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Resident Return Visa
June 20, 2013 Visas and Passports

Resident Return Visa Information

Updated July 2015

A Resident Return Visa (RRV) is required for the period after you have gained your Permanent Residency (PR), and your initial entry visa has expired, but before you get your Citizenship…

The RRV allows you to re-enter Australia as a Permanent Resident, but using your British Passport.

Resident Return Visa (RRV)

A Resident Return Visa is valid for 3 months or 5 years (depending on circumstances).

It allows Australian permanent residents to travel to and from Australia as often as they wish within the validity of the visa, while maintaining their status as permanent residents.

A 5 year RRV costs:

The Australian Department of Immigration has announced its new visa pricing arrangements which come into effect on 1 July 2013.

Resident Return visa (RRV) Cost at July 2015

$360 (Subclass 155 and 157) Done Online
$440 (Subclass 155 and 157) Paper Application

How do I apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

To be eligible for a Resident Return Visa (RRV), you must be:

  • a permanent resident holding a valid permanent visa,
  • a former permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled, or
  • a former Australian citizen who has lost or renounced their Australian citizenship.

In addition to the above, to be eligible for a five year RRV:

  • you must be lawfully present in Australia for a total of at least 2 years in the 5 years immediately before lodging the application for the visa, or
  • you must have substantial and beneficial business, cultural, employment or personal ties to Australia and compelling reasons if you have been absent from Australia for more than 5 years, or
  • you must be a member of the family unit of a person who holds a valid RRV or who has applied for and met the criteria for an RRV.

If you do not meet these criteria, but have to leave Australia for compassionate and compelling reasons, you may be eligible for a 3 month RRV. If you are unable to meet the RRV requirements in your own right, but you are a member of the family unit of a person who holds an RRV, you may be granted an RRV with the same validity period as the family head’s RRV.

The cost of the RRV may be adjusted each July.

More details at:

Resuming Australian Residency after Resident Return Visa RRV expires.

Most Australian Permanent Residents will have a 5 year RRV when they leave Australia, so that they can prove Resident status on their return.

If that RRV expires during their absence from Australia, they can be refused re-entry into Australia.

For most people this will mean re-applying for residency…

This can be a long and complex process, without a guarantee of success.

For those with an Australian partner and/or children, the process is easier, but can still involve interviews with the Immigration Department.

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"40" Comments
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  1. viswa
    November 28, 2015 at 10:46 am

    Respected,

    I went through your website. Great information and I saw few testimonials appreciating your guidance and knowledge on visa processing. We are happy and confident to be associated with you.

    Migration agent is like a doctor when it comes to visa processing. I have shared all the available information . Please inform do I have any chance of getting back to Australia. Please inform what information can be used from the below for a successful visa.

    ..(private information removed)..

    Please inform Migration agent fee and application fee.

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      November 28, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      I am not a migration agent, and I suggest sending the same information (removed from this post) to a migration agent.

      All I can say is that you do normally need compassionate reason and substantial ties. Without that, a new PR application may be needed.

      Reply
  2. Yvette
    November 18, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    I’m a permanent resident of Australia and have been since 1975 I came here on my mothers passport from the UK. I’ve planned a trip back to the UK for May next year for 8 weeks how do I leave Australia and come back without Australian citizenship or any passport

    Reply
  3. John
    July 29, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    Hi

    I am a temporary resident in Australia and planning to go leave the country when I get my PR status next year. the rules said to get the 5 year RRV, you must have stayed in Australia for 2 years. by that said, I can only stay out of Australia for 3 months.
    with this rule written above:
    If you are unable to meet the RRV requirements in your own right, but you are a member of the family unit of a person who holds an RRV, you may be granted an RRV with the same validity period as the family head’s RRV.
    The questions:
    1. My mother is now married to my step dad who is an Australia citizen. Does that make us a family even though I am not my step dad’s biological son?
    2. if so, can I get a 5 year RRV?

    Thank you very much

    Reply
  4. sudheera
    February 3, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    Hi

    I am an Australian permanant resident and my PR visa is valid up to 10 August 2015. Currently I am working in Dubai and no plans to go and settle in Australia prior to my PR visa expiry date due to several personal reasons. However, I am planning to buy a house in Melbourne prior to my PR expiry date with the help of a mortgage loan from an Australian Bank. Then I am planning to re-apply for PR again at the end of this year. If the same rules are there at that time I should be able to get the PR again as I can easily get required points.

