Citizenship and residence · Subclass 155 / 157
Resident Return visa
For permanent residents whose travel facility has ended or is ending.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
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.
Key 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 to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia.
Your journey, step by step
Check your time in Australia
Count your days in Australia over the last 5 years.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks eligibility and the citizenship alternative.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence of ties
Where needed, evidence of substantial ties and compelling reasons.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the ties evidence.
Lodge and travel
Lodge and wait for the grant before travelling. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$1,475 |
Streams: 155 (5 years), 157 (3 months).
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Not enough time in Australia and no substantial ties or compelling reasons.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Resident Return visa (subclasses 155 and 157)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.