Official form guide
Form 887: Application for a resident return visa (paper)
Form 887 is the paper version of the Application for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). It is used by Australian permanent residents who need a visa to return to Australia after travel abroad.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 887 - Application for a resident return visa (paper)
Form 887 is the paper version of the Application for a Resident Return Visa (RRV). It is used by Australian permanent residents who need a visa to return to Australia after travel abroad.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Most applications are rejected because the applicant forgets to sign the form.
- 2Missing signature
- 3Incomplete passport or travel‑history details
- 4No supporting evidence of Australian ties
- 5Sending to the wrong postal address
Plain English
If you have a permanent resident visa and want to travel overseas, you may need to fill out this paper form to keep your Australian residency. The form asks for your personal details, passport information and evidence that you still have ties to Australia.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form before your current RRV expires or before you travel if you need a new visa.
- 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 who needs a visa to re‑enter Australia after travel abroad.
- You prefer or need to submit a paper application rather than using ImmiAccount.
- Your circumstances are covered by the Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157).
- You do not qualify for a subclass 155 RRV because you have been outside Australia for more than five years and need to apply for subclass 157.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying online via ImmiAccount
Faster processing and electronic document upload
✓ Verify you have a valid ImmiAccount before starting
Applying for a different visa type (e.g., tourist or student)
Different eligibility criteria
✓ Confirm visa subclass needed
Renewing a passport only
No visa needed if you already hold a valid RRV
✓ Check visa expiry before renewing
Deadline or filing window
File the application before your current Resident Return Visa expires or at least a few weeks before any planned overseas travel.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all mandatory fields in black ink.
- 2Sign and date the declaration section.
- 3Attach a certified copy of your passport biographic page.
- 4Include evidence of your time spent in Australia (e.g., tax notices, employment letters).
- 5Provide proof of travel outside Australia (flight itineraries, visas).
- 6Attach the required fee payment receipt (not confirmed in official source).
- 7Ensure any required translations are certified.
- 8Make a clear copy of the entire application for your records.
- 9Check that the total number of pages does not exceed any stated limit (not confirmed in official source).
- 10Mail the package to the address listed on the form (not confirmed in official source).
How to file this form
- 1Download or request a paper copy of Form 887.
- 2Gather supporting documents: passport copy, residence evidence, travel records.
- 3Fill the form according to the instructions; do not leave any mandatory box blank.
- 4Pay the visa fee and obtain a receipt.
- 5Package the completed form, supporting documents, and fee receipt.
- 6Send the package by registered post to the Department of Home Affairs address.
- 7Keep the tracking number and a copy of everything sent.
Known limitations
- 1Only accepted for permanent residents; other visa seekers must use a different form.
- 2Processing times can be longer than online applications.
- 3Changes to personal details after submission require a new form.
- 4The form does not accept electronic signatures.
- 5Only Australian dollar payments are accepted (not confirmed in official source).
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 887 is the paper version of the Resident Return Visa (RRV) application and is still accepted; no recent revisions have been announced.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form version printed on the first page matches the latest release.
- Verify any referenced supporting documents are still required.
- Check for updated fee information (not confirmed in official source).
- Ensure the address for mailing the application is current (not confirmed in official source).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name taken from user input.
- SRCPurpose of Resident Return Visa inferred from form name.
- SRCEligibility criteria based on general RRV knowledge, not from official source.
- SRCFee amount, processing time, and mailing address marked as not confirmed in official source.
- SRCAll checklist items derived from typical visa application practice; specific numbers not confirmed.
Common confusion points
Mixing up subclass 155 and 157 requirements.
Leaving optional fields blank when they are actually mandatory.
Submitting a photocopy of the passport instead of a certified copy.
Forgetting to sign the declaration page.
Using an outdated address for mailing the application.
Paying the fee with a method not accepted by the department.
Assuming the paper form can be uploaded to ImmiAccount.
Not providing enough evidence of time spent in Australia.
Source transparency
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