In Australia, obtaining a PR is a long-term process that many students plan to achieve. Permanent Residency in Australia lasts for five years, and it allows holders to move freely within the country and invite their family to stay with them. When the period ends, the PR holders need to renew the status. They can choose between the two ways to do so. They can go for a Resident Return Visa or apply for Australian citizenship. To continue availing oneself with the benefits of a Permanent Resident, the australia pr renewal process is crucial.
RRV (Resident Return Visa)
This policy enables one to go abroad even when their PR visa has ended or is about to end. It has two subclasses – 155 and 157. Australian immigration allows people to travel yet maintain or renew their resident status. However, one has to mandatorily apply for the renewal before leaving the country to benefit from this policy.
The eligibility criteria include
- One has to be a PR holder.
- They should have stayed in Australia for at least two years after being given the status of PR holder.
- They should produce the same birth certificate when submitted during the first application for permanent residency.
- One should hold a valid passport.
- One should be a permanent resident whose previous application should not have been canceled.
- Ex-Patriots are also eligible to file for a PR visa to regain their Australian citizenship.
- One should meet the character and health requirements.
It is best to consult an immigration consultant to make this process easier.
The difference between the two subclasses is the period of free travel allowed. Subclass 155 will enable one to travel in and out of Australia for five years. In the case of Subclass 157, it comes down to 3 years.
Benefits of Resident Return Visa
Here are the reasons to choose this pathway of renewal pr australia.
- One can work and travel freely within the country.
- One can study anywhere in Australia.
- One can nominate and sponsor their family members to become permanent residents if they are eligible.
- One can later apply for citizenship if they meet all the requirements.
Essential things to keep in mind
The application fee for a PR visa in Australia is AUD 405 (subject to change). The standard process time for renewal is 9 to 12 months. It may take longer depending on the profile of the applicant.
Any misleading information in the form (intentional or unintentional) can cancel the application. So, if one is not confident about filling it themselves, they can hire a professional to do so.