligible, the Resident Return Visa will allow you to continue travelling overseas while retaining your permanent visa.
About Subclass 155
The most common Resident Return Visa is the subclass 155 visa. It is generally offered to permanent residents who have met residency requirements or can prove that they have strong connections to Australia.
This visa will give you a travel facility of up to five years, depending on the situation.
About Subclass 157
The Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157) is intended for individuals who do not meet the requirements for Subclass 155 but have compelling and compassionate reasons for their travel and return needs.
Typically, Subclass 157 provides a shorter travel facility, usually up to three months.
In case the applicant has lived in Australia as a permanent resident for 2 years within the last 5 years before making an application for a resident return visa, then he or she will get a subclass 155 visa valid for 5 years. When the applicant does not fulfil the requirement for permanent residence, he or she may be able to qualify for a “subclass visa 157”, which is usually for 3 months.
Must Read: 7 Benefits Of Being A Permanent Resident In Australia
Benefits Of The Resident Return Visa
If you have a Resident Return Visa, you will be able to:
- Travel freely in and out of Australia multiple times while the travel facility remains valid.
- Maintain your status as an Australian permanent resident.
- Access a travel facility that may be valid for up to five years, depending on your eligibility and circumstances.
- Return to Australia as a permanent resident after travelling overseas.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible to apply if you are:
- An Australian permanent resident.
- A former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled.
- A former Australian citizen who has lost or formally renounced Australian citizenship.
Generally, there is no need to apply for a Resident Return Visa if you are already in Australia as a permanent resident and not planning to travel overseas. But in case you intend to leave Australia and then return as a permanent resident, then an RRV may be required.
Read More: Important Guidelines for Applying for an Australian State Nomination Visa
Cost Of The Resident Return Visa
The application fee for a Resident Return Visa depends on the method through which the visa is applied.
| Application Type | Visa Fee |
| Online Application | AUD 490 per applicant |
| Paper Application (authorised only) | AUD 570 per applicant |
Additional Costs You May Need To Pay
You may also incur additional expenses apart from the visa application fee, such as:
- Health examinations.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Biometric collection fees.
- Document translation or certification costs.
Applicants are normally alerted to any of these extra requirements if they are applicable.
Important Notes
- An online application is the standard method and is required unless authorised otherwise.
- Applicants exempt from the Non-Internet Application Charge may receive an automatic refund of that charge.
- The Visa Pricing Estimator can provide an estimate of visa costs, although it does not include supplementary expenses such as health checks or police certificates.
Processing Time For Resident Return Visa
The processing time for resident return visa depends on how complicated the application is and whether the applicant satisfies the residence requirements.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the RRV Australia processing time is:
| Visa | 50% Application | 90% Application |
| Subclass 155 Visa | Less Than 1 Day | 7 Days |
| Subclass 157 Visa | 30 Days | 68 Days |
Factors Affecting RRV Processing Time
The following are some potential factors that can impact the resident return visa application time:
- Completeness of the application.
- Supporting documents provided.
- Verification of information.
- Requests for additional evidence.
- Character assessment requirements.
- Complexity of residence history.
The resident return visa Australia processing time is different for each applicant. You should apply well before any planned travel dates.
Eligibility Criteria Of Resident Return Visa
There are a number of eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify for a Resident Return Visa.
Character Requirements
Applicants are required to satisfy Australia’s character requirements.
The Department of Home Affairs may consider:
- Criminal history.
- Outstanding legal matters.
- Previous immigration compliance issues.
Current or Former Permanent Resident or Citizen
Applicants must be one of the following:
- A current Australian permanent resident.
- A former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled.
- A former Australian citizen who has lost or renounced citizenship.
Arrived in Australia Before 1st July 1959 and Have Not Travelled Since
A person who entered Australia before the Migration Act 1958 on 1st June 1959 and has been residing in Australia continuously usually gets approval for the RRV.
Evidence of original arrival and ongoing residence may be required.
Residence, Substantial Ties and Member Of The Family Unit Requirements
Applicants may qualify through one of several pathways.
Residence Requirement
You may be eligible if you have:
- Spent at least 730 days (two years) in Australia during the five years immediately before applying.
- Held permanent resident status or Australian citizenship during that period.
Applicants meeting this requirement are generally granted a five-year travel facility.
Substantial Ties To Australia
You may still qualify by showing strong ties that benefit Australia if you do not meet the residence requirement.
Some of the examples include:
- Business ties.
- Employment ties.
- Cultural ties.
- Personal or family ties.
The applicants who have been accepted under this category will generally be issued a travel facility of up to 12 months.
Member Of The Family Unit
You may also qualify if you are a member of the family unit of someone who already holds or has applied for an eligible Resident Return Visa.
This pathway can also lead to a travel facility for up to 12 months.
Not Hold an Authority to Return or Return Endorsement
Applicants must satisfy current Resident Return Visa requirements and not rely on outdated return authorities or endorsements that no longer apply under Australia’s modern migration framework.
Conclusion
A Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 & 157) is made for certain permanent visa holders who want to travel and enter Australia as permanent visa holders without hassle. Applying early and providing complete documentation can help avoid delays in processing. If you need personalised guidance, an experienced immigration agent can assist with your application.
Consulting a registered migration agent Perth may also help ensure a smoother visa process.
FAQs
What is the typical processing time for a Resident Return Visa?
The usual processing time for a Resident Return Visa is 7 days for simple applications, while more complex cases may take longer.
Can I apply for a Resident Return Visa online?
Yes, the resident return visa Australia online application can be done via the Department of Home Affairs website, unless authorised to apply on paper.
What can delay the RRV processing time?
The delay may result from incorrect or a lack of paperwork, character evaluations, requests for more information or complicated histories of residences.
