Becoming a permanent resident (PR) of Australia comes with many benefits, including the freedom to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. But what happens if you need to leave Australia for an extended period? Many PR visa holders wonder: How long can I stay outside Australia without losing my residency?
Understanding Your Travel Facility
When you’re granted a permanent residency visa, it comes with a five-year travel facility. This travel facility allows you to leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like during that five-year period.
After those five years, if you want to return to Australia from overseas, you’ll need to either:
- Apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (subclass 155 or 157), or
- Have already been granted Australian citizenship.
What If I Stay Outside Australia for Too Long?
If you remain outside Australia after your travel facility expires and don’t apply for a new RRV, you won’t be able to re-enter as a permanent resident. While you don’t “lose” your PR status just by being outside Australia, your ability to return is restricted once your travel facility expires.
Resident Return Visas (RRV)
To maintain your ability to re-enter Australia, you can apply for an RRV, which essentially renews your travel facility. You’ll generally be eligible if:
- You’ve lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least two out of the last five years, or
- You have strong ties to Australia (such as family, business, or cultural connections) and a compelling reason for your absence.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent residents can live outside Australia indefinitely, but travel rights are limited after five years.
- To return after the initial five-year period, an RRV is required.
- Spending significant time outside Australia without maintaining ties can make it more difficult to renew your travel facility.
If you’re unsure about your current travel facility status or want help applying for a Resident Return Visa, our team at AVIE can help. We’ll assess your situation and guide you through the process to make sure you can return to Australia when needed.
Need assistance with your RRV or planning your long-term stay? Get in touch with us today.