As an Australian permanent resident, you do not have an automatic right to return to Australia from overseas.
Your right of re-entry to Australia will depend on the validity of your travel facility on your permanent visa.
When you are granted your first permanent visa, you are usually permitted a 5-year travel facility. This means you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like in the 5 years from the date your permanent visa was granted, as long as your visa remains valid.
After 5 years, your travel facility expires. If you wish to travel, you will need to apply for and be granted either a Resident Return visa before departing Australia. Alternatively, you may wish to apply for Australian Citizenship.
With a Resident Return visa you can
- Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want until the travel validity expires
- Have a travel facility up to 5 years depending on your circumstances.
Returning to Australia without a permanent visa that has a valid travel facility, or a Resident Return visa, may impact both your:
- Entitlements as a permanent resident
- Ability to satisfy the permanent residence requirements when applying for Australian citizenship or when applying for another Resident Return visa.
Processing times vary and can take up to 95 days. Contact us to start your application before booking any overseas travel.