    My question is ; what will happen to my property once my current PR expired? Will I have to pay some extra tax for that or will I have some leagl issues on the ownership of the property?

    Need advice.

    Thanks
    Regards
    Sudheera

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      February 4, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      I would suggest asking the Foreign Investment Review Board, although I feel that if you buy as a PR, then you should not have any problems.

      A couple of things that may relate to people, after a change of residency/visa status, are:

      Q2.4. If I buy a property, can I rent it out?

      Established (or second‑hand) dwellings bought by temporary residents cannot be rented However, new dwellings, dwellings built on vacant land and dwellings built as part of a redevelopment, can be rented.

      Q5.18. I obtained approval to buy a new dwelling as a temporary resident. My visa will soon expire. Do I need to sell my house before the visa expires or can I retain the property and rent it out when I am overseas?

      As you have bought a new property, you are not required to sell the property and can rent it if you wish.

      http://www.firb.gov.au/content/faq.asp

      Reply
  5. greig
    January 28, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Hi

    I have been an Australian permanent resident since 2000, I moved back to the UK for 6 years to help look after a sick parent (which I explained to the Australian immigration), I also went back to university while in the UK. I have since moved back to Australia (1/12/2015) as my Subclass 155 overseas visa was running out.

    Am not looking at leaving Australia anytime soon but I would like to go back to the UK next xmas to see my parents for a few weeks. Do you know of any visa that I can apply for?

    Thanks for your time

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      February 1, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      You just need to apply for a normal Residents Return Visa again. I assume they will only do a 3 month one this time though.

      Apply in plenty of time before you need to leave though.

      Reply
  6. Butt123
    October 20, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    hi there

    i am oz permanent resident , i already took the rrv and it wil expire in 2016, i dont think that i would be able to stay in oz to be eligible in this time, however i completed by 2 years , what are the option if i want to retain my residency , can i apply for a second rrv or any other option available as most of my time is spent overseas

    thanks

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      October 20, 2013 at 4:56 pm

      Permanent Residency is designed for people to spend most of their time in the Country.

      You may come under this condition though:

      you must be lawfully present in Australia for a total of at least 2 years in the 5 years immediately before lodging the application for the visa,

      So if that 2 years is in the 5 years before application, you should be OK.

      But make sure you are back in Australia before the RRV expires.

      Reply
  7. Seema
    September 23, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    My PR has expired and I want to buy OZ property to how tie for applying RRV. Can I be considered PRto buy property from outside Australia?

    Reply
  8. Seema
    September 23, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    My PR entry limit has expired and I am outside Australia. I wish to apply for RRV now. Before applying RRV, I want to buy property in Australia to show ties. Can I buy property as a PR from outside Australia?

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      September 25, 2013 at 1:39 pm

      You may actually need to apply for Residency again. A full application.

      If you are outside Australia and your PR or RRV expires, then you need very solid reasons to get it back, without doing a full application.

      This happened to me, but they let me back as I had a house, an Australian wife and Australian daughter, but it did take two interviews before they accepted me again, even with those strong ties to the country.

      Regarding the property purchase, almost all acquisitions of residential real estate by foreign persons must be approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board http://www.firb.gov.au/

      Reply
  9. Paul
    August 20, 2013 at 9:36 am

    Myself and my family emigrated to WA in 2007 on a independent skilled migrant visa but due to personal circumstances out of our control returned to the UK in 2009. My PR visa ran out last year 2012 and I believe therefore cancelled. The circumstances that drew us back have now changed and we would love to return to live in WA once again. We have three children and our middle child was born and is a citizen off Australia. Would we be potentially eligible for a Residents return visa?

    Regards

    Reply
  10. Arlo
    June 13, 2013 at 10:58 am

    How do you provide proof of compelling compassionate leave to the Australian immigration.
    Many thanks

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      June 13, 2013 at 1:29 pm

      Not easy to answer, but your letter must show sufficient grounds to the official that makes the decision. Try to look at it from their point of view, when writing the letter, and see how you would think in their place.

