Resident Return Visa Fee Jumps 201% from 1 July 2026 — What Australian PRs Need to Know

Australian permanent residents who need to renew their travel facility are facing a significant cost increase from 1 July 2026. The application fee for the Resident Return Visa (RRV) — subclass 155 for most permanent residents, and subclass 157 for urgent cases — has increased from $490 to $1,475, representing a rise of more than 200%. What Is the Resident Return Visa? Many permanent residents are unaware of an important distinction: while your permanent visa itself does not expire, your travel facility — the right to travel in and out of Australia on your permanent visa — is only valid for five years from the date your visa was granted. Once your travel facility expires, you cannot re-enter Australia on your permanent visa without first obtaining a Resident Return Visa. This applies even if you have lived in Australia for many years and hold no other visa. Who Needs to Apply? You may need to apply for an RRV if:

Your permanent visa travel facility has expired or is about to expire You are currently outside Australia and cannot return without renewing your travel entitlement You plan to travel overseas and your travel facility will expire before you return

The easiest way to check your travel facility expiry date is through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) at vevo.homeaffairs.gov.au. The New Fee Structure from 1 July 2026 Visa SubclassPrevious FeeNew Fee (from 1 July 2026)Subclass 155 (Resident Return)$490$1,475Subclass 157 (Urgent Return)$570$1,475 Source: Department of Home Affairs, confirmed 1 July 2026. The fee is determined by the date the application is lodged. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 would have been assessed under the old fee structure. What Should You Do? If your travel facility is still valid: You do not need to take any action right now, but be aware of the expiry date before planning overseas travel. If your travel facility has expired and you are in Australia: You can still remain in Australia on your permanent visa, but you will need to lodge an RRV before departing. The new $1,475 fee will apply. If your travel facility has expired and you are outside Australia: This is urgent. You will need to lodge an RRV application immediately to return. Contact a registered migration agent for assistance. Considering citizenship? If you have held permanent residency for a sufficient period and meet the residency requirements, applying for Australian citizenship may be a more cost-effective long-term solution than repeatedly renewing your travel facility. Need Help? Bella Tian (MARA Registered Agent No. 1791631) at J&R Migration can assist you with Resident Return Visa applications and assess whether Australian citizenship may be a suitable pathway for your situation. 📅 Book a consultation: www.jrmigration.com.au/assessment 📞 +61 450 606 426 ✉ bella@jrmigration.com.au

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Please consult a registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation. Fee information sourced directly from the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed 1 July 2026.