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Resident Return Visa 155 and 157 Australia 2026: Travel Facility and Residency Rules
Australian permanent residence allows a person to remain in Australia indefinitely, but the right to return after overseas travel depends on a valid travel facility. Resident Return visas (subclasses 155 and 157) are the main mechanism for restoring or extending that travel facility.
When do you need an RRV?
If a permanent resident leaves Australia after the travel facility on the permanent visa has expired, or the facility expires while the person is overseas, the person cannot simply return as a permanent resident without an appropriate travel authority. A permanent resident already in Australia who does not intend to travel does not need an RRV merely to remain permanently.
Official source: Department of Home Affairs — Resident Return visa 155/157.
The two-years-in-five residence test
Home Affairs states that a person who has been physically present in Australia as a permanent resident or Australian citizen for at least two years in the five years immediately before applying can receive a five-year subclass 155 travel facility.
What if you do not meet the residence test?
A subclass 155 can still be available in specified circumstances involving substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties to Australia that are of benefit to Australia, together with the applicable absence criteria. The maximum travel period where the residence requirement is not met is generally shorter than five years.
Subclass 157
When an applicant does not meet subclass 155 requirements but satisfies the separate subclass 157 criteria, Home Affairs may grant a subclass 157 RRV. The maximum travel facility for subclass 157 is three months.
RRV applications are assessed for both subclasses
A person lodging an RRV application is assessed against both subclass 155 and subclass 157 criteria. There is no limit on the number of RRVs a person can apply for, provided the criteria for a further grant are met.
For current application charges, see Australian Visa Fees 2026–27.