Australian Resident Return Visas
The Australian Resident Return Visas are designed for individuals who were previously permanent residents or long-term residents of Australia and wish to return to the country. These visas provide a pathway for former residents to resume their lives in Australia, either as permanent residents or through other special categories.
Australian Resident Return Visas offer a valuable opportunity for individuals who have previously lived in Australia as permanent residents or who have served in the Australian Defence Force to return and re-establish their lives in the country.
These visas recognise the ties and contributions of former residents, providing them with a pathway back to Australia and a chance to continue contributing to its society and economy.
Each type of visitor visa comes with its own eligibility requirements and conditions.
For personalised advice and assistance, Book an appointment a consultation appointment with Marion Le Consultancy.
Below is a detailed overview of the different types of Australian Former Resident Visas:
Resident Return Visa (RRV) - Subclass 155 and 157
These visas allow current and former permanent residents to maintain or regain their status as permanent residents in Australia. While not exclusively former resident visas, they serve a similar purpose by facilitating the return of former residents to Australia.
Resident Return Visa - Subclass 155
Purpose: Enables current or former permanent residents to travel outside Australia and return as permanent residents.
Eligibility:
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Must be a current or former Australian permanent resident.
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Must have spent at least 2 years out of the last 5 years in Australia as a permanent resident or meet substantial ties criteria if less time was spent in Australia.
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Substantial ties may include business, cultural, employment, or personal ties to Australia.
Duration:
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Up to 5 years for those who meet the 2-year residency requirement.
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Up to 1 year for those who demonstrate substantial ties but have not met the 2-year residency requirement.
Work Rights: Full work rights in Australia.
Study Rights: Access to education and training opportunities similar to those available to other permanent residents.
Benefits:
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Access to Medicare and social security benefits.
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Ability to sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas.
Processing Time:
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5-year visa: Approximately 4-6 weeks.
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1-year visa: Varies based on individual circumstances.
Resident Return Visa - Subclass 157
Purpose: Allows former permanent residents or citizens who need to return to Australia but do not meet the eligibility for the Subclass 155 visa.
Eligibility:
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Must have been an Australian permanent resident or citizen within the last 3 years.
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Must demonstrate compelling reasons for leaving Australia or not returning earlier.
Duration: Up to 3 months.
Work Rights: Full work rights in Australia during the visa validity period.
Study Rights: Access to education and training opportunities similar to those available to other permanent residents during the visa validity period.
Benefits:
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Allows short-term return to Australia to resolve residency or citizenship status.
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Access to Medicare and other benefits during the visa validity period.
Processing Time: Typically processed within 2-4 weeks, but times can vary based on individual circumstances.
Key Considerations
Eligibility Requirements: Each former resident visa has specific eligibility criteria that must be met, including residency history, ties to Australia, or defence service. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand and provide evidence for these requirements when applying.
Ties to Australia: Demonstrating substantial ties to Australia can be critical, especially for those who have not met residency requirements. This can include business, cultural, employment, or personal ties that show a genuine commitment to living in Australia.
Residency and Travel: The length of time spent outside Australia can impact eligibility and the type of visa granted. Understanding the residency and travel requirements is essential for maintaining permanent residency status.
Pathways to Citizenship: Former resident visas often provide a pathway to Australian citizenship, which may require meeting additional residency, character, and language requirements.
Financial Obligations: Visa application fees and potential costs related to gathering required documentation should be considered. Financial preparedness is essential for a smooth application process.
Legal Assistance: Given the complexity of visa applications and the importance of meeting specific criteria, consulting with a registered migration agent or legal professional can provide valuable guidance and increase the likelihood of a successful application.
For personalised advice and assistance, Book an appointment with Marion Le Consultancy.