frogboy

hi

we have lived in Oz for the past 4 years as PR but our visa runs out in our pass ports this august i was wondering if anyone knew the cost and how long the process takes to get a resident return visa .i have seen some costing on the Immigration website but not sure if thats for a family or just one any help would be great as we are planning a trip back hoem at xmas .
thanks
lisa x

Dorothy

Why would you not just apply for citizenship?

JAJ

Cost is A$260. And as far as I can tell, technically each applicant with own passport must apply separately and pay a separate fee, although it's not clear whether DIAC enforce this.

http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/residents/155/

You could possibly apply for Australian citizenship instead but the process might not be complete before you want to travel.

kimandken

Thats just what i wonderd

Pollyana

Almost certainly wouldn't be able to complete the process , including getting passports, by Christmas.

frogboy

we were going to apply for citizenship but the cost was too much on top off the trip back home as we would all need Aus passports as well its looks like its to late now to go through the citizenship part.

JAJ

Interesting that you can afford to travel but can't afford to secure your status in Australia.

Pollyana

Have to say, personally, given the choice I know which I'd rather pay for - I'd be doing the same as the OP!

frogboy

Can i just say that you dont know anything about my circumstances so before you dam me about not becoming an Aussie take time to realise everyone's life is not in the same situation as yours. I thought this website was for people to ask questions and get geniue help not to be slated.

believer

youre right mate. there are some bunch people like that on here. KMA!!

Pollyana

Tis a public website though, and JAJ is entitled to his opinionjst like everyone else. Persoally I don't agree with him - dont feel like becoming Australian yet, and if it was a question of one or the other I would spend the money on a holiday rather than on the palaver of citizenship ceremonies and passports. I'm sure the OP and his family have thei own reasons for the choice they are making, but I also accept that JAJ has an opposing viewpoint.
Thats what makes the forum so interesting after all - if we all agreed it would be very boring round here!