      Reply
  11. Jim
    July 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    Am holding a valid PR with RRV expiring in Aug 2012.
    Do i have to renew my RRV eventhough i have
    no intention to travel out of Australia now.?

    And will only renew when i need to travel?

    Reply
  12. Fiona
    July 1, 2012 at 11:44 pm

    My Scottish husband has a Partner (residence) (BS 801) visa with multiple re-entries to Australia until 09 February 2015.

    We are looking at moving back to Scotland early in 2013 but are worried about where he will be “immigration wise” if we go for 4 or 5 years.

    Assume he will have to apply for a Resident Return Visa before we go, and that should give us 5 years (2018) to return - we might only last a year!!

    The question is when we get back, how long will he have to wait before he applies for his citizenship? We have 2yr old twin sons with dual passports.

    Any thoughts?

    Reply
  13. Neil
    May 20, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    Dear ABCDiamond,

    I have my PR visa for Australia that expires in 2012.
    I haev not stayed in Australia for more than 2 years in the last 5 years.
    I would like to request for an RRV as,

    1) I have purchased a property in the current country that i am residing.This property was purchased before the propert crash and recession.With my current income and savings, i shoul dbe able to clear this debt in 2 years and then be ready to move to Australi.

    2) My current employer requries me to stay in this current role for atleast 2 years, after which i will be considered for a job in Australia

    3) I have 2 kids and their future is in concern. I would not want to leave in debt especially since i will not have a job

    Can you advise

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      May 21, 2012 at 10:04 am

      You should direct this question to Immigration, together with those reasons. My answer would only be a guess, but I think it would be well worth trying. There is some flexibility…

      Reply
  14. David
    April 24, 2012 at 10:35 am

    I have family members who emigrated to Australia in 2005. The parents have become Australian citizens, who work and pay taxes here. The two girls have completed school, but haven’t become citizens. Both are at UNI, but the one who started Uni this year has been kicked out because she is not an Australian citizen. Can anyone tell me the rules? Seems rather unfair.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      April 24, 2012 at 12:56 pm

      Some Full university cost rebates or assistance are only available for Citizens, not for Permanent Residents. This is one of the few areas that are different between citizen and PR.

      However, to be kicked out does seem odd. I would be double checking that with the Uni, for the exact reason.

      The two girls should apply immediately for citizenship, otherwise the following apply:

      Permanent Residents of Australia undertaking an undergraduate program are Commonwealth Supported but
      must pay the relevant Student Contributions upfront without a discount.

      Permanent Residents of Australia who commenced their program from 2005 onwards are not eligible for HECSHELP or FEE-HELP and must pay their fees upfront without a discount by the fee due date.

      Some Permanent Residents of Australia may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place in a postgraduate program. Permanent Residents of Australia in all other postgraduate programs will be charged DTF rates.
      Please check with your relevant College as not all colleges have this option available.

      DTF = domestic tuition fee

      Citizenship can be obtained very quickly if needed with good reason. I did mine in 23 days between citizenship test and ceremony.

      Reply
  15. Anna
    April 11, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    Dear ABCDiamond

    My RRV expired in 2008 and it has been over 10 years since I was in Australia. Both my parents are Australian citizens (but not residing in Australia but hoping to relocate there preferably with my daughter and me). I have an aunt and cousin who are citizens and living in Australia over 40 years.

    Do I stand any chance of obtaining even a 3 month RRV?

    Thanks in advance.

    Anna

    Reply
  16. Anh Nguyen
    April 10, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    Hi,
    I had investment apartment in Melbourne, i only stay about 3 months during last 5 years in Australia? Can i apply for 5 years RRV? If they dont grant RRV, what will happen with my apartment if i dont have visa to come back to Australia?

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      April 11, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      My guess is that a 5 year RRV is out of the question. Maybe a 3 month one? Otherwise tourist visa is always an option to come and go to check your property. As you may end up not actually being a resident. it may be worth checking current rules with the FIRB on property owned by non-residents.

      Reply
  17. Suchet Handa
    March 26, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    Dear ABCDiamond

    Many thanks for your reply.

