caraca

Can anyone help me. I applied for a RRV in April and I am still waiting. I know I don't have the sufficient days and read it takes up to 12 weeks. It states can take up to 12 weeks. It is clear on that "up to 12 weeks" I was sad when I read it but accepted it and I have been waiting ever since. Now it is 4½ months. Is this normal?

BritInParis

Applied from where?

caraca

I applied online through my immi account, I am living in Dundee at present. (British).

Pollyana

So you're currently offshore, with a PR visa but presumably with no current RRV? Could be why its taking longer, its not as straightforward as if you were onshore with 2 years residence etc.

BritInParis

London has lost a lot of staff over the last twelve months. It wouldn’t surprise me if they are just backlogged.

carcajou

It will take longer if it is a complex case (ie, as in yours, it is offshore and you don't meet the residence requirement).

Wait times of all types have blown out in the past two years. Citizenship applications are now running at 15-18 months.

If you meet the residence requirement and are on-shore, and apply using immi, RRVs should be granted same day.

astera

Is there a timeframe after which a RRV application will be rejected when it comes to the date a person's PR visa can no longer be used to return to Australia and the time of application for the RRV if one is abroad?

Say you lived in Australia for over a year (as a PR) and then left abroad, and two years have passed since your right to return on the PR visa. Is there a point at which they'll just reject the RRV outright and make you do the PR process all over again?

Pollyana

Seems to be a case by case basis. I've seen some people get RRVs after spending 9-10 years offshore.

BritInParis

Ten years is the absolute limit.

Pollyana

That's worth knowing, thanks

astera

Thanks, so overall it seems that it's still worth trying for a RRV if it's been 2-3 years instead of going for a new PR application.

Speaking of doing the PR route all over again, does it get easier/quicker the second time around since we're still married and both kids are now Australian citizens?

Pollyana

Nope, just as expensive and you go in the queue with everyone else.

louie

That should help on the RRV front.

astera

Many thanks, that clears things up as far as ditching the "new PR application" idea is concerned.

I read that the RRV is valid for 5 years but when does the countdown actually begin? Is it the day you receive an email from them that it's approved? Or the day you go through Australian immigration upon arrival? Just trying to plan ahead and then not waste much of its validity once granted...

Also, the 2 yrs residence in Australia is actually living there or simply being in the country with PR status (we travelled quite a few times for extended stays before actually making the final move)?

louie

RRVs are valid for (1 or) 5 years from the date of issue.

The 2 years in Australia is simply time in the country (including both days of arrival and departure).