Subclass 155 and 157
Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157)
Your permanent visa's travel facility usually lasts 5 years. A Resident Return visa lets you keep travelling and return to Australia as a permanent resident. AUD1,475 online.
About the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157)
If you leave Australia after the travel facility on your permanent visa has expired, or it expires while you are overseas, you cannot return as a permanent resident without a Resident Return visa (RRV).
The subclass 155 usually gives up to 5 years of travel if you meet the residence requirement or have substantial ties. The subclass 157 usually gives up to 3 months of travel when you have spent less time in Australia but have substantial reasons for travelling.
With this visa you can
- Return to Australia as a permanent resident
- Keep travelling in and out of Australia during your travel period
You must
- Be a current or former Australian permanent resident (or former citizen) and not an Australian citizen
- Meet the residence, substantial ties or family requirements
- Meet the character requirement
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.
Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
AUD1,475 to apply online. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
The 155 usually gives up to 5 years of travel if you have lived in Australia for at least 2 of the last 5 years as a permanent resident or citizen. Otherwise, a shorter travel period or the 157 may apply.
Eligibility
What you need.
You must be an Australian permanent resident, a former permanent resident whose last visa was not cancelled, or a former Australian citizen who lost citizenship.
You must meet the residence requirement, or show substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties to Australia, or be a member of the family unit of an eligible person.
Some New Zealand citizens who hold a permanent visa may also be eligible.
Australian citizens do not need an RRV. Some people, such as those whose last permanent visa was cancelled, are not eligible.
You must meet the character requirement. 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.
Check in VEVO when your travel facility expires, and apply for an RRV before you travel if needed.
If you are eligible, becoming an Australian citizen removes the need for an RRV.
Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) 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
When your permanent visa's 5-year travel facility has expired and you want to travel and return as a permanent resident.
AUD1,475 to apply online.
The 155 usually gives up to 5 years of travel. The 157 usually gives up to 3 months for people with less time in Australia but substantial reasons to travel.
No.
Need Help With Your Visa?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
