How much does it cost to renew a permanent resident visa in Australia? A permanent resident visa in Australia allows a non-citizen to live in the country indefinitely. This visa gives people the right to stay, work, and study in Australia. It also offers access to public healthcare and social benefits. However, permanent residents are not citizens. They do not have the right to vote in federal elections or get an Australian passport.
Even though permanent residency lets you stay in Australia forever, the travel facility attached to it usually lasts for five years. After five years, you need to renew the travel facility if you plan to travel outside of Australia and return.
Why Do You Need to Renew Your Permanent Resident Travel Facility?
Many people misunderstand the term “renewing permanent residency.” Technically, permanent residency itself does not expire. But the travel facility connected to the visa does. This travel facility allows permanent residents to leave and re-enter Australia. Once the travel facility expires, the person can still live in Australia, but cannot return if they leave the country.
To renew this travel facility, a person must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV), also known as subclass 155 or 157. This is the official way to renew the travel rights of a permanent resident.
What Is the Resident Return Visa (RRV)?
The Resident Return Visa is a special visa for current or former Australian permanent residents and certain Australian citizens. It allows them to maintain or regain their permanent resident status for travel.
There are two types of RRVs:
Subclass 155: For people who have spent at least two years in Australia during the last five years.
Subclass 157: For people who have not spent enough time in Australia but have strong ties to the country.
You can apply for the RRV from inside or outside Australia. The key requirement is to prove your connection to Australia.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Permanent Resident Visa?
As of 2025, the standard application charge for a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157) is AUD 465.
This cost is the same whether you apply online or by paper form. The fee must be paid at the time of application. It is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
If you are applying outside Australia and cannot access the online system, you may need to pay additional handling fees through embassies or visa offices. These costs can vary.
You can pay the fee using credit card, PayPal, or other accepted payment methods on the Australian immigration website.
Are There Any Other Costs Involved?
The main cost is the application fee. However, you may face other indirect costs depending on your situation.
Some examples include:
Document translation fees: If your documents are not in English, you will need to pay for certified translations.
Courier charges: If you apply by post, you may have to pay to send documents safely.
Agent or lawyer fees: If you use a migration agent or lawyer to help with the application, you will need to pay for their service. Fees for these services can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Using a migration agent is optional. Many people choose to apply on their own using the online portal provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
How Long Is the RRV Valid?
The validity of the RRV depends on your situation:
If you have lived in Australia for two years out of the last five, you can get a five-year RRV.
If you have spent less time in Australia but have strong ties (such as family or business), you may get a one-year visa.
In special cases, like urgent travel needs, a three-month visa might be granted.
The duration of the RRV is up to the discretion of the immigration officers, and they base their decision on your history and ties to Australia.
What Are the Main Requirements for the RRV?
To apply for a Resident Return Visa, you must meet certain conditions:
Permanent resident status: You must currently hold or have previously held a permanent visa.
Time spent in Australia: If you’ve been in Australia for at least two years in the past five years, your chances of getting a five-year visa are strong.
Ties to Australia: If you haven’t lived in Australia recently, you must prove close personal, business, cultural, or employment ties.
Good character: You must be of good character and may need to submit police checks.
Each application is reviewed individually, so make sure your documents clearly support your case.
How Do You Apply for a Resident Return Visa?
You can apply online through the official Australian immigration website. The steps are as follows:
Create an account on the ImmiAccount portal.
Fill out the application form.
Upload supporting documents such as passports, evidence of time in Australia, and proof of ties.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application.
You will receive updates by email or through your ImmiAccount. Most online applications are processed quickly, often within a few days.
If you cannot apply online, you can download Form 1085 and apply by paper, but this may take longer.
What Happens If You Are Outside Australia and Your Travel Facility Has Expired?
If you are overseas and your permanent resident travel facility has expired, you must apply for an RRV before returning to Australia. You will not be allowed to enter the country without a valid travel facility.
It is important to apply for the RRV and wait for approval before booking flights. If your RRV is refused, you may need to consider other visa options or appeal the decision.
Can You Stay in Australia If Your Travel Facility Has Expired?
Yes, you can stay in Australia even if your travel facility has expired. You are still a permanent resident and can live, work, and use public services. However, if you leave the country, you will not be able to return without a new visa.
Many people choose to apply for citizenship once they meet the eligibility criteria. Australian citizenship removes the need for a travel facility and gives you an Australian passport.
What If Your RRV Is Refused?
If your Resident Return Visa is refused, you will be notified by the immigration office. The refusal letter will explain the reasons and tell you whether you can appeal the decision.
You can:
Reapply with better documentation.
Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), if eligible.
Seek legal advice to understand your options.
It is best to make sure your initial application is strong and well-documented to avoid delays or refusal.
Can You Apply for Australian Citizenship Instead?
Yes, many permanent residents choose to apply for Australian citizenship. This gives them full rights as citizens and removes the need for RRVs in the future.
To apply for citizenship, you usually must:
Have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years.
Have been a permanent resident for at least one year.
Be of good character.
Pass a citizenship test.
The fee for the citizenship application is AUD 540 for most adult applicants.
Citizenship is a long-term solution for those who plan to stay in Australia permanently and want full rights and security.
Is It Necessary to Use a Migration Agent?
No, it is not required to use a migration agent. Many people apply for RRVs by themselves using the online platform.
However, if your case is complex—for example, if you have spent most of your time outside Australia or your visa history is unusual—a registered migration agent can help.
Always check that the agent is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) before hiring anyone.
Can You Renew the RRV Multiple Times?
Yes, you can apply for and receive a Resident Return Visa multiple times. There is no limit to the number of times you can renew it.
However, each time you apply, you must meet the eligibility criteria. If you continue to live mostly outside Australia, your chances of getting longer visas (like five years) may reduce over time.
It is always helpful to keep a record of your time spent in Australia and maintain strong ties such as family, property, or business.
Conclusion
Renewing a permanent resident visa in Australia usually means renewing the travel facility through a Resident Return Visa. The application cost is AUD 465 as of 2025, and it can be done online easily.
If you have spent enough time in Australia and have strong ties, the process is smooth. If not, you must prepare your application carefully and provide good evidence.
Always keep track of the expiry date of your travel facility. Planning ahead can save you from stress, extra costs, or even being locked out of Australia.
Whether you are renewing your travel rights or moving toward citizenship, knowing the process and costs involved is the first step toward a secure future in Australia.
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