Residence Return (Subclass 157)

Short-Term Travel Facility for Australian Permanent Residents

The Residence Return Visa (RRV) – Subclass 157 allows Australian permanent residents to re-enter Australia when their travel facility has expired and they do not qualify for a longer RRV (Subclass 155).

Our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne assess residence history, recent presence, and compelling reasons to determine whether Subclass 157 is the right option—or whether a Subclass 155 strategy will produce a better outcome.

This visa is very limited in duration and should be used strategically.

What Is the Residence Return Visa (Subclass 157)?

The Subclass 157 visa is a short-term RRV granted to permanent residents who:

Have spent at least 1 day in Australia in the last 5 years, and
Have compelling and compassionate reasons for needing to return to Australia

This visa allows you to:

Re-enter Australia as a permanent resident
Remain lawfully in Australia
Re-establish residence to apply for a longer RRV later

Important: This visa is typically granted for up to 3 months only.

Who Is the Subclass 157 Visa For?

You may be eligible if:

You are an Australian permanent resident
Your 5-year travel facility has expired
You do not meet the 2-year residence requirement for Subclass 155
You were recently in Australia (at least 1 day in last 5 years)

You have compelling reasons for your absence or urgent return

How V CAN Migration Services Helps

Subclass 157 cases require precise positioning, not guesswork.

Our structured approach:

PR Status & Travel History Review
Eligibility Check: 157 vs 155
Compelling Reasons Evidence Strategy
Application Preparation & Lodgement
Post-Arrival RRV Planning
Citizenship & Long-Term Travel Advice

We aim to restore stability, not just secure a short entry.

Eligibility Requirements – Subclass 157

You must already hold Australian PR.

At least 1 day physically in Australia within the last 5 years.

Examples include:

Serious illness or death of a family member
Natural disasters
Employment or business obligations overseas
Unavoidable personal circumstances

Evidence is mandatory, not optional.

You must meet Australian character standards.

Key Features of the Subclass 157 Visa

Usually granted for up to 3 months only.

Allows lawful re-entry as a permanent resident.

Used to re-enter Australia and then apply for a longer RRV (Subclass 155) from inside Australia.

You must meet new criteria for any future RRV.

Common Reasons Subclass 157 Is Refused

❌ No proof of recent presence in Australia
❌ Weak or undocumented “compelling reasons”
❌ Applying when Subclass 155 would be more appropriate
❌ Assuming this visa grants long-term travel rights

This visa is assessed strictly and narrowly.

Why Choose V CAN Migration Services?

Registered Migration Agent-led RRV assessment
Strong experience with complex travel history cases
Evidence-focused strategy
Honest advice on best visa outcome

Need Help With a Residence Return Visa (Subclass 157)?

Speak with Registered Migration Agents at V CAN Migration Services – Melbourne for accurate eligibility assessment and compliant RRV lodgement.