Resident Return Subclass 157 visa
Resident Return Subclass 157 visa
The subclass 157 Resident Return visa is for permanent residents (and former permanent residents or citizens) who have not spent two of the last five years in Australia, but need to travel urgently for a compelling and compassionate reason.
You might be granted a subclass 157 visa if all of the following apply to you:
- you lawfully spent at least one day but less than two years in the past five years in Australia immediately before you apply for this visa
- you were an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen the whole time you were in Australia
- there is a compelling and compassionate reason for leaving Australia.
What counts as a compelling and compassionate reason?
Each case is assessed on its own facts. Common examples include the serious illness or death of a close family member overseas, urgent medical treatment, or a legal matter you must attend in person. Planned holidays or routine business trips will not usually be enough. If you have spent less than two years in Australia but have strong business, employment, family or cultural ties of benefit to Australia, a subclass 155 with a travel facility of up to 12 months may suit you better.
If you are outside Australia when you apply
If you have been outside Australia for more than three continuous months immediately before you apply, you must have a compelling and compassionate reason for the absence.
The subclass 157 visa gives you a travel facility of 3 months from the date of grant. During those 3 months you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you need as a permanent resident.
The visa itself is permanent. If you stay in Australia after the 3 months end, you remain a permanent resident, but you will need a new Resident Return visa before you next travel. Once you have spent two years in Australia in the last five, you can apply for a subclass 155 with a 5 year travel facility.
Evidence you may need
- your passport and details of your current or last permanent visa
- evidence of the compelling and compassionate reason, such as a medical letter, death certificate or court notice
- evidence of your planned travel dates
- if you are outside Australia, evidence explaining why you have been away for more than three months
Processing time
Subclass 157 applications are assessed on their evidence, so they can take longer than a straightforward 155 application. If your travel is urgent, explain the urgency clearly when you apply and include your supporting documents at lodgement.
Since 1 July 2026, the visa application charge for the subclass 157 is AUD 1,475 to apply online (it was $570 before that date). The fee you pay depends on the date you lodge.
If you lodge a paper application, a non-internet charge of $80 may also apply. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Each family member must lodge and pay for their own application.
Settle in Australia guides
- Settle in Australia: a guide for new arrivals
- Resident Return visa (155 and 157)
- Resident Return visa subclass 155
- Resident Return visa subclass 157
- Applying for Australian citizenship
- Australian citizenship residence requirement
- Citizenship eligibility assessment
- Citizenship document checklist
- Citizenship practice test questions
- Visas eligible for Medicare
