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Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclass 155/157)
Most Australian Permanent Residency visas include a five-year travel facility. Once this travel validity expires, the visa holder cannot re-enter Australia as a permanent resident unless they obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
To apply, the individual must already hold Australian permanent residency and meet specific residency or substantial ties criteria.
The Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) allows eligible applicants to renew their travel facility for a period ranging from three months to five years, depending on their circumstances.
Given the complexity of the Resident Return Visa process and the numerous eligibility requirements involved, we recommend booking a complimentary consultation with Andreas Athanasiou to discuss your specific circumstances and pathway options.
Eligibility
Applications for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclasses 155/157) are assessed in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994, including the visa criteria set out in Schedule 2 to the Regulations. To be eligible to apply for a Resident Return visa, an applicant must generally:
Be an Australian permanent resident, or
Be a former permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled, or
Be a former Australian citizen who has lost or renounced their citizenship.
Meet the residency requirements or demonstrate substantial ties to Australia (such as personal, employment, cultural, or business ties).
Meet the character requirements.
Have no adverse immigration history.
The above represent the minimum eligibility requirements. Additional information and documentation may be required from both the Applicant and the Sponsor to confirm overall eligibility and strengthen the application.
For personalised guidance and an assessment of your individual circumstances, you are welcome to contact our office for a complimentary consultation.
Additional Information
When an RRV application is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs automatically assesses eligibility for both the Subclass 155 and Subclass 157 visas.
If the applicant meets the criteria for the Subclass 155, they may be granted a travel facility of up to five years.
If the Subclass 155 requirements are not met, but the applicant qualifies for the Subclass 157, a maximum travel facility of up to three months may be granted.
Applicants may still qualify for a Resident Return Visa even if they currently hold a temporary visa, provided they were previously an Australian permanent resident or Australian citizen.
If a former permanent resident re-enters Australia on a temporary visa, they should apply for a Resident Return Visa promptly if they intend to remain in Australia permanently and retain their permanent resident status.
Residence Requirements
To qualify for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclass 155/157), an applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
Option 1 – 5-Year Travel Facility
The applicant has been physically present in Australia for at least 2 years (730 days) in the last 5 years as a permanent resident or Australian citizen.
Likely outcome: Eligible for a 5-year travel facility.
Option 2 – Overseas Applicants with Substantial Ties
Applicant is outside Australia and:
Has not been absent from Australia for 5 continuous years or more (unless there are compelling reasons), and
Holds a permanent visa, or last left Australia as a permanent resident or citizen, and
Can demonstrate substantial ties of benefit to Australia (personal, employment, cultural, or business ties).
Likely outcome: May be granted a travel facility of up to 12 months.
Option 3 – Previously Held Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Applicant is outside Australia and:
Was an Australian citizen or permanent resident less than 10 years before applying, and
Has not been absent for more than 5 years in total (unless there are compelling reasons), and
Can demonstrate substantial ties of benefit to Australia.
Likely outcome: May be granted up to 12 months travel facility.
Option 4 – Applicant Inside Australia
Applicant is in Australia and:
Can demonstrate substantial ties of benefit to Australia, and
Has not been absent for 5 continuous years since their last permanent visa was granted or since ceasing to be an Australian citizen.
Likely outcome: May be granted up to 12 months travel facility.
Option 5 – Family Member
Applicant is a member of the family unit of a person who:
Holds, or has applied for, a Resident Return Visa, and
Meets the time of application criteria.
Likely Outcome: May receive up to 12 months travel facility.
How Residency is Calculated
2 years = 730 days.
5-year period is counted backwards from the lodgement date of the RRV application.
Both arrival and departure days are counted as days in Australia.
Any part-day spent in Australia counts as a full day.
Visa Application Charge
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) charges an application fee of AUD $490 for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) if it is lodged electronically.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) charges an application fee of AUD $570 for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) if it is lodged via mail.
In addition to the DHA fee, applicants should also budget for other potential costs, which may include:
Australian police clearance certificates.
Overseas police clearance certificates.
Certified translations of documents (if applicable).
Bank or credit-card surcharges (if applicable).
