Resident Return Visas

If you have spent two out of the last five years residing in Australia as a permanent resident you may qualify for a Resident Return Visa.

Alternatively, if you have substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties which are of benefit to Australia,and you have not been absent from Australia for more than five years unless there were compelling and compassionate reasons, and you held a permanent resident visa when you left, you may also qualify for a Resident Return Visa.

Applying for a Return Resident Visa

Please refer to the following information before submitting your visa application:

Form	See: Download form 1085 - DIBP website (PDF)
Visa application charge and methods of payment	See: Fees and Charges
Additional documents	If you have lived in Australia for two out of the last five years please submit the application form, the fee and your passport. If you have lived in Australia for LESS than two out of the last five years please submit an application form, the fee, your passport, and the resident return questionnaire available below See: Return Resident Questionnaire (PDF) If you wish to apply for a replacement evidence of a resident return visa (re-evidence) due to: theft/loss of your old passport, obtaining a new passport, name change (i.e due to marriage) please provide the following as proof: a copy of the photo page of your old passport, a police report, a copy of the marriage certificate.
Health	A health clearance is not necessary.
Passport copy	A clear (uncertified) copy of the biodata page of your valid passport should be enclosed with the visa application. A case officer may request that you submit your original passport, if a visa label is necessary.
Where to apply	See: Contact details - DIBP Berlin
Processing times Service Standards	See: Processing times Service Standards - DIBP website We recommend that you do not make travel commitments until a decision about your visa application has been made.
Enquiries	See: Contact details - DIBP Berlin
Further information	See: Returning residents - DIBP website

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