Re-Entry and Travel After a Subclass 186: What to Do Before You Leave
A subclass 186 (PR) does not expire — but the travel facility (the right to enter Australia on this visa) is time-limited. Many new PRs misunderstand this and think PR means being able to come and go forever — that is not the case.
What the Travel Facility Is
The travel facility is the right to use the subclass 186 visa to enter Australia from overseas. A subclass 186 usually has a travel facility of five years from the date of grant.
After five years, the subclass 186 is still in effect (you remain a PR while you are inside Australia), but you cannot use the subclass 186 to enter while you are overseas — unless you apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
Checking Your Travel Facility
Use VEVO (vevo.homeaffairs.gov.au) to check:
- The grant date of the subclass 186
- The expiry date of the travel facility
- Any attached conditions
If the travel facility is still valid: you can leave and re-enter Australia normally.
Resident Return Visa (RRV)
When the travel facility has expired and you are overseas, you need to apply for an RRV to return to Australia.
There are two types of RRV:
Subclass 155 (five years): for someone with “substantial ties” to Australia. Criteria:
- Has lived in Australia for enough time (usually must have been in Australia for at least two years in the past five years as a PR/citizen)
- Has economic, social or cultural ties to Australia
Subclass 157 (three months, emergency): for emergency cases or for those who do not meet the subclass 155 criteria. The purpose is to return to Australia to arrange affairs and depart, or to strengthen ties.
When an RRV Is Needed
You only need an RRV when:
- The travel facility of the subclass 186 has expired, AND
- You are outside Australia and want to return
If the travel facility is still valid: no RRV is needed. If you are inside Australia: no RRV is needed (PR is still in effect — you simply need to not leave Australia, or make sure the travel facility is still valid before leaving).
How to Apply for an RRV
Apply for an RRV online through ImmiAccount. A visa application fee applies. Processing time is usually short (a few days to a few weeks) if the application is clear.
You should apply for an RRV before leaving Australia, or make sure the travel facility is valid for the duration of your trip. You should not end up in a situation where you are overseas with an expired travel facility — then you would have to apply for the RRV from overseas, which takes more time.
A Route to Avoid Needing an RRV: Apply for Citizenship
An Australian citizen does not need a travel facility or RRV — an Australian passport is enough to enter without restriction.
After the required period of residence (four years of lawful residence, including at least one year holding PR), you may apply for Australian citizenship — this is the simplest route to not having to worry about a travel facility.