Resident Return Visa Australia: Complete 2026 Guide

What Is a Resident Return Visa?

A permanent visa in Australia includes a travel facility, which is the period during which the holder can leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. This facility generally lasts up to five years from the date the permanent visa was granted. Once it expires, the underlying permanent residency itself does not lapse, but the holder can no longer travel overseas and return as a permanent resident without first obtaining a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

An RRV is therefore not a fresh grant of permanent residency. It is a separate visa application that restores the travel facility for someone who already holds, or has held, Australian permanent residency, or who is a former Australian citizen.

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Resident Return Visa vs Permanent Residency

It is worth being clear on this distinction, since the two are often confused. Permanent residency itself does not expire, and a person who remains in Australia is not affected by their travel facility lapsing. The travel facility only becomes relevant if and when the person wants to leave and later return to Australia as a permanent resident. An RRV addresses that travel facility specifically, rather than the underlying permanent status.

Subclass 155 and Subclass 157: How They Differ

The Department of Home Affairs assesses every Resident Return Visa application against the criteria for both Subclass 155 and Subclass 157, rather than requiring applicants to choose between them.

Subclass 155 is generally available where an applicant has spent at least two of the last five years in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen and can result in a travel facility of up to five years. Where that residence requirement is not met, Subclass 155 may still be available on a shorter basis, generally up to one year, where the applicant can demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to the country.

Subclass 157 applies where a person does not meet the Subclass 155 criteria but has lawfully spent some time in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen within the past five years and can show a compelling and compassionate reason for their absence. It has a considerably shorter travel facility than Subclass 155.

Because eligibility depends heavily on individual travel history and circumstances, this is an area where general guidance only takes an applicant so far, and professional advice is often the more reliable path.

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Resident Return Visa Fees in 2026

The government application charge for the Resident Return Visa rose substantially from 1 July 2026. Given how significant and recent this change is, applicants should treat any fee figure they see online with caution and confirm the current charge directly through the Department of Home Affairs before lodging, since it may differ depending on the applicant's passport and other circumstances.

Resident Return Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the Resident Return Visa vary widely depending on which pathway an application is assessed under. Applications that clearly meet the standard residence requirement tend to be resolved considerably faster than those relying on substantial ties or compelling and compassionate circumstances, which require a more detailed assessment by the Department. Current processing time ranges are published on the Department of Home Affairs website and should be checked closer to the time of application, as they change regularly.

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Whether you are approaching the end of your travel facility, have already spent time overseas, or are unsure which pathway applies to your circumstances, getting a Resident Return Visa application right the first-time matters, particularly given how much is now at stake with the increased application charge. The team at Australian Migration Lawyers can help you understand your position and prepare a strong application. Get in touch for a consultation, available seven days a week.