Residence Return (Subclass 155)
Maintain or Restore Your Right to Return as a Permanent Resident
The Residence Return Visa (RRV) – Subclass 155 allows Australian permanent residents to travel in and out of Australia after their initial travel facility has expired.
Our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne assist permanent residents with residence history assessment, substantial ties evidence, and compliant RRV lodgement, ensuring your PR status remains effective for travel.
Your PR status may still be valid, but your travel rights may not be. This visa fixes that.
What Is the Residence Return Visa (Subclass 155)?
The Subclass 155 visa is for Australian permanent residents who need to leave and re-enter Australia after their 5-year travel facility has expired or is about to expire.
This visa allows you to:
- Re-enter Australia as a permanent resident
- Travel internationally during the visa validity
- Maintain eligibility for Australian citizenship (if residence rules are met)
Important: RRV does not grant PR. It restores travel rights only.
Who Needs a Subclass 155 Visa?
You may need an RRV if:
- Your PR travel facility has expired
- You are outside Australia and want to return as a PR
- You plan to travel overseas after long absence
- You have lived overseas for work, family, or personal reasons
Types of Residence Return Visas
- 5-Year RRV
Granted if you:
- Have spent at least 2 years (730 days) in Australia as a PR in the last 5 years
This is the strongest and simplest RRV outcome.
How V CAN Migration Services Helps
RRV success depends on correct strategy before lodgement.
Our structured approach:
- PR Status & Travel History Review
- Residence Days Calculation
- Substantial Ties Assessment
- Evidence Structuring & Submission
- RRV Application Lodgement
- Travel & Citizenship Planning Advice
We focus on maximising visa duration, not minimum approvals.
- 1-Year RRV
Granted if:
- You have substantial ties to Australia
- Residence requirement is not met
Substantial ties may be:
- Employment ties
- Business ties
- Family ties
- Cultural ties
- 3-Month RRV
Granted in limited cases where:
- You have compelling and compassionate reasons
- You need short-term travel access
Eligibility Requirements – Subclass 155
- Australian Permanent Resident Status
You must currently hold Australian PR.
- Residence Requirement (Preferred)
At least 730 days in Australia in the last 5 years
- Substantial Ties (If Residence Not Met)
Evidence may include:
- Ongoing Australian employment or job offers
- Australian business interests
- Immediate family living in Australia
- Long-term commitment to Australia
- Character Requirement
You must meet character standards under Australian migration law.
Eligibility Requirements – SID (Subclass 482) Visa
Common Mistakes That Lead to RRV Refusal
- ❌ Assuming PR never expires
- ❌ Applying without checking travel history
- ❌ Weak or undocumented “substantial ties”
- ❌ Waiting until stranded overseas
RRV decisions are evidence-based, not sympathy-based.
Why Choose V CAN Migration Services?
- Registered Migration Agent-led RRV strategy
- Accurate residence & travel calculations
- Strong experience with substantial-ties cases
- Clear advice, no false reassurance
Need Help With a Residence Return Visa (Subclass 155)?
Speak with Registered Migration Agents at V CAN Migration Services – Melbourne for accurate eligibility assessment and compliant RRV lodgement.
Popular Migration Services
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It restores travel rights for existing PR holders.
Yes. RRV can be lodged inside or outside Australia.
From 3 months to 5 years, depending on eligibility.
Residence time still matters. Planning is essential.
You may lose the right to return as a PR. Immediate professional advice is critical.