Australia – Resident Return Visa – Frequent Questions

Resident Return Visa Australia – Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?
• Can I continue to use my permanent residence visa when my passport expires?
• What do I do once I migrate to Australia and the re-entry component of my permanent residence visa expires?
• My passport will expire before my visa is due to expire?
• Can I apply for the RRV even though my permanent residency visa has expired?
• Do I need to be in Australia at the time of lodgement?
• Is there any limit on the number of RRV that I can be granted?
• If my application is refused, can I apply again?

Do I need a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

Everybody, except Australian citizens and New Zealand citizens travelling on their New Zealand passport, must have a visa to travel to Australia. If you are a permanent resident of Australia and intend to travel away from Australia, you should ensure that you have a visa, which is valid for re-entry, on your return to Australia. This visa can be your original permanent resident visa, or a Resident Return Visa, as long as it authorises travel to Australia on the date you return. The visa can be in your current passport or in an expired passport that you also carry with you while you travel.

Can I continue to use my permanent residence visa when my passport expires?

When your passport with a valid Australia permanent residence visa expires, the visa does not become invalid. You may choose to have your existing visa reprinted into your new passport (processing fee applies), or you may merely carry your old passport (with valid visa) and your new passport together, whenever travelling in or out of Australia.

What do I do once I migrate to Australia and the re-entry component of my permanent residence visa expires?

Once in Australia, permanent residents only need to obtain a subsequent resident return visa if and when they wish to leave Australia. Permanent resident visas provide for an indefinite stay in Australia.

My passport will expire before my visa is due to expire?

This is not a problem you may travel with both your new passport and your old passport with the visa attached. Alternatively, you may approach any DIBP office in the world and get your visa re-evidenced in your new passport. There may be a charge for this.

Can I apply for the RRV even though my permanent residency visa has expired?

You can still meet the eligibility requirements for a  RRV even if your permanent residency visa has expired.

Do I need to be in Australia at the time of lodgement?

Generally speaking, no.

Is there any limit on the number of RRV that I can be granted?

No.

If my application is refused, can I apply again?

Yes.

If you have had a visa refused you should not delay, contact us immediately to discuss your options.