The permanent resident who wishes to travel out of Australia , after expiry of the travel facility on their visa granting them permanent residence, will need to apply for a resident return visa, so that they can lawfully return to Australia and continue living as a permanent resident. The permanent resident who has not met the requirements for citizenship, and acquired citizenship, can apply for a resident return visa to enable them to leave and return to Australia as a permanent resident.
For example: If you’ve had a skilled migrant visa, with a 5 year travel facility, but have not yet acquired citizenship by the expiry of the 5 year travel facility; you will need to apply for a resident return visa if you want travel outside Australia after the 5 year travel facility. The period for which the resident return visa is granted depends on your circumstances.
If you departed Australia whilst you were a permanent resident, and the travel facility on your visa expired whilst you were outside Australia, you could get a Resident return visa, provided you meet the criteria for grant of the visa. You can then use this visa to return to Australia and continue your permanent residence.
We have experience in renewing resident return visas for permanent residents in Australia, and also for those who left Australia whilst permanent residents and their travel facility expired whilst outside Australia.
