Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157) | Short-Term Travel Facility

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclass 157) is designed for former or current permanent residents and Australian citizens who wish to return to Australia and continue living as permanent residents.

Highlights

You can apply for this visa while inside or outside Australia.
It permits you to live, work, and study in Australia.
The visa grants permanent residency with a 3-month travel facility.

Key Eligibility Requirements

You must be a current or former Australian permanent resident, or a former Australian citizen who has renounced or lost citizenship.

You may qualify if you have:

Lived in Australia lawfully for at least 1 day but less than 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent resident or citizen, and you can show compelling and compassionate reasons for leaving or remaining outside Australia, or
You are an eligible family member of a person who holds, or has applied for, a Subclass 157 visa and meets the requirements.

If applying from outside Australia, you must not have been away from the country for a continuous period of more than 3 months unless you can demonstrate compelling and compassionate reasons for your absence.

All applicants must meet Public Interest criteria. Offshore applicants must also meet Special Return criteria.

Application Process for Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157)

1. Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the residency requirement (at least 1 day but less than 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent resident or citizen) or qualify as a family member. Ensure you can provide evidence of compelling and compassionate reasons if required.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare identity documents, proof of residency in Australia, evidence of ties or compassionate reasons, and any documents for dependent family members.

3. Submit Your Application

Online: Lodge your application through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount.
From Offshore or Onshore: Applications can be made whether you are inside or outside Australia.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the required application charge to validate your application.

5. Provide Biometrics (if requested)

You may be asked to provide biometrics such as fingerprints or photographs at a visa application centre.

6. Await Processing

Processing times depend on your individual circumstances and whether you apply from inside or outside Australia.

7. Receive Your Visa Grant

Once approved, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. The travel facility is valid for 3 months from the date of grant.

Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts for Subclass 157

Specialist Expertise: Deep experience with Resident Return Visas ensures accurate interpretation of residency and special return criteria.
Personalised Advice: We assess your unique residency history and compassionate circumstances to build the strongest case.
End-to-End Support: From document collection to lodgement and follow-up, we manage the entire application process.
Up-to-Date Knowledge: We track policy changes and public interest criteria so your application meets current requirements.
Efficient Documentation: We prepare clear, compelling evidence packages that reduce the risk of delays or requests for more information.
Client-First Service: Transparent fees, regular updates, and a focus on reducing stress for you and your family.

FAQs – Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157)

The Subclass 157 (RRV) lets current or former Australian permanent residents and some former citizens return to Australia and continue living as permanent residents. It provides permanent residency with a short travel facility of 3 months from the date of grant.

Eligibility generally covers Australian permanent residents, former permanent residents, and Australian citizens who lost or renounced citizenship. You typically must have been lawfully in Australia for at least 1 day but less than 2 years in the last 5 years, or be able to show compelling and compassionate reasons for your absence. Family members of eligible applicants may also qualify.

Yes — you can apply onshore or offshore. Offshore applicants must not have been absent from Australia for a continuous period of more than 3 months before applying unless there are compelling and compassionate reasons, and they must meet special return criteria.

Typical documents include proof of your permanent residency or former citizenship, identity documents, evidence of time spent lawfully in Australia, and any supporting evidence for compelling or compassionate reasons (e.g., medical records, employer letters). Additional documents are required for family members if they are included.

Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and whether you apply onshore or offshore. Some applications are finalised within weeks, while others can take several months — especially if the department requests further information or evidence.

Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157)

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