International moving companies in Australia
Discover how international moving companies in Australia operate, from services offered to logistics, ensuring a smooth relocation to your new home abroad.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia and wish to travel overseas and back, it is likely you will need a Resident Return Visa.
Read on to learn more about what a Resident Return Visa is, eligibility requirements and what to expect as you go through the process. Don’t forget to check the Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions on the Resident Return Visa.
📝 Table of contents |
---|
🚦Each person’s immigration journey is unique so it is best to consult an immigration specialist or professional for advice on your particular needs. The Australian Department of Home Affairs website is another genuine source for up to date information on Australian immigration. This article should not be taken as professional advice for your immigration to Australia.
🚀 Over 10 million people send money to local bank accounts overseas the fast, simple and low cost way with Wise. |
---|
Open your free Wise account now
A Resident Return Visa lets permanent residents of Australia travel in and out of the country until its expiry. A Resident Return Visa is required for any travel outside Australia after the first 5 years of your permanent residency is complete.
If you are a permanent resident but not intending to travel outside of Australia, you do not need a Resident Return Visa.
If you’re outside of Australia and your visa travel facility expires, you can not return to Australia as a permanent resident and will first require a Resident Return Visa.
A Resident Return Visa can only be applied for and renewed individually. Family members can not be added to another’s application and instead need their own. Including children and babies.
You can apply for a Resident Return Visa if you are outside Australia or if you are in the country.
The visa is digitally linked to your passport as an e-visa, and you will not be receiving a physical label for it. Instead it can be pulled up by Australian immigration authorities when you are at the airport based on your passport number.¹
First, to be eligible for a Resident Return Visa, you must be either²:
Next, you have to meet the residency requirements of either:
Substantial ties is defined by the Department of Home Affairs as³:
There are no age restrictions to be eligible for a Resident Return Visa. You however may not be granted a Resident Return Visa if you don’t meet the character requirement or have had a visa cancelled or refused by Australian authorities in the past.
A Resident Return Visa costs A$405 each time for each applicant if you apply online. It is A$485 each time for each applicant if you apply using a paper application. ⁴
You can use the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate your visa costs. Keep in mind that this does not include additional circumstantial costs that may be applied when there is a need for a health check, police verification or biometrics.
That depends on how long you have lived in Australia in the past 5 years⁵.
If you meet the residency requirements as a permanent resident, are a former Australian citizen or a former permanent resident, then you may be given a 5 year travel Resident Return Visa.
If you’ve lived for less than 730 days in Australia within the last 5 years as a current or former permanent resident, for a former citizen, you may only be given a Resident Return Visa for 12 months. You may need to show evidence of substantial ties however.
There may be additional unique circumstances where you may be granted a Resident Return Visa for 3 or 12 months by the Department of Home Affairs. It is best to check with them if you qualify.
Keep in mind that you will need to stay on top of when your Resident Return Visa expires, as you will not be alerted or notified when it has lapsed. You can do so by checking your visa conditions on the Visa Entitlement Verification Online, VEVO, system.
You will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa new every time after it has expired.
If you are an existing permanent resident of Australia, have spent at least 2 of the past 5 years as a resident of Australia and your name and date of birth have not changed since your last visa, you may be granted a Resident Return Visa automatically.
If this is your first time applying, here is a step by step guide on applying for a Resident Return Visa online:
Step 1: Ensure you have a valid passport and scan the pages in color that show your photo, name, details and passport issue and expiry dates. At this point also gather any documents that support evidence of substantial ties to Australia if necessary.
Step 2: Apply online using your existing ImmiAccount or sign up for it by creating a new account. You can also apply by paper application by using the Form 1085and mailing it to the address given.
Step 3: You can create applications for each family member and attach the respective documents to each application.
Step 4: Make the payment for each application. Your application will not be processed until the visa charge is paid.
Step 5: Submit the application.
You will be notified by the Department of Home Affairs if your Resident Return Visa is granted or refused. You will not receive any refunds for your application if it is refused.
You can apply for as many Resident Return Visas as you need as there is no cap on the number that can be granted to you as long as you are eligible during the time⁶.
About 90% of Resident Return Visa applications are processed within 3-4 months. But the Department of Home Affairs has highlighted that if you meet the residency requirements and your application is properly completed, you could have an answer within 5 working days from submission.
Inaccurate information, incomplete applications or non-payment of fee can prolong a response or rejection of the application.⁷
Your life is global so it is about time your money keeps up with you. With Wise, you can send money to bank accounts in 60+ currencies, like a local. It is free to sign up for a Wise account online or through the award winning Wise app.
(https://wise.com/au/account/)
Open your free Wise account now
With Wise, you will get the real exchange rate on every transaction. That means no mark ups or extra charges on top. You will only have to pay 1 small transfer fee on your transaction.
Give Wise a try the next time you’re sending money overseas and see how much time and money you can save on global money transfers.
A Permanent Residency visa in Australia allows for indefinite stay in Australia. However, after the first 5 years of your permanent residency your ability to travel in and out of the country becomes restricted. At that point you can apply for a Resident Return Visa which can be granted for another 5 years or begin the process for Australian citizenship.⁸
A permanent resident can stay in Australia indefinitely, but after the first 5 years your ability to travel on it will expire. You will have to either apply for a Resident Return Visa or for Australian citizenship.⁹
This will depend on the nature of your Australian visa. It is suggested to renew any visa that you may be using or will use in the near future before the expiration date. However, check the details of your particular visa on VEVO and speak to an immigration specialist for any assistance.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Discover how international moving companies in Australia operate, from services offered to logistics, ensuring a smooth relocation to your new home abroad.
Relaxing by the Pacific or Atlantic oceans, high altitude skiing across alpine country, trek through the desert or visit stunning national parks such as...
The UK is one of the most popular destinations that Aussies, and other foreign nationals alike flock to see Buckingham palace, the Scottish highlands or the...
If you’re an Aussie who’s keen to relocate and see what life is like over the ditch in New Zealand, you’re not alone, thousands of Australians make this move...
Pursuing a life in Canada, whether as a gap year between educational pursuits or for a longer stint due to work or other reasons, represents an exciting...
With its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and varied attractions, it’s no wonder Australians are flocking to Japan by the thousands.¹³ In the first...