After an Australia Subclass 186 Grant: Five-Year Travel Facility and Returning

Permanent residence and permission to travel are different parts of a subclass 186 visa. A visa holder may remain in Australia permanently, while the travel facility attached to the grant is generally valid for five years. If you expect to spend time overseas, check the travel facility expiry before leaving Australia.

A subclass 186 visa allows the holder to stay in Australia indefinitely and travel to and from Australia for up to five years from grant. The five-year period does not mean permanent residence automatically ends after five years. It is the travel facility that expires. If a permanent resident leaves Australia after that facility has expired, they may not be able to return as a permanent resident without another valid travel facility.

What happens when the travel facility expires

Home Affairs says a permanent resident generally needs a Resident Return visa (RRV) or another permanent visa with a valid travel facility to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after the original facility expires. Eligibility and the period granted depend on the applicable RRV category and the person’s circumstances. Permanent residence should not be treated as an unlimited right to travel in and out of Australia.

Check VEVO before leaving Australia

Before departure, use VEVO to confirm the visa status and travel facility expiry, and check that passport details match the electronic visa record. If the travel facility is close to expiry, confirm whether an RRV is needed and allow time for the relevant process. Do not wait until after expiry to assume an airline can board you or an exception will apply at the border.

Permanent residence is separate from citizenship

Holding permanent residence does not mean a person has become an Australian citizen. Home Affairs warns that a permanent resident who travels after the travel facility expires without a new valid facility may not be able to return as a permanent resident. Citizenship has separate residence and other requirements, which should be checked independently.

A pre-travel checklist

Record the subclass 186 grant date and the travel facility expiry date. Before a trip, check VEVO, passport details and the return itinerary. If the return date may fall after expiry, review the RRV rules and timing in advance. Check every family member’s visa and travel facility separately rather than relying only on the primary applicant’s record.

This is general information about subclass 186 travel facilities. Entry permission depends on the individual visa record and current Home Affairs rules. Premiervisa Group’s subclass 186 service page is available for enquiries.

This is general information about subclass 186 travel facilities. Entry permission depends on the individual visa record and current Home Affairs rules. Premiervisa Group’s subclass 186 service page is available for enquiries.