Subclass 157 (Resident Return) Visa allows individuals to undertake all their original permanent visa activities, including:

● Live in Australia permanently
● Work and study privileges
● Enrolment in Medicare
● Travel to and from Australia as long as the validity of the visa travel facility
● Sponsorship of eligible relatives for permanent residence
● Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

Eligibility

Individuals may be eligible for a Subclass 157 visa if they:

● have spent at least 1 day but less than 2 years lawfully in Australia within the 5 years preceding their visa application,
● have maintained Australian permanent residency or citizenship throughout their stay, and
● possesses a compelling and compassionate reason for departing from Australia

Location when Applying

Individuals can be in or outside Australia when applying for this visa.

Individuals must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) before leaving Australia if their current visa’s travel restrictions are about to expire or in the process of expiring. Although individuals can leave Australia while their RRV application is ongoing, they must ensure they have a re-entry visa before they return.

Including Family

Family members cannot be included in the application. However, information about immediate family members who are Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents must be given if one intends to showcase that they have substantial and beneficial ties to Australia.

Read more about Subclass 157 (Resident Return) Visa.