Subclass 151
The Subclass 151 visas is the pathway for former Australian permanent resident who spend most of their childhood in Australia.
Reclaim Your Permanent Status in Australia
The Subclass 151 is a permanent visa that allows former permanent residents to resettle in Australia indefinitely. Unlike the RRV, which is designed for current or recently departed residents, the 151 caters to those who have been away for a significant period but maintain strong Australian connections.
This visa is divided into two distinct streams, each with specific age and residency benchmarks.
Key Factors:
- Childhood Residency: Proof of significant time spent in Australia as a permanent resident before the age of 18 (for the Long Residence stream).
- Substantial Ties: Verifiable evidence of ongoing business, cultural, employment, or personal ties to Australia.
- Citizenship Status: You must not have acquired Australian citizenship (Long Residence stream).
- Defence Service: Verified record of at least 3 months of continuous service in the Australian Defence Force (Defence stream).
- Character & Health: Applicants must meet strict public interest criteria.
Long Residence Stream
What it is for: Former permanent residents who grew up in Australia and now wish to return.
What it allows: Permanent stay; full work/study rights; and a pathway to Australian Citizenship.
Key Requirements:
- Childhood Period: If 18+, must have spent a total of 9 years in Australia as a PR before turning 18. If under 18, must have spent at least half of your life in Australia as a PR.
- Age Constraint: Must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Ties: Must demonstrate close ties that have been maintained while living overseas.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Defence Service Stream
What it is for: Former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
What it allows: Permanent stay; access to Medicare; and full work/study rights.
Key Requirements:
- Service Period: Must have completed at least 3 months of continuous service in the ADF.
- Medical Discharge: Alternatively, must have been discharged before 3 months due to service-related medical unfitness.
- Age Constraint: No age limit applies to the Defence stream.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Maintaining compliance
- Location Consistency: If you apply while in Australia, you must be in Australia for the visa grant. If you apply from offshore, you must be outside Australia for the grant.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): The Department may request an AoS bond (typically AUD 5,000) to ensure you do not rely on social security for your first 2 years.
The 151 Application Process
Residency Audit
Verify the "9-year childhood rule" or "ADF service" via official records.
Ties Compilation
Gather evidence of your ongoing connections (correspondence, visits, property).
Lodgement
Submit the paper application (Form 47SV) and pay the application charge via ImmiAccount.
Finalisation
The Department verifies your identity, historical residency, and character clearances and makes a decision on visa.
For 151 Visa Applicants
The Subclass 151 requires strict adherence to the Childhood Residency Threshold. At Immilex, we audit your historical arrival and departure records, school reports, and Department of Education data to ensure the 9-year residence benchmark is logically documented. It is critical to note that for the Long Residence stream, the 45-year age limit is an absolute cliff; if you turn 45 before lodgement, you are ineligible for this stream regardless of your ties.
Unlike RRV visas, the 151 is a Paper-Based Application; however, as of 2026, applicants can now import their paper lodgements into ImmiAccount for streamlined digital tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can include members of your family unit in your application, provided they meet the standard health and character requirements.
No. The time must have been spent as an Australian Permanent Resident or an Australian citizen.
If applying under the Long Residence stream, no. The age limit is 45. However, if you have Australian Defence Force service, you may still be eligible as that stream has no age limit.
You must have held a valid permanent visa and been physically present in Australia for a total of 9 years between your birth and your 18th birthday. This does not have to be a continuous 9-year block.
Reclaim Your Permanent Status in Australia
The Subclass 151 visa involves complex residency calculations and evidentiary standards. Contact us at Immilex for a technical assessment of your ties to ensure your right to return to Australia is protected.