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151 — Former Resident visa (subclass 151)
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
Open

151 — Former Resident visa (subclass 151)

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–6 months

Estimated Cost

AUD $6,005

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Permanent Australian visa for former long-term child residents or ADF veterans with historical ties to the country rather than skills or job offers.

The Former Resident visa (subclass 151) is an Australian permanent visa for ex-permanent residents and ADF veterans. qualification rests on historical ties: 9 years of childhood permanent residence before age 18, or ADF service before 19 January 1981 — not on skills, points, or a job offer.

The visa grants permanent residence immediately, with full work rights, Medicare, and a citizenship pathway. Applications use paper Form 47SV (AUD 6,005 fee); since July 2025, the lodged application can be imported into ImmiAccount for online management. Processing typically takes 1–6 months.

This visa is ideal for former long-term child residents or ADF veterans who have maintained ties to Australia and wish to return permanently without a skills assessment.

Australia

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Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a former permanent resident or have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Must have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least 9 years before turning 18, or if under 18, lived half of their life in Australia as a permanent resident.

Must have maintained business, personal, or cultural ties with Australia while living abroad.

Must not have been an Australian citizen.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Must not have had a visa cancelled or rejected in the past while in Australia.

Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Must be under 45 years of age (for long residence stream).

Must have served at least 3 months in the ADF before 19 January 1981 (for defence stream).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Current passport and national ID.

Evidence of former permanent residency or ADF service records.

Evidence of ongoing ties to Australia (e.g., property ownership, business interests, family connections).

Police clearance certificates for all countries lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

Health assessment results.

Proof of relationship for any included family members.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows for permanent residence in Australia.
  • Right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
  • Access to Australia's Medicare system.
  • Qualification to sponsor qualifying family members for permanent residency.
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Worth Knowing

  • Must be lodged via paper application; online lodgement is not available.
  • Strict qualification criteria regarding age and length of prior residency.
  • Processing times can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
  • Must demonstrate significant, ongoing ties to Australia.

Application Process

1

Prepare all necessary documentation including proof of former residency or ADF service.

2

Pay the visa application fee online via ImmiAccount.

3

Complete Form 47SV (Application for a Former Resident visa).

4

Lodge the application by mail to the specified Department of Home Affairs office in Sydney.

5

Once DHA acknowledges receipt, import the application into ImmiAccount to manage it online (available since July 2025).

6

Remain in Australia (or outside, depending on specific circumstances) as required during the processing period.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
47SV
Application for a Former Resident visa
Fill online

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