Review and appeals · Guide
Review at the Administrative Review Tribunal
Review of most onshore refusals and cancellations, and some sponsor-initiated reviews. Deadlines cannot be extended.
Who it is for
People refused or cancelled in Australia, sponsors and nominators of some refused applications, and some character and citizenship decisions. The Tribunal replaced the former tribunal on 14 October 2024.
Key eligibility
- Most onshore visa refusals and cancellations can be reviewed, as can some offshore refusals where an Australian sponsor or nominator applies.
- Not reviewable: decisions made personally by the Minister, invalid applications and most offshore refusals without a sponsor.
- Time limits are strict and in your decision letter. The Tribunal cannot extend them for migration decisions. Expedited character reviews must be lodged within 9 days.
- You can represent yourself, or use a registered migration agent, an Australian legal professional, a close family member or the sponsor. Only an agent or legal professional can charge a fee.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Lodged with the Tribunal.
Your journey, step by step
The day the letter arrives
Read the letter for the review right and deadline.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent diarises the deadline the same day.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Lodge the review
Lodge and pay the fee.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent lodges the review on time.
Prepare
Obtain the Department's file, prepare submissions and fresh evidence.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares submissions and evidence.
Hearing
Attend the hearing with a free interpreter if needed.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent attends and represents you.
After the Tribunal
If affirmed, options may include court review, ministerial intervention or a fresh application outside Australia.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent refers court matters to an Australian legal professional.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government fees from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Most migration reviews | A$3,727 |
| Protection reviews, only if unsuccessful | A$2,293 |
These are fees, not visa application charges. The amounts are shown in the table.
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Processing times are not published for this visa.
Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Lodging late.
- No new evidence addressing the reason for refusal.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources and checks
- Administrative Review Tribunal: immigration and citizenship
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.