Subclass 155 / 157 Resident Return visa (RRV)
Permanent residents (or former PRs/citizens) who need to renew their travel facility to re-enter Australia as a PR.
The Resident Return visa (RRV) (subclass 155 / 157) is an Australian residence & other visa. This guide covers who the 155 / 157 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025-26 cost (~$565) and processing time (~days to a few weeks), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions.
Who the 155 / 157 visa is for
Permanent residents (or former PRs/citizens) who need to renew their travel facility to re-enter Australia as a PR.
Maintains your permanent residence and the right to travel and re-enter Australia.
Subclass 155 / 157 eligibility criteria
- Be (or have been) an Australian permanent resident or citizen
- Meet the residence requirement (generally 2 years in Australia in the last 5), or show substantial ties
- Not have had PR cancelled
- Character requirements
Subclass 155 / 157 cost & processing time (2025-26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Resident Return visa (RRV) (subclass 155 / 157) is ~$565, with an indicative processing time of ~days to a few weeks. Figures are for 2025-26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Permanent (travel facility) |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | Permanent residence; 5-year (or shorter) travel facility |
| Work rights | Unlimited |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ~$565 |
| Processing time | ~days to a few weeks |
| Pathway to PR | Maintains your permanent residence and the right to travel and re-enter Australia. |
Pathway & next steps
Maintains your permanent residence and the right to travel and re-enter Australia.
Many applicants also compare the 189 (Skilled Independent visa), the 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa), the Citizenship (Australian Citizenship (by conferral)). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 155 / 157 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 155 / 157 visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 155 / 157 visa cost?
The Resident Return visa (RRV) (subclass 155 / 157) base application charge is ~$565. Government charges are indicative for 2025-26 and usually change on 1 July - always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 155 / 157 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~days to a few weeks. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 155 / 157 visa lead to permanent residence?
Maintains your permanent residence and the right to travel and re-enter Australia.
Can I work on the subclass 155 / 157 visa?
Work rights on the Resident Return visa (RRV) (subclass 155 / 157): Unlimited.
Who can apply for the 155 / 157 visa?
Permanent residents (or former PRs/citizens) who need to renew their travel facility to re-enter Australia as a PR.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change - confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) - official Australian immigration authority