Professional fees charged by the appointed Migration Agency.*
*To help reduce financial pressure, Olympus Migration offers flexible payment plans, allowing professional fees to be paid in instalments over a period of up to 15 months.
After the Visa Lodgement
If the applicant is overseas when applying for the Resident Return Visa, it is generally recommended that they remain outside Australia until a decision is made.
If the applicant is in Australia at the time of lodgement, they will remain on their current visa throughout processing, as Bridging Visas are not issued for this visa subclass. They must ensure that they are on a valid visa, however.
Approximate processing time: The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) currently indicates an average timeframe of 1 day to 2 months for a decision, although this may vary depending on individual circumstances and DHA priorities.
If the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) is granted, then the Applicant is a Permanent Resident of Australia with an active Travel Facility.
During this time, they can live, work and travel within Australia and overseas without any restrictions.
In the following link, you can view genuine testimonials from past clients and individuals who have received Australian immigration advice from our Director, Andreas Athanasiou. All testimonials are sourced directly from our Google page and reflect consistently outstanding client feedback.
The Olympus Migration Difference
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Expert Advice
Our Director, Andreas Athanasiou, is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1685134) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), bringing over a decade of experience and having managed 1,000+ visa lodgements across a wide range of complex and straightforward migration matters successfully.
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Fixed Fees
We believe clarity builds trust. That’s why we operate on a fixed-fee basis — no hidden costs or surprise charges at any stage of your matter. To ease financial pressure, we also offer flexible payment plans of up to 15 months, including post-lodgement, tailored to suit your individual circumstances and financial situation.
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Direct & Prompt
You deal directly with our Director, not a case manager or junior staff, ensuring clear and consistent communication. We respond promptly and are available 365 days a year, with your matter personally managed from start to finish, providing experienced oversight, strong accountability, and confidence at every stage.
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Peace of Mind
We have an outstanding record, however if your application is refused, we may assist with a merits review, at our discretion, without additional professional fees. This reflects our ongoing commitment to you — our Peace of Mind Policy, because once you engage us, you are family, and we stand by you every step of the way.
Our Step-by-Step Process
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Book Your Free 1-Hour Consultation
Begin by contacting our office via phone, email, or online enquiry to arrange your complimentary 1-hour consultation. Our friendly team is here to assist you, and we are available 365 days a year. We offer both face-to-face meetings in Melbourne and Zoom consultations for clients across Australia and worldwide, ensuring flexibility no matter your location.
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Meet with Andreas Athanasiou (RMA)
During your complimentary 1-hour, obligation-free consultation, you will speak directly with our Director, who will take the time to understand your circumstances in detail. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive a clear assessment of your eligibility, and be provided with tailored advice along with a written outline of the most suitable visa pathways available to you.
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Formally Appoint Us to Act for You
If you decide to proceed and meet the relevant eligibility criteria, you may formally appoint our office to act on your behalf. You will be provided with a comprehensive Agreement for Services and Fees, clearly outlining the scope of work, professional fees, and terms of engagement. Once this is reviewed and signed, you officially become a valued client of Olympus Migration.
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We Prepare & Lodge Your Application
Following your appointment, we will issue you with a detailed checklist of required documents tailored to your specific matter. As you begin providing the necessary information, we will carefully prepare your application and supporting documentation. Once you have reviewed and approved our work, we will lodge your application with the Department of Home Affairs.
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Ongoing Support Until the Decision
After lodgement, our office will manage all correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. We will keep you informed of updates and requests, and remain in contact throughout the process. We may request additional documents after lodgement to ensure your application remains complete. Our representation continues until a final decision is made.
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Our Commitment to your Peace of Mind
We have an outstanding record of successful outcomes; however, in the scenario that your application is refused, Olympus Migration will, where appropriate and subject to your ongoing eligibility and instructions, assist you with preparing and lodging a further application or a merits review to the Tribunal, without additional professional fees. This is our ‘Peace of Mind’ policy.
Book a Free 1-Hour Consultation
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All communication is handled directly by our Director and Registered Migration Agent, Andreas Athanasiou (MARN: 1685134), ensuring clear, consistent, and expert guidance throughout your matter.
Learn more about Andreas on our About Us page.
In-person consultations are available strictly by appointment at Level 10, 440 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.