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Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa Granted After More Than a Decade Overseas

Visa TypeSubclass 155
CategoryResident Return

Case Summary

A family granted permanent residency in 2009 who had not returned to Australia for over a decade — having incorrectly believed their status was permanently lost — successfully obtained a Subclass 155 Resident Return Visa within two business days.

Background

The applicant family was granted permanent residency offshore in August 2009. After two short visits to Australia of less than four weeks each, they returned to China to manage their growing business and raise young children. Following the expiry of their travel facility, they were incorrectly advised by a previous agent that they would need to reapply for a new permanent residence visa. Believing their status was lost, they did not return to Australia for over a decade before seeking advice in 2023.

Challenges

  • More than ten years of absence with no physical ties to Australia — no property, employment, or extended periods of residence
  • The family had been incorrectly advised their PR was lost, causing further delay and compounding the absence
  • A compelling and well-documented case needed to be built around personal and business reasons for the prolonged stay overseas

How We Helped

We developed a comprehensive narrative around the family's compelling personal and business-related reasons for remaining overseas, supported by documented evidence of their ongoing intention to return. We assembled nearly 60 supporting documents to build a robust case demonstrating both the genuine reasons for the prolonged absence and their current commitment to resettling in Australia.

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Key Success Factors

  • Thorough and well-structured narrative addressing the specific reasons for each year of absence
  • Nearly 60 supporting documents that collectively established a credible intention to return to Australia
  • Clear rebuttal of the prior incorrect advice and demonstration that the underlying PR had never been extinguished
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Outcome

The application was approved within two business days of lodgement with no request for further information. The family successfully regained their residency status and was able to return to Australia as permanent residents. This case demonstrates that a lengthy absence does not in itself preclude the grant of a Resident Return Visa when a well-documented and compelling case is presented.

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