Appeals & Reviews (ART)
If your visa has been refused or cancelled, you may be able to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for an independent merits review. Time limits are strict - so if you've had a decision, talk to us quickly.
Just received a refusal or cancellation?
Time limits to apply for review are strict - usually 28 days after you are notified of the decision (14 days if you are in immigration detention), and the Tribunal cannot extend them. The safest move is to call us today rather than wait.
Call +61 423 720 019 nowThis isn't a legal determination - just the fastest way for us to call you back about your deadline.
A refusal or cancellation isn't always the end of the road. Many migration decisions can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) on 14 October 2024. The ART takes a fresh look at your case - this is called 'merits review' - and can set the original decision aside.
The most important thing to know is that strict time limits apply - usually 28 days after you are notified of the decision, or 14 days if you are in immigration detention - and they cannot be extended. If you've received a refusal or cancellation, contact us straight away so we can protect your review rights.
Key facts
- Tribunal
- Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
- Replaced
- The AAT, on 14 October 2024
- What it does
- Independent merits review of decisions
- Time limits
- Usually 28 days after you are notified (14 days in immigration detention)
- Extensions
- Not possible - act fast
- Fee
- An application fee applies (partly refundable if you succeed)
Your visa options
There is usually more than one way forward. Here are the main pathways within appeals & reviews (art).
Is this pathway right for you?
This may suit you if:
- Your visa application has been refused and you have review rights
- Your visa has been cancelled and you want to challenge it
- A sponsorship or nomination decision has gone against you or your business
- You've just received a decision and are within the strict time limit to apply
- You want an honest assessment of whether review is worthwhile before you commit
Why it's worth it
A fresh decision
The ART reconsiders your case on its merits and can affirm, vary or set aside the decision.
We act within time
We move quickly to lodge within the strict deadline, which can't be extended.
An honest assessment
We tell you frankly whether review is realistic, rather than raising false hope.
Thorough preparation
We prepare focused submissions and evidence that address why the decision should change.
Support through the review
We help you prepare for a hearing, or for a review the ART decides on the papers.
Clear next steps
Whatever the outcome, we explain your remaining options in plain English.
This may not be the right fit if…
- The decision you received isn't one the ART has the power to review
- The strict time limit to apply has already passed
- An honest assessment shows the original decision is very unlikely to change
These are general pointers, not a determination about your case - book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.
General requirements
Every case is different, but you'll generally need to:
- The decision must be one the ART can review - many, but not all, migration decisions are reviewable
- You must generally have standing to apply (for example, be the visa applicant or an eligible sponsor)
- You must apply within the strict time limit for your decision type - these cannot be extended
- Pay the application fee (part of which may be refunded if your review succeeds)
Our step-by-step process
We keep things clear and calm, so you always know what's happening and what comes next.
Urgent review of your decision
We look at your refusal or cancellation letter immediately to identify your rights and deadline.
Confirm review rights & deadline
We confirm whether the decision is reviewable and exactly how long you have to apply.
Lodge your ART application in time
We lodge a valid application before the deadline to protect your review rights.
Prepare submissions & evidence
We build a focused case explaining why the decision should be changed.
The hearing, or a review on the papers
We prepare you for the hearing and support you in presenting your case. Most student visa refusal reviews are decided on the papers, without a hearing, so we prepare your written answer to the ART's invitation and make sure it goes in on time.
The decision & next options
We explain the ART's decision and any further options that may be open to you.
Documents you'll typically need
A general guide - we'll give you a tailored checklist for your situation.
- The refusal or cancellation decision record and reasons
- Your original visa or sponsorship application
- Identity and passport documents
- Any new supporting evidence relevant to the decision
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what people ask us most.
What is the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)?
How long do I have to apply?
What does 'merits review' mean?
Is there a fee to apply?
Will I get a hearing?
What if my review is dismissed?
What if the ART doesn't decide in my favour?
This page is general information only, not migration or legal advice. Review rights, time limits and procedures are set by the Migration Act 1958 and the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 and can change. Because deadlines are strict and cannot be extended, seek advice immediately after receiving a decision. We never guarantee an outcome.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
Answer a few plain-English questions and get a friendly, no-obligation summary of the pathways that may suit you. It only takes about two minutes.