Review at the Administrative Review Tribunal
Review of most onshore refusals and cancellations, and some sponsor-initiated reviews. Deadlines cannot be extended.
In force
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.
Main requirements
- 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 you apply from
Lodged with the Tribunal.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- The day the letter arrives
Read the letter for the review right and deadline.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent lodges the review on time. - Prepare
Obtain the Department's file, prepare submissions and fresh evidence.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares submissions and evidence. - Hearing
Attend the hearing with a free interpreter if needed.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent refers court matters to an Australian legal professional.
Government fees
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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. Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs processing times |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Lodging late.
- No new evidence addressing the reason for refusal.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Review
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.