How Long Can a Permanent Resident Stay Outside Australia?

 

Australia is a popular destination for several people looking for a new life, and obtaining permanent residency is a significant achievement. However, understanding the rules for this and maintaining this status is tough, especially regarding time spent outside the country.

As a permanent resident, you can travel in and out of Australia. Still, there are specific guidelines you must follow to ensure you don’t put your residency status in danger.

 

In this blog, I will explore how long can a permanent resident stay outside Australia without losing residency. I’ll also cover the important requirements, including the Resident Return Visa (RRV), and provide tips on managing extended absences.

Whether you’re planning a long vacation, work assignment, or family visit, knowing these rules will help you make informed decisions and avoid any complications. Keep reading to discover all the details and ensure your status remains secure.

 

How Long Can a Permanent Resident Stay Outside Australia?

When you are granted your first permanent visa, you receive a 5-year travel facility on it. This means that your travel rights expire after 5 years, but your permanent residency remains valid. The travel rights mentioned on your permanent visa allow you to leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish.

 

A permanent resident can stay outside Australia for up to 5 years from the date their travel facility was granted. After this period, they need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

 

Once your visa’s travel rights expire, you must reapply before leaving Australia. If your travel rights expire while you are outside Australia, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you wish to return as a permanent resident. You must check when your travel facility ends before travelling out of Australia; to do so, you can use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

 

Travel Facility Expiry Reminder (TFER)

The TFER service is provided to Australian permanent residents. This service notifies certain permanent residents through email when their travel facility is about to expire. Typically, you receive this notification before 60 days of your travel rights expiry. The Department of Home Affairs Australia sends this reminder.

 

Who Receives TFER Notifications?

TFER reminders are sent only to those who:

 

• Do not have a pending RRV application.
• Have their personal email addresses recorded in the Department of Home Affairs’ system.

 

For dependents of these visas without recorded email addresses, the primary applicant’s email address will be used instead. This service can be invaluable in helping residents plan their travels and avoid unintentional lapses in their residency rights.

 

What is Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

If you are travelling outside Australia and your travel facility has expired, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa. Resident Return visa has two further subclasses:

 

Subclass 155

It is for those residents who have spent at least two years in Australia in the last five years. You must demonstrate that you have maintained strong ties to Australia during your absence.

 

Subclass 157

It is for those individuals who do not meet the two-year requirement but can demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that benefit the country. Substantial ties may include family connections, business interests, or other significant contributions.

 

Read More About Resident Return Visa Australia 

 

Application Process of Resident Return Visa

 

 

Applying for an RRV involves four major steps; details of these steps are given below.

 

Collect Necessary Documents

To apply for RRV, you must collect all necessary documentation to support your application. These documents include proof of residency, ties to Australia, and other relevant information.

 

Submit Your Application

Applicants can submit their applications online through the Department of Home Affairs website or via paper forms at designated locations. Submitting documents online is a convenient way for applicants to save time and avoid losing their documents.

 

Wait For Processing

The processing time for this application can vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications. Sometimes, the complexity of an applicant’s case causes the delay, and other times, it is the volume of applications received.  

 

Get the Outcome

If your application is approved, you are allowed to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. On the other hand, if you are refused, you may need to consider applying for another type of permanent visa.

 

Important Considerations of RRV Application

 

• If your RRV application is refused, you may need to apply for another permanent visa.
• Entering Australia without a valid visa may adversely affect your permanent resident status and future citizenship applications.

 

Authority to Return or Return Endorsement

For those who migrated before 1987 and traveled outside Australia between March 1, 1976, and December 31, 1986, their expired passports may have a wet stamp indicating they held an Authority to Return or Return Endorsement. This stamp may still allow entry into Australia under certain conditions.

 

If you believe you hold one of these endorsements or authorities, verifying your current status with the Department of Home Affairs is essential. They can guide whether these documents still confer any rights regarding re-entry into Australia.

 

Entitlements of Permanent Residents

As an Australian permanent resident, you enjoy various rights and entitlements such as:

 

• You can remain in Australia indefinitely.
• You have the right to work and study in Australia.
• You can enrol in Medicare and access other health services.
• You can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
• You may apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

 

However, unlike Australian citizens, permanent residents cannot:

 

• Obtain an Australian passport.
• Vote in government elections unless enrolled before January 26, 1984.
• Access certain government benefits like student loans.

 

Conclusion

As a permanent resident, you can travel in and out of Australia as often as you want. Still, you must follow specific guidelines to ensure your permanent resident status remains secure. By keeping track of your travel rights and utilizing services like the Travel Facility Expiry Reminder (TFER), you can avoid any unintentional lapses in your residency status.

 

Whether you’re planning a long vacation, a work assignment, or a family visit, knowing these rules will help you make informed decisions and avoid complications. If you need assistance with your visa or have any questions about maintaining your permanent residency, contact The Migration. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the complexities of immigration and ensure your status remains secure. Reach out to us today for personalized support and guidance.