Welcome back! If you’re an Australian Permanent Resident (PR) considering a return to Australia after spending time abroad, you may be wondering about the best way to go about it, especially if you’ve been away for a significant period. Re-establishing your life in Australia requires understanding your current visa status, residency obligations, and potential pathways to ensure your return is as smooth as possible. Below are some tips to follow to help you get back in the country safely.
Check your PR visa status – confirm the status of your permanent residency visa. Australian PR visas are usually granted with a five-year travel facility, which means you can enter and leave Australia freely for five years. If this period has expired while you were away, you’ll need to take additional steps before returning.
If your travel facility has expired, you have a couple of options:
- Resident Return visa (RRV) (Subclass 155 /157), this visa is designed for current or former Australian permanent residents and former Australian citizens. The RRV (subclass 155 / 157) allows you to maintain or regain your permanent resident status.
- RRV (subclass 155) is the more common option and can be granted for up to five years if you have lived in Australia for at least two years in the last five.
- RRV (subclass 157) is a temporary solution, generally granted for three months, for those who haven’t maintained the two-year residence but have compelling and compassionate reasons for departure and return.
- To apply for an RRV (subclass 155 / 157), you will need to demonstrate your ties to Australia, which can include personal, employment, or business ties; ownership of property; or cultural and family relationships.
What if you are outside the two year requirement?
If you haven’t been residing in Australia for two out of the last five years and you don’t meet the criteria for a RRV (subclass 157), you can still apply for a RRV (subclass 155). However, you’ll need to demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to the country. This could include showing that you have professional business, or community ties that contribute economically, socially, or culturally.
Once you’ve sorted out your visa, it’s time to plan your return. Here are a few practical considerations:
- Accommodation – whether you’re renting or buying, consider reaching out to real estate agents or looking online for housing options ahead of your move.
- Employment – update your resume, reach out to your professional network in Australia, and start applying for jobs. Websites like SEEK and LinkedIn can be very useful.
- Healthcare – ensure that you register or renew your Medicare as soon as you arrive.
- Finances – notify your bank that you’re moving back to Australia, and arrange international money transfers or access to funds in Australia.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed back as a permanent resident. Remember to update your address with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department), reconnect with the state and federal services, and renew any necessary licenses or registrations.
If you’re thinking about staying in Australia indefinitely, consider applying for an Australian citizenship. Being a citizen ensures you no longer have to worry about visas and re-entry permits, and you can enjoy the full benefits of Australian nationality.
Returning to Australia after a long time away can be both exciting and daunting. Understanding your options, rights, and responsibilities as a permanent resident is crucial. If you need personalised advice or assistance navigating your return, our expert team at Regional Migration Australia is here to help you every step of the way. Welcome home!
Disclaimer – Content in these articles does not constitute immigration or legal advice, it is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. This material is designed to provide informative guidelines for general informational purposes only. Please consult with our Australian MARN registered agents’ via our content forms on our website or call on 1800 567 663 to make an appointment.
MARN – 2217877 / 1068715
