About this Visa

Only Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry to Australia. If you hold a permanent visa you have the right to remain in Australia indefinitely, however if you choose to travel outside Australia, you must ensure you have authority to return. Generally a permanent visa will allow the holder to travel into Australia for up to five years from the date of grant.

The Resident Return visa (subclass 155) is a permanent visa for current or former Australian permanent residents and former Australian citizens. This visa will allow you to maintain or regain your status as an Australian permanent resident.

If you want to return to Australia after your current visa expires, you should apply for a visa before you leave Australia.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for you if the travel validity period of your permanent visa has expired or is about to expire.

How much will this visa cost?

There is an application charge for this visa. This will usually not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful, or if you decide to withdraw your application after you have lodged it. Each person must apply separately and pay the application charge.
See: Visa Charges ( 84KB PDF file)

What does this visa let me do?

This visa allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. It also allows you to leave and enter Australia as often as you want, within the validity period of the visa, while maintaining your status as a permanent resident.