Resident Return visa 155 / 157
For permanent residents whose travel facility has ended or is ending.
In force
Who it is for
Current or former Australian permanent residents (and former citizens) whose permanent visa travel facility has ended or is ending, and who want to keep re-entering as permanent residents.
Main requirements
- The 155 with a 5-year travel facility generally needs 2 years in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen in the last 5 years.
- Otherwise a shorter 155 or a 157 may be granted where there are substantial ties of benefit to Australia and compelling reasons for being away.
- Not for Australian citizens or people whose permanent visa was cancelled.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia.
Streams
- 155 (5 years)
- 157 (3 months)
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.
- Check your time in Australia
Count your days in Australia over the last 5 years.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks eligibility and the citizenship alternative. - 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 of ties
Where needed, evidence of substantial ties and compelling reasons.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the ties evidence. - Lodge and travel
Lodge and wait for the grant before travelling.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$1,475 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| 155 | 50% in under 1 day, 90% in 6 days |
|---|---|
| 157 | 50% in 18 days, 90% in 65 days |
Common refusal reasons
- Not enough time in Australia and no substantial ties or compelling reasons.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
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.