    I am returning to Australia in first week of April 2012. Then I will be having 6 months to reside and work in Australia as I have done Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Macquarie University. Will it be feasible enough for me to apply for my wife’s Temporary Residency now only or should I wait till I get my RRV. Please suggest.

    Thanks
    Suchet Handa

    Reply
  18. Suchet Handa
    March 23, 2012 at 5:39 am

    Hii

    My name is suchet handa. I am a PR since September 2007. My PR is expiring in September 2012. I left Australia in two months after getting my PR. Now I have 6 months remaining and I want to go back to Australia to renew my PR. I do not have as compelling reasons as required by the Australian immigration. Do you think or have any case study whereby the PR was renewed in such a case. Please suggest.
    Thanks & Regards

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      March 23, 2012 at 7:47 am

      The Australian Government grant a certain number of Permanent Residencies each year for people who want to live and work here in Australia.

      Other people who have applied, and want to be here, are still on waiting lists.

      The main criteria for the standard 5 year RRV is: You must have spent two of the last five years in Australia.

      Do you have a compelling reason to give to immigration, to keep your PR status at the cost of someone who actually wants to be here, not being able to get PR themselves ?

      That will be the thinking of the case officer, but if you can prove something to explain why you have not used your PR as intended, then they may allow it; otherwise, the best you will get will be a 3 month RRV.

      Reply
  19. Gary
    December 17, 2011 at 2:45 am

    I am outside Australia at present and my PR visa has expired. I spent less that 2 years (1 year 8 months) in Australia during the 5 year validity of my visa. I want to return to Australia and I do have compelling reasons to return.
    Q. Should I apply for the 3 month RRV or the 5 year RRV?

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      December 17, 2011 at 10:01 am

      Obviously without knowing the “compelling reasons” I can’t say with any certainty how the Immigration department might react.

      However, I would also add the third option, to apply for PR again, to your list. It may be something you may need to consider.

      When I was in your shoes, my compelling reasons included, having lived in Australia for 10 of the previous 14 years, having an Australian wife, and an Australian child, and a House in Australia. I still had to go through hoops to get my PR back.

      If your reasons are good enough, and only Immigration will judge that, then you should be OK, with an interview or two, and a load of paperwork. I came back on a Tourist Visa, and applied locally while I was back. I preferred to be here, and have the hassle, rather than doing it from afar.

      I wish you good luck.

      Reply
  20. Ronan
    November 18, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    Hi,

    I have a Permenant Residency visa but will only been living in Australia for 6 months of the 5 year visa. My brother is an australian citizen.

    Is this good enough for me to get another Residency visa after this one (which is up soon)??

    Reply
    • ABCDiamond
      November 18, 2011 at 1:15 pm

      For a Five year Resident Return visa: You must have spent two of the last five years in Australia as a permanent resident, or prove substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties of benefit to Australia. OR provide evidence of compelling reasons for your absence over the five years. I assume that the 2 years they mention is equal to a total of 24 months, during the last 5 year period.

      For a Three month Resident Return visa: You must have spent at least one day in the last five years in Australia as a permanent resident or an Australian citizen and provide evidence of compelling and compassionate reasons for your departure.

      A brother with citizenship will not be sufficient. My sister with citizenship was not for me, when I had the same problem. My Australian wife and child were though, although it entailed a couple of interviews at immigration. At first they wanted me to re-apply for PR.

      Reply
      • Ronan
        November 18, 2011 at 2:04 pm

        Thank you,

        I had thought this was the case but was not sure what “substantial personal ties of benefit to Australia” meant as it sounds very undefined. I thought maybe a brother with citizenship might do the trick but this does not seem to be the case.

        Thanks again for your help,

        It looks like its back to square one unless I can figure out what a “compelling reasons for my absence over the five years” might be or what constitutes a “compelling and compassionate reasons for my departure”.

        If anyone knows, let me know but I think I’m all out of luck???

        Reply
  21. lindsey mooney
    October 11, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    Hi, I am a British Citizen who has lived in Australia for 46 years I have a return visa which expires next year, Just wanted to know where I lodge the application for a renewal. I live at the Gold Coast Queensland, Can I lodge on a website or do I need to go into an office.

    regards
    Lindsey Mooney

    Reply
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