Resident Return Visas | Subclasses 155 and 157
Resident Return Visas (RRV)
The Resident Return visa (RRV) is a permanent visa that refreshes your ability to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident. While your Australian permanent residency itself does not expire, the travel facility attached to it which is typically granted for five years – does come to an end. If you intend to travel overseas after this facility has lapsed, you must secure an RRV to ensure you can re-enter Australia without losing your residency status.
Subclasses 155 and 157 RRV Visas – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency (Travel Refresh) |
| Stay | Indefinite (Permanent Residency) |
| Cost | From $1,4751 |
| Processing Time | Visa Timeframes Approx. 1 – 18 days2 |
| Key Requirement | Australian PR or Former Citizen Status |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 155 or 157 visa in 2026, you must meet strict residency or substantial ties criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
1. The 2-Year Residency Requirement
The primary pathway to a 5-year travel facility is having spent at least two years (730 days) in Australia in the last five years as a permanent resident or citizen. These days do not need to be continuous. If you meet this, your application is typically processed within days.
2. Substantial Ties of Benefit to Australia
If you have not met the 2-year residency rule, you may still qualify for a 1-year travel facility if you can demonstrate substantial ties that benefit Australia. These include:
- Business Ties: Ownership or active management of an Australian business.
- Employment Ties: Current employment with an Australian company or a verified job offer.
- Cultural Ties: Professional involvement in Australian arts, academia, or sports.
- Personal Ties: Close family members residing in Australia or ownership of Australian property.
3. Compelling Reasons for Absence
If you have been absent from Australia for more than five continuous years since your last permanent visa grant, you must provide compelling and compassionate reasons for the absence to remain eligible.
4. Subclass 157: Short-Term Fallback
The subclass 157 is typically assessed if you do not qualify for the 155. It provides a 3-month travel facility and is generally granted for urgent travel if you have spent at least one day in Australia in the last five years as a PR.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The RRV process is deceptively simple for those who live in Australia, but high-risk for those who have spent significant time abroad. A single weak ‘substantial tie’ argument can lead to a refusal.
Our Resident Return Visa Services include:
Forensic Residency Audit: Precisely calculating your days onshore using movement records to ensure you meet the 730-day threshold.
‘Substantial Ties’ Strategy: Drafting legal submissions that connect your offshore activities to a benefit for Australia.
Compelling Reason Advocacy: Specialist handling of complex cases involving illness, family emergencies, or employment abroad.
Decision-Ready Lodgement: Minimising delays by front-loading all evidence for those not meeting the 2-year rule.
Citizenship Planning: Advising on how your RRV grant date impacts your future eligibility for an Australian passport.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk your permanent residency. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclasses 155/157 RRV Visas
Q: Can I include my partner or children on my RRV application?
A: No. Each family member must lodge their own individual application and pay the required fee, although we can process them together for consistency.
Q: What is the difference between a 155 and 157 visa?
A: The 155 is the primary RRV (5 years or 1 year). The 157 is a 3-month fallback for those with compelling reasons who only spent at least one day in Australia in the last five years.
Q: Does my permanent residency expire if I don’t get an RRV?
A: No. Your PR status only expires if you are outside Australia without a valid travel facility. If you are inside Australia when your facility expires, you remain a PR but cannot re-enter if you leave without a new RRV.
Q: What happens if my visa is refused?
A: If your visa is refused, you may have rights to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm is highly experienced in representing clients at the ART for partner visa matters. Our firm specialises in ART appeals for family visas – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 04 May 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
