Former Resident visa 151
Permanent visa for some former permanent residents who grew up in Australia, and for certain pre-1981 Australian Defence Force members.
In force
Who it is for
Former Australian permanent residents who spent a long period in Australia as children (long residence requirement), or people who served in the Australian Defence Force before 1981 (defence service requirement).
Main requirements
- Long residence: if 18 or over, at least 9 years in Australia as a permanent resident before turning 18 (if under 18, at least half your life); under 45 when you apply; never an Australian citizen; plus the other long residence conditions on the Home Affairs page.
- Defence service: before 1981, at least 3 months of continuous Australian defence service, or discharge earlier as medically unfit because of that service. No age limit.
- Close ties to Australia, health and character; an Assurance of Support may be asked for.
- Apply on paper.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance. If you apply in Australia you must be in Australia at the decision; if outside, outside at the decision.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Confirm the requirement you meet
Long residence or defence service.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks childhood residence or service records. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence
Old visa and residence records, school records, or defence service records.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent obtains and organises historic records. - Paper lodgement
Lodge the paper application with the charge.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges the paper application correctly. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Permanent residence
Medicare and citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans citizenship timing.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,005 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,000 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,500 |
| Second instalment, each applicant 18 or over without functional English | A$4,890 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Not listed in the Home Affairs processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs processing times |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Not enough years of permanent residence as a child.
- 45 or over (long residence).
- Previously an Australian citizen.
- Defence service not proven.
- Character, especially where a past visa was cancelled.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Residence or service
- Identity and character
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2026
Charges from 1 July 2026: main applicant A$6,005.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.