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Resident Return Visas
If you are a non-citizen permanent resident of Australia and wish to travel outside Australia and be able to return as a permanent resident you must hold a valid resident return visa. Resident return visas are generally valid for 5 years.
To make an application for a resident return visa you must submit a completed application form 1085 together with the visa application charge, a valid travel document and any additional documents required at the visa section of the Australian High Commission.
See: Resident Return Visa - checklist
See: Application for a Resident Return Visa - Form 1085
See: Return Documents for Australian citizens and Permanent residents - Form 968i
A person applying outside Australia is eligible for a resident return visa if they were lawfully present in Australia as a permanent resident for at least two years (cummulative), in the 5 year period immediately before making the application for the resident return visa.
If you are unable to meet the two year residential requirement you may qualify for a resident return visa if you have been in Australia as a permanent resident at some time in the past 5 years and can demonstrate substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties in Australia which are of benefit to Australia. See: Resident Return Visa - supplementary information .
If you are applying on concessional grounds, you should submit a written statement of your ties to Australia, together with supporting documentary evidence of such ties.
You may be eligible for a resident return visa (RRV) if you are a member of the family unit of a person, who is the family head and who is the holder of a valid RRV or will be granted a RRV (whether you apply at the same time or later than the family head). The spouse, dependent children and certain dependent relatives may be members of the family unit of a person who is the family head. In this case, the visa granted will have the same validity expiry date as the head of the family unit.
If you are unable to satisfy the criteria mentioned for grant of a resident return visa but you last departed Australia as a permanent resident less than 3 months before lodging your application, you may qualify for a restricted resident visa. This visa enables you to return to Australia within three months.
A valid resident return visa, which is in a lost or expired passport, can be re-evidenced into a new passport. You are required to submit a completed application form 1085 and pay a visa application charge.
Further information about visa procedures can be obtained by calling the visa section’s information service on 603-2146 5642 or e-mailing us at immigration.kuala-lumpur-visaenquiries@dfat.gov.au.