Subclass 151 · Permanent
Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151)
A permanent visa for former Australian permanent residents who spent most of their childhood in Australia, and for some people who served in the Australian Defence Force. From AUD6,005.
About the Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151)
The Former Resident visa (subclass 151) lets certain former permanent residents return to live in Australia permanently. It has two pathways: the long residence requirement, for people who spent most of their childhood or formative years in Australia, and the defence services requirement, for people who served in the Australian Defence Force before 1981.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel for 5 years
You must
- Meet the long residence requirement (and be under 45) or the defence services requirement
- Meet health and character requirements
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice.
Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
From AUD6,005. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
You may be asked to provide an Assurance of Support.
Eligibility
What you need.
You must show you spent a long period of your childhood or adult life in Australia as a permanent resident, and must be under 45 when you apply.
Or, before 1981, you must have completed the required period of service in the Australian Defence Force.
You and family applying with you must meet the health and character requirements. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How it works.
Get expert advice first
Book a consultation with Outlook Immigration. Our registered migration agent will assess your eligibility, confirm this is the right visa for you and explain your options before you apply. Book a consultation.
Gather your documents
Prepare identity documents and evidence for your circumstances.
Apply
Lodge your application, usually online in ImmiAccount.
After you apply
Respond to any requests and keep your details up to date. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
When you have this visa
What happens next.
Live in Australia permanently, with access to Medicare.
You may later be eligible for Australian citizenship.
Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
Former permanent residents who spent a long period in Australia, and some people who served in the Australian Defence Force before 1981.
For the long residence pathway, you must be under 45 when you apply.
From AUD6,005.
Need Help With Your Visa?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
