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Resident Return Visas

What you should know:


•   A Resident Return Visa (RRV) allows permanent residents or eligible former citizens to re-enter Australia while maintaining their permanent residency
•    Five-year RRVs are granted to applicants who have lived in Australia for at least 2 years (730 days) in the past 5 years
•    One-year RRVs may be granted to those who don’t meet the residency requirement but can prove substantial ties to Australia
•    Substantial ties include business interests, cultural contributions, employment, or strong personal relationships in Australia
•    RRVs allow multiple entries into Australia during the visa’s validity period
•    This visa is essential if your original permanent residency visa has expired and you plan to travel abroad
•    Applications can be submitted online or on paper, and processing times may vary
•    The RRV is not a travel or re-entry permit but a visa that maintains your permanent resident status outside Australia
•    It's strongly recommended to renew your RRV before leaving Australia if your travel rights have expired or will expire soon
•   API helps assess eligibility, demonstrate substantial ties if needed, and prepare strong applications for quick and successful outcomes

 

The Resident Return Visa (RRV) in Australia is a travel facility that allows Australian permanent residents and former citizens to maintain their status and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after traveling abroad. It is essential for individuals who hold a permanent visa and intend to leave Australia and return after the initial five-year validity of their visa has expired or if they wish to travel after their Resident Return Visa has expired.

Here are the key details about the Resident Return Visa (RRV) in Australia:

  1. Eligibility: a. Current Australian permanent residents: Individuals who currently hold a valid Australian permanent resident visa can apply for the RRV to maintain their permanent residency status while traveling abroad. b. Former Australian citizens: People who were former Australian citizens but have lost their citizenship and now hold an eligible visa can also apply for the RRV.
     

  2. Visa Validity: a. Five-year RRV: The most common RRV is valid for a period of five years. This means that the visa holder can re-enter Australia as a permanent resident multiple times during the five-year validity period. b. One-year RRV: In some cases, individuals may be granted a one-year RRV if they do not meet the residency requirements for the five-year visa but have substantial ties to Australia. This shorter validity period allows them to re-establish their residence in Australia within a year.
     

  3. Residency Requirement: To be eligible for a five-year RRV, an applicant must meet the residency requirement. This means that they must have spent at least two years (730 days) physically present in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen in the last five years before applying for the visa. Alternatively, they must demonstrate substantial ties to Australia.
     

  4. Substantial Ties: If an applicant does not meet the residency requirement, they can still apply for a one-year RRV by proving substantial ties to Australia. Substantial ties can include significant business, cultural, employment, or personal connections to Australia.
     

  5. Multiple Entry: The RRV allows multiple entries into Australia during its validity period. Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia as many times as they wish without having to reapply for a visa each time.
     

  6. Application Process: The RRV application can be lodged online or by paper. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually based on the applicant's circumstances and supporting documentation.
     

  7. Processing Time: The processing time for RRV applications may vary depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances. It's advisable to apply well before the intended travel date to ensure a timely processing of the application.

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It's essential to note that the Resident Return Visa is not a re-entry permit or travel visa. It is a visa that maintains an individual's permanent resident status while they are outside of Australia. It's crucial to ensure that your RRV is valid before departing Australia if you plan to return as a permanent resident.

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As government policies and requirements may change, it's advisable to refer to the official Australian government website or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date information on the Resident Return Visa in Australia.

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If you're a permanent resident or a former Australian citizen planning to travel abroad, the Resident Return Visa (RRV) is essential to maintain your status. You’ll need this visa if your original PR travel facility has expired or is about to expire. If you’ve spent at least 730 days in Australia in the past five years, you may qualify for a 5-year RRV. Otherwise, you can still apply for a 1-year RRV by showing substantial ties—like family, business, or cultural connections. Don’t risk being locked out—we help you assess eligibility, gather supporting documents, and submit a strong application. Start your journey back to Australia with expert help today.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Resident Return Visa if I’m already a permanent resident?

Yes, if your travel facility has expired or will expire soon, you’ll need an RRV to re-enter Australia while retaining your permanent resident status.

2. What is the minimum time I must have spent in Australia to get a 5-year RRV?

You must have lived in Australia for at least 730 days (2 years) in the last 5 years as a permanent resident or citizen.

3. What if I haven’t met the 730-day requirement?

You can still apply for a 1-year RRV if you can demonstrate substantial ties to Australia—such as business, cultural, employment, or close personal ties.

4. Can I travel multiple times on an RRV?

Yes, RRVs allow multiple entries into Australia during their validity period.

5. How do I apply for a Resident Return Visa?

You can apply online or on paper. We recommend applying well before your intended travel to avoid delays.

6. Can I renew my RRV from outside Australia?

Yes, you can apply from inside or outside Australia. However, applying before leaving Australia ensures your travel plans remain smooth and uninterrupted.

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