Australia's Resident Return Visa
Visa Subclass 155 – Resident Return Visa Australia
Do Not Let Your Travel Facility Expire — Protect Your Right to Return to Australia
Permanent residence and travel rights are related, but they are not the same thing. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Australian permanent residency — and it catches people off guard more often than it should.
When you are granted your Australian permanent visa, it comes with a five-year travel facility. That travel facility lets you leave and re-enter Australia freely for five years from the date of grant. After this period, your permanent resident status does not end. You can live in Australia forever. But you cannot travel overseas and return as a permanent resident without a Resident Return Visa.
If you are overseas or wish to travel outside Australia when the 5-year travel facility of your permanent visa ends, you need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to come back to Australia as a permanent resident. That is exactly what the Visa Subclass 155 is — the Resident Return Visa that restores and extends your travel facility so you can continue to come and go from Australia with your permanent resident status intact.
At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered migration agents assist current and former permanent residents with Subclass 155 applications every day — from straightforward residency-based applications to complex substantial ties cases where the evidence needs to be prepared carefully. We know what the Department looks for, and we know how to build the strongest possible application for your circumstances.
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as of 20 January 2026
for eligible applications
with 2-in-5 year residency rule
Visa Overview
What Is the Visa Subclass 155?
The resident return visa subclass 155 allows certain people to return to Australia as permanent residents after travelling overseas. It does not grant permanent residence for the first time. Instead, it restores or extends your ability to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident.
The RRV allows current or former Australian permanent residents, as well as former Australian citizens, to re-enter Australia as permanent residents. This visa is particularly important for those who need to travel outside Australia and whose current permanent visa does not have travel rights or those rights have expired.
The subclass 155 and 157 visas are permanent visas. However, this does not mean the visa always lasts indefinitely. If you do not travel outside Australia, the visa lasts indefinitely and you will not become unlawful when the travel facility ends. If you do travel outside Australia after the travel facility ends, the visa will end when you leave Australia.
Key Features of the Visa Subclass 155
- Available to current Australian permanent residents, former permanent residents whose last permanent visa was not cancelled, and former Australian citizens who lost or renounced citizenship
- Can be applied for from inside or outside Australia
- Travel facility of up to 5 years if you meet the 2-year residency rule, or 1 year if you demonstrate substantial ties to Australia
- Assessed alongside Subclass 157 criteria — the Department considers both when processing your application
- Application fee of AUD $490 as of 20 January 2026
- Can be processed in as little as one day for straightforward applications that meet the residency rule
- No limit on the number of times you can apply
- Full work, study, and Medicare entitlements continue throughout
Visa Comparison
Subclass 155 vs Subclass 157 — Understanding Both
When you lodge an RRV application, the Department automatically assesses you against both the Subclass 155 and the Subclass 157 criteria. Which visa is granted depends on your circumstances. Understanding the difference between the two is important before you apply.
When an RRV application is lodged, applicants are assessed against the criteria for both subclass 155 and 157 visas. If the requirements for subclass 155 RRV are met, you may get a 5-year visa. If not met, and the applicant is eligible for a subclass 157 RRV, the maximum travel facility that can be granted with a subclass 157 RRV is 3 months.
| Pathway | Visa Granted | Travel Facility | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the 2-in-5 year residency rule | Subclass 155 | Up to 5 years | 730 days in Australia in past 5 years as PR or citizen |
| Cannot meet residency rule but has substantial ties | Subclass 155 | Up to 1 year | Ties of benefit to Australia — business, employment, cultural, personal |
| Less than 2 years in Australia, compelling reasons | Subclass 157 | Up to 3 months | At least 1 day in Australia in past 5 years plus compelling and compassionate circumstances |
Note: A subclass 155 allows you to travel to and from Australia or leave and re-enter the country as a permanent resident until your visa's travel facility expires. Should you leave Australia even though your permanent visa's travel facility has already expired, you cannot go back to Australia and you will lose your permanent resident status.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply for the Visa Subclass 155?
A resident return visa 155 is for individuals who are any of the following: you are an Australian permanent resident; you are a former Australian permanent resident and your last permanent visa was not cancelled; you are a former Australian citizen who has lost or renounced your citizenship.
Current Permanent Resident
Your travel facility has expired or is about to expire and you wish to travel outside Australia while keeping your permanent resident status intact.
Former Permanent Resident
Your last permanent visa was not cancelled. You remain eligible to apply for an RRV to restore your ability to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
Former Australian Citizen
You renounced or lost Australian citizenship. Former citizens who lost or renounced citizenship are eligible to apply for the Subclass 155.
Meet Residency or Substantial Ties
Either the 2-in-5 year residency requirement or demonstrable substantial ties to Australia of benefit to Australia must be met.
Meet Character Requirements
Character questions must be answered. Depending on answers, police clearances may be required. Applications may be refused on character grounds.
No Prior RRV Refused Without Good Reason
You have not had a previous RRV refused or a specified visa cancelled without good reason that remains unresolved.
