Official form guide
Form 886: Application for a resident return visa
Form 886 is the Application for a Resident Return Visa, issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It is used when a permanent resident needs a visa to travel overseas and return to Australia. The form captures the details required to assess eligibility for a Resident Return Visa.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 886 - Application for a resident return visa
Form 886 is the Application for a Resident Return Visa, issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It is used when a permanent resident needs a visa to travel overseas and return to Australia. The form captures the details required to assess eligibility for a Resident Return Visa.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Leaving passport details blank is a frequent error.
- 2Incomplete travel history
- 3Outdated passport number entered
- 4Missing supporting identity documents
- 5Submitting via the wrong online portal
Plain English
If you hold Australian permanent residency and want to leave the country, you need a Resident Return Visa to come back. This form is your request to the Department of Home Affairs for that visa. You will provide personal and travel information so they can decide if you qualify.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form before your current Resident Return Visa expires or before you book overseas travel.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- You are a permanent resident and need a visa to travel overseas and return to Australia.
- Your existing Resident Return Visa is about to expire or has expired.
- You need to re‑enter Australia after a period of travel abroad and want to retain permanent residency.
- You are applying for a new Resident Return Visa after a change in personal circumstances (e.g., new passport).
- You prefer to lodge the application through ImmiAccount rather than a different visa subclass.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Your current visa is a temporary subclass (e.g., 500)
Different visa purpose
✓ Verify you hold permanent residency before using Form 886
You are applying for Australian citizenship
Citizenship uses a separate form
✓ Confirm you are not seeking a Resident Return Visa
You need a travel exemption due to COVID‑19 restrictions
Exemptions use a specific request form
✓ Check the latest travel exemption guidance
Deadline or filing window
Apply before your existing Resident Return Visa lapses or before your intended departure date to avoid being stranded.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all mandatory fields in the application.
- 2Sign and date the form where required.
- 3Attach proof of permanent residency (e.g., visa grant letter).
- 4Include a clear copy of your passport biodata page.
- 5Provide any travel itinerary if asked for.
- 6Check that all attachments are legible and in an accepted file format.
- 7Confirm you have the correct fee payment receipt – not confirmed in official source.
- 8Submit through ImmiAccount or as instructed in the form cover letter.
- 9Keep a printed copy of the completed form and all attachments.
How to file this form
- 1Gather required documents such as passport, residency proof, and supporting evidence.
- 2Log into your ImmiAccount (or download the PDF version if filing by post).
- 3Enter the details requested on Form 886, ensuring no mandatory fields are left blank.
- 4Upload scanned copies of all supporting documents.
- 5Pay any applicable fee – not confirmed in official source.
- 6Submit the application and note the transaction reference number.
- 7Save the acknowledgment email or receipt for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form 886 is only for Australian permanent residents seeking a Resident Return Visa.
- 2It cannot be used to apply for a new permanent residency or citizenship.
- 3The form does not cover emergency travel exemptions.
- 4Processing times vary and are not guaranteed.
- 5An approved visa is required before you can travel back to Australia.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
3 items
Your name exactly as shown in your passport.
Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.
Contact
1 items
Current residential address, postal address, email, and phone number.
Request
1 items
The visa, citizenship, or sponsorship request this form relates to.
Evidence
1 items
Certified copies of identity and other documents required for the request.
Declaration
1 items
Declare that the information is true and correct, then sign and date.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 886 is the current version used to apply for a Resident Return Visa. No recent changes have been announced.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the version/date printed on the form header.
- Confirm whether any new supporting documents are listed.
- Verify if the fee schedule has been updated on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Review the declaration wording for any recent wording changes.
- Ensure the form layout matches the latest PDF available online.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number 886confirmed from user input.
- SRCForm name 'Application for a Resident Return Visa'confirmed from user input.
- SRCIssuing agency Department of Home Affairsconfirmed from user input.
- SRCEligibility criterianot confirmed in official source.
- SRCFee amountnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCSubmission method (ImmiAccount)not confirmed in official source.
- SRCVersion/date of the formnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCRelated forms (e.g., Form 140)not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Submitting a temporary visa application instead of Form 886.
Leaving mandatory fields blank or incomplete.
Providing an outdated version of the form.
Missing the required signature or date.
Paying an incorrect fee amount – not confirmed in official source.
Uploading documents in an unsupported file format.
Confusing Resident Return Visa eligibility with citizenship requirements.
Source transparency
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