Visa file / Citizenship, residence and bridging visas
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.
Published eligibility
- 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)
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Check your time in Australia
Count your days in Australia over the last 5 years.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks eligibility and the citizenship alternative.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Evidence of ties
Where needed, evidence of substantial ties and compelling reasons.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the ties evidence.
- 04
Lodge and travel
Lodge and wait for the grant before travelling.
Where a registered migration agent can help
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$1,475 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| 155 | under 1 day | 6 days |
| 157 | 18 days | 65 days |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Not enough time in Australia and no substantial ties or compelling reasons.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Application
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.