Resident Return Visas
travel rights.
Your permanent residency needs protection
As an Australian permanent resident, your status does not expire. However, your travel facility does. Without a valid Resident Return Visa, you cannot re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after travelling overseas.
The Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows permanent residents to maintain their ability to travel to and from Australia. Whether you need a 5-year, 1-year, or 3-month travel facility depends on your time in Australia and your ties to the country.
We assess your eligibility, prepare evidence of your substantial ties to Australia, and lodge your RRV application to ensure you can continue travelling freely as a permanent resident.
Travel facility options
5-Year RRV
Subclass 155
For permanent residents who have spent 2 of the last 5 years in Australia. Grants a 5-year travel facility to enter and leave Australia.
1-Year RRV
Subclass 155
For permanent residents with substantial ties to Australia who do not meet the 2-year residence requirement. Grants a 1-year travel facility.
3-Month RRV
Subclass 157
For former permanent residents who have been outside Australia and need to return. Grants a 3-month travel facility for a single entry.
Demonstrating substantial ties
If you do not meet the 2-year residence requirement for a 5-year RRV, you must demonstrate substantial ties to Australia.
Types of ties
- Business interests in Australia (ownership, employment, investments)
- Property ownership or long-term lease arrangements
- Family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Cultural, sporting, or community involvement
- Employment history and professional connections
- Educational ties and qualifications obtained in Australia
Compelling reasons
If you have been absent from Australia for extended periods, you may also need to demonstrate compelling reasons for your absence, such as employment, family obligations, or health issues.
We prepare detailed submissions explaining your circumstances and linking your ties and reasons to the legislative requirements.
Early planning is essential. Contact us before your travel facility expires to maximise your options.
Protect your status before it expires
Check your expiry
Your travel facility expiry date is shown on your visa grant letter or VEVO. If you are unsure of your status, we can check your visa details and advise on your options.
Apply early
We recommend applying for your RRV well before your travel facility expires. This gives time to gather evidence and address any issues that arise during processing.
Consider citizenship
If you meet the residency requirements for citizenship, becoming an Australian citizen provides permanent travel rights. We advise on whether citizenship is the better long-term option.
How we work.
From eligibility assessment to travel planning, we guide you through every stage.
Eligibility
assessment
We assess your residency history, ties to Australia, and eligibility for a 5-year or 1-year RRV.
Eligibility
assessment
Your travel facility depends on your circumstances. We review your time in Australia, absences, and substantial ties to determine which RRV subclass you qualify for. Early assessment prevents last-minute complications when you need to travel.
Evidence
preparation
We prepare evidence of your substantial ties to Australia and reasons for absence.
Evidence
preparation
Ties to Australia must be demonstrated. We prepare evidence of your business, employment, family, cultural, and personal ties to Australia. For extended absences, we document compelling reasons that support your continued connection to Australia.
Application
lodgement
We lodge your RRV application with all supporting documentation.
Application
lodgement
Completeness prevents delays. We lodge your application with comprehensive evidence of ties and absence reasons. Your application is prepared to meet all legislative requirements from the outset.
Travel
planning
We advise on maintaining your travel facility and planning for future RRV renewals.
Travel
planning
Plan ahead to preserve your status. We advise on how to maintain eligibility for future RRVs, including time in Australia requirements. For those approaching citizenship eligibility, we advise on the pathway to permanent travel rights.
