Hi everyone

We received our permanent residence visa 175
5 years ago ( the visa is valid for 5 years).
We made the move to Aus 3 years ago and absolutely
Love it.

Here is the problem.

Our 175 visa officially expires 2nd Feb 2015,
Not a problem really if we remain in Aus, but it's
My dad's 70th birthday in August this year, so if we
Leave Australia we theoretically won't be allowed back
As our 175 is no longer valid.

I understand we have to apply for a bridging visa,
Which is around $300 to $400 per person ( there are 4 of us)

So this cost on top of our flights back home make it really unaffordable!

Is there any way around this?
Has anyone been in the same boat?
Any advice much appreciated!

Thanks
Deon

You wouldn't be applying for a bridging visa, you would need a Returning Residents Visa (RRV). The price is about right from what I can see - around $400 each

The alternative would be citizenship and Australian passports if you qualify, but this can take a lot longer to organise then the visas.

The PR visa itself doesn't expire, just the travel permission.
As you say, if you stay in Aus there is no problem. However if you leave you need either a Resident Return Visa or Aussie citizenship/passport in order to cone back.
I agree with Sparkles, hou will need RRVs. Chance of getting citizenship in time is pretty remote.

Thanks for responding!
I kind of expected the answers you all gave!

$1600 for RRV's here we come!!

Why not apply for citizenship, if it more than three years since you moved? You will qualify at that point as you must have validated your visa more than four years ago if it is 5 years give or take a couple of weeks since you got the 175. You might be lucky and get it in time if your local council is on the ball which would save having to pay for the RRVs.

Thanks Louie!

Is this possible? I thought you had to be resident
within Australia for at least 4 years before applying
For citizenship?

You correct though - we activated our visa ages ago,
I'll def check it out !!

Australian Citizenship – How to apply

Thanks Pollyanna

I've done the sums based on your link,
And it will be tight but looks like I may qualify.

I've made an appointment with a registered agent
tomorrow in Sydney to see if it's possible to
Push through.

Thanks for all your help everybody - this site
Is so usefull and cannot recommend it enough
To people.

To add to Polly's link, have a look at the citizenship residence calculator. The permanent residence dates and lawful residence dates are the date you validated your visa.

Do you/when do you qualify?

(Crossed with your previous post)