A complete guide to renewing a permanent resident visa in Australia: distinguish between 155 visa and 157 visa.

Some time ago, we wrote an article about the brief introduction of Australia's permanent residence PR renewal. Some friends in the background often send private messages about the specific process. We have simply sorted out the questions that everyone often asks, hoping to help everyone. Stepping into Australia, a land full of opportunities, and getting permanent resident status (PR), many people think that they can sit back and relax, but in fact, PR renewal is a subsequent hurdle that cannot be underestimated. Although many friends know that they need to renew their visas, they are instantly confused when they see 155 Visa and 157 Visa, and they can't tell them apart at all.

Before this, there is another common question: Is PR renewal equivalent to Resident Return Visa? In fact, Resident Return Visa (RRV) is what we often call PR renewal visa. It is essentially the same thing, just called differently. Let's figure this out and then dig into the details of renewal.

Why should we pay attention to PR renewal?

Australia's PR status is not a lifelong meal ticket, it has a clear validity period. Imagine that you are used to the comfortable seaside life in Perth, your children are doing well in the local public school, and your work is getting better. If you accidentally ignore the PR renewal, the moment the visa expires, all the stable life order will be disrupted. The right of residence, unimpeded work qualifications, and rich social welfare may leave you in an instant (the rights of permanent residents PR), and you can only be forced to deal with it hastily and re-plan your life trajectory, so PR renewal must be put on the agenda.

155Visa: Mainstream renewal choice?

The 155 visa can be called the "popular darling" in PR renewal. If you have lived in Australia for a total of 2 years in the past 5 years, whether these 2 years are pieced together intermittently or continuously, it is often easier to apply for a 155 visa. It is like a renewal gift handed over by Australia to long-term residents. Once approved, the original PR status will be perfectly continued, life will remain the same, medical insurance benefits will not be interrupted, children can continue to enjoy high-quality public education, and employment options will not be restricted at all. There is no obstacle to continuing to take root in Australia.

Of course, if the length of residence does not meet the requirements, don't despair. If you have evidence of close business dealings with Australia, such as investment projects in Australia, participation in important business cooperation; or your immediate family members are Australian citizens, and PR can guarantee you; or if you fail to live for the full length of time due to force majeure such as sudden illness or natural disasters, prepare detailed supporting materials and submit them to the Immigration Department. Even if the validity period of the approved visa will be discounted, the PR status will most likely be retained.

157 Visa: A backup plan for special circumstances?

Compared with the popular 155 visa, the 157 visa is a relatively niche existence, but its role cannot be underestimated. When you are about to expire your PR, and you are still far from the length of residence required by the 155 visa, but you have to stay in Australia, it comes in handy. For example, you are a high-end talent in a professional field. Not long after you get PR, you are recruited by Australia's top scientific research institutions to join a significant and time-consuming scientific research project. At this time, the length of residence is simply not enough.

The key to applying for a 157 visa is to come up with a convincing explanation of the special circumstances. A well-organized project plan highlights your indispensable position in the project; and an authoritative recommendation letter from the industry can prove the value of the project in promoting Australia's scientific research progress, and show the immigration department that you can contribute to Australia's development. However, it should be noted that the 157 visa is usually valid for a short period of time, which is more like a temporary transition, and long-term plans must be made in the future.

What are the steps for PR renewal and how to do it?

When applying for a visa, the preparation of materials is the highlight. Basic identity documents such as ID cards and passports are indispensable. Past entry and exit stamping records must be clearly sorted out, and all kinds of residence certificates, such as water and electricity bills and rental contracts, must be collected in full. If special circumstances are involved, business cooperation documents and notarized certificates of kinship are indispensable. Prepare the materials early and submit the application as soon as possible, and don't wait until the visa is urgent to deal with it hastily. Understanding the difference between 155 and 157 visas, PR renewal is no longer a problem. The following are the steps for Resident Return visa renewal, I hope it can help you. Of course, we may encounter various uncertainties during the renewal process. If we have an immigration lawyer in this field to consult, we should be able to complete the renewal faster and more steadily. If you have any needs, please contact us.