Resident Return Visas - what you need to know

Permanent Residency Visas for Australia are granted with a 5-year multiple travel facility. This means the visa holder can travel to and from Australia without any further visa for the 5-year period. Once the multiple travel facility has expired, or is about to expire, Australian Permanent Residents require a resident return visa (RRV) to be able to travel and retain their permanent residency status.

The residency requirement for an RRV is the applicant has spent 2 years in Australia as a permanent resident in the 5 years prior to applying. If you meet the residency requirement, and your name and date of birth has not changed since grant of the last visa, then the process is straightforward, and the application can be lodged online. In the majority of instances, the visa can be granted automatically. Where an applicant meets the residency requirement, the RRV will be granted for a 5-year period.

If you do not meet the residency requirement you can apply for an RRV if you are able to demonstrate substantial, personal, business, employment or cultural ties to Australia. Examples of the substantial ties are detailed below.

Business ties of benefit: You have substantial ownership in a business and personal involvement at a senior level in the day-to-day operations and management of a business.

Cultural ties of benefit: You undertake intellectual, artistic, sporting or religious pursuits that are adding to Australia’s cultural life.

Employment ties of benefit: You are currently employed or have a formal employment offer in Australia, or are employed outside Australia by an Australian organisation, or are employed by a non-Australian organisation that clearly benefits Australia.

Personal ties of benefit: You are, or have been, a participating member of the Australian community and economy.

If being granted an RRV based on substantial ties, the visa will be granted for a maximum of 12 months.

The processing times for applications based on substantial ties has extended out considerably, with processing times in excess of 6 months being experienced.

On this basis, we recommend you seek advice well in advance of travel and travel facility expiry. Travelling without having an RRV in place may impact your travel back to Australia and eligibility for citizenship.

Contact one of our consultants today to discuss your circumstances.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.