Eligibility Pathways
The Two Pathways to Eligibility — Residency Rule and Substantial Ties
This is where the Subclass 155 assessment really matters. There are two distinct eligibility pathways, and which one applies to you determines both how straightforward your application is and what travel facility you will receive.
Substantial Ties — The Four Categories
Substantial ties are assessed across four categories. The Department evaluates these ties as a whole, taking into account how they benefit Australia and demonstrate your commitment to residing there.
Business Ties
ASIC records, shareholding, company financials, contracts that are active in Australia. Owning or managing a business registered in Australia.
Employment Ties
Having a job with an Australian employer. Employment contracts, pay slips, tax returns demonstrating ongoing employment in Australia.
Cultural and Community Ties
Membership of community groups or cultural organisations in Australia. Community service letters, membership records.
Personal Ties
Having close family — a partner or children — who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Marriage or birth certificates of Australian family members. Property ownership in Australia.
Visa Advantages
Key Benefits of the Visa Subclass 155
Protects Your Permanent Residency Status
The most fundamental benefit of the Subclass 155 is that it preserves the permanent residency you have already earned. Without it, leaving Australia after your travel facility has expired ends your permanent resident status permanently. The RRV stops that from happening.
Travel Freely In and Out of Australia
Once your Subclass 155 is granted, you can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like throughout the visa's travel facility period. There are no restrictions on how many trips you take or how long you spend overseas, provided you return within the validity period.
Full Permanent Resident Entitlements Continue
Both the 155 and 157 are Australian permanent residency visas. Holders are entitled to live and work in Australia, access Medicare, and enjoy the full entitlements of permanent residency.
Can Be Applied for From Anywhere
You can be either outside or inside Australia when applying for a Subclass 155 visa. This flexibility means you do not need to be in Australia to lodge your application — critical for people who are already overseas when they realise their travel facility has expired.
No Limit on Applications
There are no limits on the number of Resident Return Visas you can apply for. You can continue renewing your RRV as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria each time you apply.
Pathway to Citizenship
For some permanent residents, this visa is also part of a longer journey to Australian citizenship. If citizenship is your end goal, it is worth understanding the pathway early. Maintaining valid travel rights through the RRV keeps your residency intact and your citizenship timeline on track.
Application Costs
Visa Subclass 155 Cost
As of 20 January 2026, the Department of Home Affairs charges AUD $490 to apply online for the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155), according to the official Visa Pricing Estimator. Visa application charges are subject to change, and applicants should always check the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging their application.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subclass 155 Online Application Fee | AUD $490* |
| Paper Application (additional charge) | AUD $80 additional |
| Character Checks / Police Clearances | Varies if required |
| Migration Republic Professional Fee | Contact Us |
*Fee confirmed as of 20 January 2026. Fees are reviewed by the Department and may change. Always verify the current fee in ImmiAccount before lodging. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Each family member applying must pay the fee separately — there is no family unit fee for RRV applications.
Processing Times
Visa Subclass 155 Processing Times
The processing time for the Resident Return Visa as of January 2026 is: Subclass 155 — less than 1 day to 32 days. In practice, the processing time depends almost entirely on which pathway your application falls under.
For a Subclass 155 application that meets the two-year residency rule, processing can be fast. Many are processed in a day. Applications that do not meet the residency rule take longer — the Department needs to check your ties or reasons for absence.
You can get a Resident Return Visa 155 in as fast as four days up to 21 days after submitting your application, provided all submitted documents are correct, complete, and accurate. Having said that, 155 visa processing time can take up to three months if your application was made incorrectly or has missing information.
Application Steps
How to Apply for the Visa Subclass 155
The application process for the Subclass 155 is straightforward in structure, but the quality of what you submit is what determines the outcome.
Check Your Travel Facility Expiry Date
Always double-check your visa's travel facility expiry date in VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). The Department might send a reminder, but at the end of the day, it is your responsibility to apply on time.
Determine Your Pathway
Identify whether you meet the 2-in-5 year residency rule or whether you will need to rely on substantial ties. This determines what evidence you need to gather and what travel facility you can expect.
Gather Your Documents
Collect all required identity documents, travel records, residency evidence, and — if relying on substantial ties — comprehensive evidence across the relevant ties categories.
Lodge Online via ImmiAccount
Log in to your ImmiAccount and complete the form. Answer every question with total accuracy. The system is set up to consider you for both the Subclass 155 and 157 based on the details you provide.
Pay the Application Fee
As of January 2026, the government fee for an online RRV application is AUD $490. This fee is not refundable, even if the application does not succeed. You can pay with a credit/debit card, PayPal, or BPAY.
Await the Decision
After you submit, you will receive a notification from the Department of Home Affairs. If you applied in Australia, you can be here or overseas for the grant. If you applied from outside the country, you must stay outside until you receive a decision.
Apply Well Before You Travel
If you are in Australia and the travel facility on your current visa has, or is about to, expire, you need to apply for and be granted an RRV before you leave Australia. Do not book travel until your new RRV has been granted.
