From July 24, 2017, applicants residing in China can submit a paper-based 155 / 157 visa application via the Australian Visa Application Center in China, subject to a AVAC service fee.
Overview of 155 / 157 Home return Visa
The 155 / 157 resident return visa is a permanent visa for current permanent Australian residents, former Australian residents, and former Australian citizens. This visa allows you to maintain or restore your eligibility to return to Australia as an Australian permanent resident.
155 conditions for residents to apply for a return visa
- In the past five years, the applicant has lived in Australia for two years as an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
- In the past five years, the applicant has not lived in Australia as an Australian citizen or permanent resident for more than two years, but has proved to have a real business, cultural, employment or private connection with Australia; and
- In Australia, there is sufficient evidence to support the reasons for leaving Australia in the past five years;
- Application outside Australia, the last time he left Australia was an Australian citizen or permanent resident, there is sufficient evidence to prove the reasons for leaving Australia in the past five years;
- For applications outside Australia, they have been Australian citizens or permanent residents for the past 10 years. There is sufficient evidence to support the reasons for leaving Australia in the past five years;.
In the past five years, the applicant has not lived in Australia as an Australian citizen or permanent resident for more than two years, but the immediate family has a 155 visa or is in the process of applying for a 155 visa, and the immediate family has met the 155 visa application conditions.
157 conditions for residents to apply for a return visa
- Legal residence in Australia for at least one day in the past five years;
- Not enough to live in Australia for the past five years;
- While living in Australia, he is an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
- If applying abroad, provide sufficient evidence and reasons for leaving Australia.
155 / 157 residents' Application for return Visa
- Prepare application materials;
- Register with DIBP account, apply online;
- The applicant is in Australia, if can't apply online, can call or apply to visa center;
- Applicants are outside Australia. If they are unable to apply online, they can apply to an overseas visa center.
155 / 157 resident return visa processing cycle
- In Australia, 75 per cent of applications take six days and 90 per cent take 11 days;
- Submitted outside Australia for a two-week trial period.
155 / 157 resident return visa validity
- Prior to the application, you have lived in Australia for more than two years in the past five years, and your 155 resident return visa will be granted for a period of five years;
- If you have not lived in Australia for two years as a PR in the past five years, but are in compliance with the 'close ties with Australia' clause, your 155th resident return visa will be granted for a period of one year;
- For example, in the past five years, you have not lived in Australia as a PR for more than two years, but your immediate family members hold or are applying for a 155th visa, and the immediate family meets the requirements of the application. Your 155 resident return visa will be granted for a period of 1 year or less;
- If you do not belong to the above situation, the Immigration Service will grant a 3-month valid 157 visa.
