Resident Return Visa

Before you start

Before you continue you should read all the information about the Resident Return visa.
See:
Returning Residents
Return Documents for Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Australian permanent residents can also check their eligibility and apply for Australian citizenship.
See: Applying for Citizenship

Online applications can be made using a computer with an internet connection.

To apply online your browser must support 128 bit encryption. You can check your browser if you experience problems connecting to these services.
See: Online Services – Browser Requirements

Start an application

You are encouraged to complete your application with as much information as possible at time of lodgement. Applications with missing information may take longer to finalise.

Location	Related information	See
In Australia	For Australian permanent residents, inside Australia. Note: You are not able to apply online if you are a former Australian permanent resident or former Australian citizen.	Start your application
Outside Australia	If you are outside Australia you can only apply by post or in person.	Applications by mail or in person

Continue a saved application

Location	Related information	See
In Australia	You will need to use your Saved Application ID and password.	Continue a saved application

To complete an application you may be required to attach supporting documentation.
See: Attaching Documents to a Resident Return Visa Application

Check the progress of your lodged application

Location	Related information	See
In Australia	You will need to use your Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Singapore and German citizens may experience problems checking on the progress of their application through the department's query application status facility.	Check the progress of your application Singapore Visa Applications German Visa Applications

Resident Return visa label requirements

Australia does not require you to have a Resident Return visa label or stamp in your passport to remain in or enter Australia. However, if you are travelling through other countries, you may be required by those countries to have an Australian visa label or stamp in your passport.

If you intend travelling though any country which may require you to have an Australian visa label or stamp in your passport, we recommend that you get a visa label in your passport.

A visa label may be obtained by attending any office of the department with your current passport, or by sending in your passport by registered post to your nearest office.
Note: The first label of a Resident Return visa is free, however, a fee applies for an additional label.

Information on Resident Return visa charges is available in the Fees and Charges pages.
See: Returning Resident Visa Charges

Your visa is linked electronically to the passport details provided in your visa application. You can view your visa online using Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). VEVO is a free internet service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It allows you, and your employer or education provider, to view your visa details online.
See: Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) for Visa Holders

Help

If you are experiencing difficulty with the application, most fields have help that can be accessed by clicking on the symbol.

If this help does not meet your needs please contact the department.
See: Online application enquiry form