Australian Permanent Residents: Important Reminder Before Travelling Overseas!
Planning to travel overseas? Make sure your permanent residency travel facility is still valid before leaving Australia!
Being granted Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is a significant milestone. It allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. However, many permanent residents may not realise that holding permanent residency does not automatically guarantee the right to re-enter Australia after travelling overseas.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs reminds permanent residents to check their visa travel facility before departing Australia, as returning on an incorrect visa could have serious and long-term consequences for their immigration status and entitlements.
###### ✈️ What Is a Permanent Resident Travel Facility?
When an individual is granted an Australian permanent visa, it generally includes a travel facility that allows the visa holder to depart and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident during a specified period.
For many permanent visas, this travel facility is initially valid for five years from the date of visa grant.
However, there is an important distinction between permanent residency status and the travel facility attached to the visa.
- Permanent residency: Generally allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely while your permanent visa remains in effect.
- Travel facility: Allows you to travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident within its validity period.
This means that even if you have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for many years, you should still check whether your travel facility remains valid before travelling overseas.
###### What Happens If Your Travel Facility Has Expired?
If your travel facility expires while you are outside Australia, you cannot rely on that expired facility to return as a permanent resident.
You will generally need to apply for and be granted a Resident Return Visa (RRV) before travelling back to Australia.
There are two subclasses of Resident Return Visas:
Subclass 155 – Resident Return Visa
This visa allows eligible current or former Australian permanent residents, and certain former Australian citizens, to travel to and return to Australia as permanent residents.
Depending on individual circumstances, including residence history and ties to Australia, the travel facility may be granted for up to five years or for a shorter period.
Subclass 157 – Resident Return Visa
This visa is generally intended for applicants who meet specific eligibility requirements but do not qualify for a Subclass 155 visa.
It provides a shorter travel facility, generally valid for three months.
Eligibility for either visa depends on the applicant's individual circumstances and the applicable migration requirements.
###### Why Should Permanent Residents Avoid Returning on a Visitor Visa or ETA?
One of the most important warnings from the Department of Home Affairs concerns permanent residents who attempt to return to Australia using a Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) after their permanent resident travel facility has expired.
Although applying for a Visitor Visa or ETA might appear to be a convenient solution, doing so can have serious immigration consequences.
If a permanent resident is granted a temporary visa that replaces their permanent visa, they may lose their permanent resident status and associated rights.
Potential consequences include:
1. Impact on Permanent Residency Status
A temporary visa granted after a permanent visa may result in the permanent visa ceasing to be in effect. This can affect the person's ability to live in Australia indefinitely.
2. Impact on Australian Citizenship Eligibility
Changes to permanent residency status may affect eligibility for Australian citizenship, including the residence requirements that applicants must satisfy.
3. Impact on Medicare Entitlements
Permanent residents generally have access to Medicare, subject to eligibility requirements. A change in immigration status may affect access to Medicare benefits.
4. Restrictions on Employment Rights
Permanent residents generally have unrestricted work rights in Australia. However, temporary visas may impose different work conditions or restrictions.
5. Impact on Government Benefits
A change in immigration status may also affect eligibility for certain government payments, benefits, and services, depending on the relevant eligibility rules.
For these reasons, permanent residents should carefully consider their visa options before applying for another visa to return to Australia.
###### How Can You Check Your Travel Facility?
Before making overseas travel arrangements, permanent residents should check their current visa details using the Department of Home Affairs' Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
VEVO can help you confirm:
- Your current visa subclass and status.
- Your visa grant details.
- The expiry date of your travel facility.
- Any applicable visa conditions.
If your travel facility is approaching expiry, it is advisable to investigate whether you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa before your intended travel.
###### 📌 Important Advice for Australian Permanent Residents
Whether you are travelling overseas for a holiday, visiting family, attending a special occasion, or handling personal matters, checking your travel facility should be part of your travel preparations.
Remember: Your permanent residency and your ability to re-enter Australia are not necessarily the same thing.
If your travel facility has expired or will expire before your planned return, seek appropriate advice and ensure you hold the correct visa before travelling back to Australia.
Taking these precautions can help protect your permanent residency status and avoid unnecessary complications with your future in Australia.
###### Protect Your Future in Australia!
At Bridge Blue Global Migration, we encourage all Australian permanent residents to understand their visa conditions and travel rights before leaving the country.
If you are unsure about your travel facility, Resident Return Visa eligibility, or the possible consequences of applying for another visa, consider obtaining professional migration advice before making travel arrangements.
Official source: Australian Department of Home Affairs
SOURCE : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/permanent-resident/overseas-travel
Plan ahead. Check your visa. Protect your permanent residency rights.