Document Checklist
Documents Required for the Visa Subclass 155
Use only what is relevant to your pathway. Here is what most applications will require.
Identity and Status Documents
- Current or expired passport (bio page and all pages showing travel history)
- Prior visa grant notices
- Evidence of permanent residence or former citizenship
For the 2-in-5 Year Residency Pathway
- Flight records, lease agreements, utility bills or school records showing at least 730 days in Australia
- Entry and exit records from the Department of Home Affairs
Character Documents (if Required)
- Police clearances from relevant countries where character questions trigger a requirement
For the Substantial Ties Pathway
- Business ties: ASIC records, shareholding documents, company financials, active Australian contracts
- Employment ties: employment contracts, pay slips, tax returns
- Cultural and community ties: membership records, community service letters
- Personal ties: marriage or birth certificates of Australian citizen family, property deeds
- A concise statement and third-party evidence supporting compelling reasons for absence, if applicable
If Your Application Is Refused
What Happens If Your RRV Is Refused?
Common reasons for refusal include not meeting the residency requirement, failing to prove your ties to Australia, providing false documents, having character issues, and submitting an incomplete application.
If you applied onshore and received a refusal, you may have the right to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which conducts a fresh merits review, allowing you to submit new evidence — such as a job offer, community involvement, or property purchase — to strengthen your case after the original refusal.
You generally have 28 days to appeal a visa refusal to the ART if the application was lodged in Australia. This strict time limit cannot be extended, so it is crucial to act quickly upon receiving a refusal decision. The standard application fee to lodge an appeal for most migration decisions at the ART is currently $3,496. If your appeal is successful, you will typically be refunded 50% of the fee you paid.
Success in an appeal hinges on demonstrating strong business, employment, cultural, or personal connections that benefit Australia, or, if absent more than 5 years, providing documented compelling reasons for the stay abroad. Inadequate, poorly documented, or generic explanations will likely lead to another refusal.
If you are outside Australia and your application is refused, your options are more limited. Seeking advice from a MARA-registered migration agent immediately is essential.
How We Help
Our Visa Process
Initial Assessment and Advice
We start by reviewing your current permanent visa status, your travel history, and your time spent in Australia over the past five years. From there, we identify clearly which pathway applies — the straightforward residency rule or the substantial ties route — and give you an honest assessment of your position and what evidence will be needed.
Residency Evidence Preparation
For applicants relying on the 2-in-5 year rule, we help you compile a complete, consistent travel record and supporting documents that clearly establish your 730 days in Australia. Simple cases done well are faster cases.
Substantial Ties Case Building
For applicants who cannot meet the residency rule, this is where we add the most value. We work with you to identify and document your strongest ties across business, employment, cultural, and personal categories — and we prepare a detailed written statement that presents your case clearly and compellingly to the Department.
Application Preparation and Lodgement
We prepare your complete application package, review every document before submission, and lodge via ImmiAccount on your behalf. Accuracy and completeness from the start minimises processing time and avoids requests for additional information.
Urgent Application Assistance
If your travel facility has already expired and you need to travel — or if you are already outside Australia — we can assist with urgent applications and advise on the fastest appropriate pathway given your circumstances.
Refusal Appeal Support
If your RRV has been refused, we can assess your appeal prospects and represent you before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Acting within the 28-day appeal window is critical — contact us immediately if you have received a refusal decision.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Migration Republic
Why Choose Migration Republic?
The Resident Return Visa might seem straightforward — but the substantial ties pathway is anything but. The Department assesses ties on a case-by-case basis, and what constitutes compelling evidence varies significantly depending on your specific circumstances. Generic statements and thin documentation are the most common reasons RRV applications are refused.
The consequences of a refusal — particularly if you are outside Australia — can be severe. Losing your permanent residency after years of building your life in Australia is not a theoretical risk. It happens, and it is almost always the result of an application that was not properly prepared.
At Migration Republic, our MARA-registered migration agents have guided current and former permanent residents through every type of RRV situation — from simple residency-rule applications to complex substantial ties cases, and from refusal appeals before the ART to urgent applications for people already stuck outside Australia. We know what the Department looks for, and we know how to build the strongest possible case for your circumstances.
Transparent Process
Transparent process with regular updates at every stage. High success rate with personalised service — you always know exactly where your application stands.
Substantial Ties Specialists
We know what evidence the Department accepts across business, employment, cultural, and personal categories — and how to present it compellingly for your specific situation.
Urgent and Overseas Cases
Dedicated support from initial assessment through to visa grant — including urgent cases for applicants already outside Australia or facing an imminent travel facility expiry.
Ready to Apply for Your Visa Subclass 155?
Your Australian permanent residency is one of the most valuable things you have built. Do not risk losing your right to return because of an expired travel facility. Whether your application is straightforward or complicated — whether you are in Australia or already overseas — our MARA-registered agents at Migration Republic are ready to help you protect your permanent residency and your right to call Australia home.
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