If you are an Australian permanent resident or former citizen outside Australia, you may need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to return to Australia. The RRV allows eligible applicants whose travel facility has expired to re-enter Australia and reclaim the travel rights associated with their permanent residence.
There are two RRV subclasses. The subclass 155 is for applicants with substantial ties to Australia, while the subclass 157 is available in compelling and compassionate circumstances. ASPA Visa & Migration Advisory helps you identify the right subclass for your situation and prepare a well-organised application.
Who this service is for
- Australian permanent residents who have been outside Australia and whose travel facility has expired
- Former Australian citizens who renounced citizenship and wish to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident
- Permanent residents currently overseas who want to return to Australia
- People who are unsure whether their current visa allows them to return to Australia
- Long-term residents who have been overseas for an extended period
Common visa goals
- Obtain a Resident Return Visa to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident
- Understand whether subclass 155 or 157 applies to your situation
- Demonstrate substantial ties to Australia or compelling and compassionate circumstances
- Lodge a well-organised, well-supported RRV application
- Understand your residency obligations going forward
Get guidance before you apply — speak with ASPA about resident return visa.
Typical applicant situations
- You are outside Australia and your permanent visa's travel facility has expired.
- You are unsure whether you can re-enter Australia on your current visa.
- You have been overseas longer than you originally planned.
- You are a former citizen who relinquished Australian citizenship and now wish to return.
- You need to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia for an RRV application.
How ASPA can help
- We assess whether you need an RRV and identify the most appropriate subclass (155 or 157).
- We review your Australian ties — property, family, employment, business, and other connections.
- We help you identify and gather the strongest available evidence for your application.
- We advise on compelling and compassionate circumstances where subclass 157 may be relevant.
- We support preparation of a well-organised, well-documented application.
- We give you an honest assessment of your prospects before you commit to applying.
Our process
- 01
Eligibility assessment
We review your visa history, residence, and circumstances to identify the right subclass.
- 02
Evidence planning
We identify the strongest evidence of your ties to Australia or your compelling circumstances.
- 03
Application preparation
We support preparation of a clear, well-documented application.
- 04
Lodgement
We assist with organising and lodging your application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- 05
Follow-up
We support you through to a decision, including any requests for further information.
Documents usually required
- Current and previous passports showing travel history
- Evidence of Australian ties: property ownership, business interests, employment records
- Evidence of family in Australia (e.g. immediate family who are Australian citizens or permanent residents)
- Evidence of time spent in Australia over recent years
- Original visa grant letter or evidence of permanent residence status
- For subclass 157: evidence of compelling and compassionate circumstances
Document requirements vary by individual circumstances and current migration law.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming an expired travel facility still allows re-entry to Australia — it does not.
- Not seeking advice early — an RRV application should ideally be lodged before or promptly after the travel facility expires.
- Underestimating how much evidence of Australian ties is required for a subclass 155 application.
- Not considering a subclass 157 application when compelling and compassionate circumstances exist.
- Waiting until travel is imminent to seek guidance — this reduces the time available to prepare a strong application.
Frequently asked questions
Information on this website is general in nature and does not guarantee visa approval. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current migration laws. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.