The Resident Return Visa is for current and former permanent residents who wish to depart Australia and return as a permanent resident once the travel facility attached to their permanent visa has ceased.

Permanent Residency visas usually contain a five-year travel facility from date of visa grant allowing the Permanent Resident to travel to depart and enter Australia. Once this travel facility ceases or where it is about to cease, permanent residents should obtain a Resident Return visa to allow ongoing entry Australia.

Resident Return Visas suit individuals who:

• Intend to maintain Australian residence but do not want Australian citizenship;
• Have spent significant periods of time outside of Australia and do not meet the general residency requirement for Australian citizenship;
• Seek to re-establish their permanent residency in Australia.

Resident Return Visa eligibility criteria include:

• Meeting applicable residency criteria or alternatively, substantial ties requirements;
• Not hold an Authority to Return or Return Endorsement to Australia;
• Meeting applicable Public Interest Criteria (the character requirement);
• Not having a cancellation action against a business skills visa;
• Not having a former permanent residency visa cancelled.

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