Permanent residence and the right to re-enter Australia are not the same thing. Bridging visas also require careful attention because work, travel and lawful-status consequences can depend on the particular subclass and the application or review to which it is connected.
Resident Return visas
Resident Return visa
A Resident Return visa allows an Australian permanent resident or former permanent resident who meets the criteria to return to Australia as a permanent resident when the travel facility on an earlier permanent visa has expired.
Long absences from Australia
One pathway to a subclass 155 visa is based on residence in Australia for at least two of the five years immediately before application as a permanent resident or citizen. Other pathways can involve substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties with Australia, and in some cases the reasons for a prolonged absence become important.
Bridging visas
Bridging Visa A
Often connected to an outstanding substantive visa application. A BVA does not itself provide a travel facility.
Bridging Visa B
Can provide a travel facility for an eligible person who needs to leave and return to Australia while an underlying matter remains pending.
Bridging Visas C and E
These visas arise in different status situations and can carry important conditions. BVE matters frequently require careful attention to lawful status, work rights and the underlying immigration pathway.
Issues we can assess
- expired permanent resident travel facility
- substantial ties and compelling reasons
- RRV applications after lengthy absence
- BVB travel planning
- work-right restrictions on a bridging visa
- BVE applications and work-right requests
- bridging visa consequences during ART or court proceedings
- lawful status after refusal or cancellation
Detailed visa guides
Explore the main visa subclasses and pathways in more detail. These guides explain the structure, common eligibility questions and issues that often require closer analysis.
Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157)
A travel facility for Australian permanent residents and former permanent residents who need to return to Australia as permanent residents.
Bridging Visas A, B, C, D and E
Temporary visas that can maintain lawful status or manage travel while another immigration process is underway.