Resident Return

Resident Return Visas for Australia

A Resident Return Visa (RRV) is a visa that allows current or former Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to re-enter Australia after an absence. If you are an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen and have been absent from Australia for an extended period, a Resident Return Visa may be necessary for you to return to Australia.

Eligibility for Resident Return Visa

To be eligible for a Resident Return Visa, you must:

  • Be a current or former Australian permanent resident

  • Be an eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Have spent at least two years in the last five years in Australia as a permanent resident *unless compelling/compassionate reasons

  • Have not been absent from Australia for more than five years *unless compelling/compassionate reasons

  • Meet health and character requirements

Types of Resident Return Visa

There are two types of Resident Return Visas:

  1. RRV (5 years) Subclass 155: This visa is valid for five years and allows you to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

  2. RRV (3 months) Subclass 157 : This visa is valid for three months and allows you to re-enter Australia temporarily.