Resident return visa 157 Australia

Subclass 157Resident Return Visa

An emergency return visa for Australian permanent residents who cannot meet the substantial connection requirement of the Subclass 155.


Overview

The Subclass 157 Resident Return Visa is a temporary visa for Australian permanent residents who cannot satisfy the substantial connection requirement for the Subclass 155. It allows the holder to return to Australia once, for a period of up to 3 months, to re-establish their connection.

The 157 is typically granted in compelling or compassionate circumstances, for example, where a permanent resident has been overseas for an extended period due to illness, a family crisis, or other exceptional circumstances beyond their control.

F4MG can advise whether you should apply for a 155 or 157 based on your circumstances, and help you prepare the strongest possible application.


What this visa offers

Emergency return

Re-enter Australia in urgent circumstances.

Single entry

One-time return to re-establish residency.

3-month stay

Time to rebuild your Australian connection.

Permanent status protected

Keep your underlying permanent residency.

Work rights

Work during your 3-month stay.

Medicare access

Access Australian healthcare.

Pathway to 155

Re-establish connection for a future 155 visa.

Citizenship pathway

Use stay to apply for Australian citizenship.


Need Help Returning to Australia as a Permanent Resident?

F4MG's migration legal practitioners guide you from assessment to grant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For most skilled workers, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa or the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Direct Entry stream offer the most direct routes to permanent residency. For workers already in Australia on a 482 visa, the 186 TRT stream is available after 3 years.
Not necessarily. Points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) do not require a job offer. They are based on your skills and points score. Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494) do require a sponsoring employer.
SkillSelect is the online platform where skilled workers submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The Department invites the highest-scoring candidates in regular invitation rounds. F4MG manages your SkillSelect profile and monitors invitation rounds.
Eligible occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL). F4MG identifies the correct list and ANZSCO code for your occupation.

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