Having Permanent Residence Australia (PR) does not mean you can leave Australia and return at any time. Before going abroad, permanent residents need to check their valid immigration rights on Visa. If this right expires while you are overseas, you may not be allowed to board a plane to return to Australia.
What is Immigration Rights?
This is the right that allows holders of a Permanent Residence Visa to leave and return to Australia. The term is usually 1 year or 5 years, depending on the type of Visa and conditions granted.
What should you check before leaving Australia?
You should:
- Check your visa status on VEVO to ensure your entry permission is valid throughout the trip.
- If your entry permission will expire before your expected return date to Australia, apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) as soon as possible.
- Check your passport is valid and linked to Visa.
What if your permission to enter expires while overseas?
- If your permission to enter your permanent visa has expired or will expire while you are overseas, you will need to be granted an RRV before you can return to Australia.
The review process may take time and there are fees. Therefore, early preparation will help limit the risk of delays or unnecessary costs.
Tourist Visa should not be used as a substitute for RRV
- The Australian Department of Home Affairs warns permanent residents not to use a Tourist Visa or ETA to return to Australia in lieu of an RRV.
Please check before boarding
- Airlines may not allow Australian permanent residents to board without valid travel authority or a valid RRV linked to the passport they are using. Therefore, if you are an Australian permanent resident planning to travel overseas, check your VEVO before departure and apply for an RRV in advance if necessary.
- If eligible, permanent residents may also consider applying for Australian citizenship, allowing them to travel internationally using an Australian passport.
- Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs
- Unrestricted work rights
- Access to certain Australian government benefits and support services.
- Check your visa status before boarding your flight.
Check Before You Fly
Airlines may refuse boarding to Australian permanent residents who do not have valid travel authority or a valid RRV linked to the passport they are using. If you are an Australian permanent resident planning to travel overseas, check your VEVO status before departure and apply for an RRV if required.
If eligible, permanent residents can also consider applying for Australian citizenship so they can travel internationally with an Australian passport.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
