157 Visa

Not every Australian permanent resident who travels overseas stays away by choice. Life changes, work commitments shift, and family responsibilities come up. At some point, you may realise your travel facility has expired and returning to Australia isn’t as straightforward as expected. 

Unlike the Subclass 155 visa, which can provide longer travel rights, the 157 visa is a short-term return option for limited situations, such as when a permanent resident has spent extended time overseas and no longer meets residence requirements for a longer travel facility.

The resident return visa 157 allows eligible permanent residents to re-enter Australia lawfully after their travel facility has expired. It doesn’t grant permanent residence for the first time. Instead, it restores travel permission when longer return options are not available. This visa only applies to people who already hold permanent residence in Australia. Here’s how the 157 visa fits into real-world return scenarios.

Is the 157 Visa a Permanent Visa?

No, the 157 visa is not a permanent visa.

What it does is restore travel permission. Permanent residence and travel facilities work together, but they’re not the same thing. Your permanent resident status can continue even when your ability to leave and re-enter Australia has expired.

For some people, restoring travel rights is just one part of a bigger plan. If becoming a citizen is something you’re working towards, you can read more about that in our Australian Citizenship guide. 

Who the 157 Visa Is For

The visa 157 is intended for specific circumstances. It’s not designed for people who clearly meet residence requirements for longer travel facilities.

It may be relevant if:

• You are an Australian permanent resident with an expired or expiring travel facility
• You have spent long periods outside Australia
• You are a former permanent resident or, in some cases, a former Australian citizen

Eligibility for Resident Return Visa Subclass 157

The resident return visa subclass 157 is generally assessed when an applicant does not meet the requirements for a Subclass 155 visa. It’s often referred to as the Three Month Resident Return Visa option, although the outcome always depends on individual circumstances.

This visa may be considered when:

• Residence requirements for a longer travel facility are not met
• You need to return to Australia as a permanent resident
• Your travel facility has already expired or is about to expire

There is no single document or checklist that guarantees approval. Instead, the Department of Home Affairs looks at the overall picture, including:

• How long you previously lived in Australia
• Why were outside Australia for an extended period
• Whether your ties to Australia remain genuine and ongoing

Employment history can be relevant in some cases. For example, people who gained permanent residence through employer sponsorship, such as the 186 Visa Employer Nomination Scheme, may rely on work-related connections when explaining their circumstances.

Strong, well-organised evidence is always essential when applying for this visa.

Difference Between 155 and 157 Visa

The difference between 155 and 157 visa options usually comes down to time spent in Australia and the strength of a person’s ties.

In simple terms:

• Subclass 155 is generally granted when residence requirements are met or strong ongoing ties can be demonstrated, and it often allows longer travel rights.
  
• Subclass 157 is the Three Month Resident Return Visa option and is typically considered when those main requirements are not met.

Both visas are assessed as part of the same application process. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your circumstances and evidence and decides which subclass applies. Some permanent residents may also be planning future pathways, such as the 191 Visa Australia, depending on their circumstances.

How to Apply for 157 Visa

The application process itself isn’t that complex, but careful preparation is important.

A typical application involves:

• Confirming that the 157 visa is appropriate for your situation
• Gathering documents that support your travel history and ties to Australia
• Lodging the application through the Department of Home Affairs system
• Responding promptly to any requests for further information

Many delays are caused by small errors, particularly around dates and travel records. Taking time at the start often saves stress later.

157 Visa Processing Time

There’s no guaranteed processing timeframe for this visa. Each application is assessed individually.

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How complete the application is
• How long the applicant has been outside Australia
• Whether additional checks are required

The Department of Home Affairs publishes general processing time guidance online. These timeframes are indicative only. 

157 Visa Fee

As of January 2026, the estimated price starts from AUD 490 to apply online for the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 157), according to the official Visa Pricing Estimator. Visa application charges can change, so it’s important to check the Department of Home Affairs website again before lodging an application.

This is seperate from lodgement fees charged by visa agents.

Our Experts at IMMagine Immigration Are Here to Help

When your ability to return to Australia is at stake, clear advice matters. The 157 visa has narrow criteria, and decisions often come down to how well your situation is explained and supported.

The team at IMMagine Immigration provides practical guidance on Australian return visas, helping permanent residents understand their options and prepare strong applications.

Take a look at more of our expert guides:

• What Are the Character Requirements for Australian Visas
• How to Immigrate to Australia Without a Job Offer
• What Is A Skills Assessment In Australia?