Resident return visa 157 3 months Australia

Subclass 157Resident Return Visa (3 Months)

A 3-month emergency return visa for Australian permanent residents who cannot demonstrate the substantial connection required for the Subclass 155.


Overview

The Subclass 157 Resident Return Visa (3 Months) is granted to Australian permanent residents who have been abroad for an extended period and cannot satisfy the substantial connection test required for the Subclass 155. It allows a single return entry to Australia for up to 3 months.

This visa is intended for compelling or compassionate circumstances, such as a prolonged overseas absence due to serious illness, a family emergency, or other exceptional situations beyond the applicant's control. The 3-month period should be used to re-establish residency in Australia.

F4MG helps permanent residents assess whether the 155 or 157 is appropriate for their situation, and prepares the evidence package to maximise the chance of approval.


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 on a Subclass 157?

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

Book a Consultation

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.

Become Our Partner

Join the F4MG partner network and scale your business while we become your trusted backend. Let our Australian migration legal practitioners handle documentation and lodgement with compliance.

Become Our Partner

© 2026 F4MG All Rights Reserved