Reference library
If your visa is refused or cancelled
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), can review some, but not all, visa decisions made by Home Affairs or the Minister. This page summarises the Tribunal's immigration and citizenship page ↗, checked 6 November 2026. General information only: it does not tell you whether your decision can be reviewed or what your chances are.
Time limits are strict
The time limit to apply depends on the type of decision and whether you are in immigration detention. Check the Home Affairs decision letter for your time limit. The Tribunal has no power to extend it.
Decisions the Tribunal can review
The Tribunal lists these kinds of decisions:
- Migration visa refusal or cancellation
- Protection (refugee) visa refusal or cancellation
- Character-related visa refusal or cancellation
- Australian citizenship refusal or cancellation
- Refusal of a nomination of an occupation, activity or position
- Sponsorship decisions: barring, refusing or cancelling a sponsor's approval
How to apply
The Tribunal says the easiest and safest way is to apply online ↗, with a valid email address and details of the decision. If you cannot, you can send form M1 (not in immigration detention), M2 (in immigration detention) or B1 (conditions on a subclass 070 bridging visa), email, write or visit a Tribunal office. Include a copy of the Home Affairs decision letter if you have it.
Fee
On 6 November 2026 the application fee for a review of most migration decisions was $3,727. There is no fee for a review of a bridging visa decision that resulted in a person being placed in immigration detention, or of a refusal to grant a subclass 070 visa without one or more prescribed conditions. Fees change: check the Tribunal's fees page ↗ for the current fee, how to pay, refunds and fee reductions.
Representing yourself or getting help
You can deal with the Tribunal yourself. You can also be represented by a registered migration agent or an Australian lawyer with a practising certificate, or by a close family member (spouse, child, parent, brother or sister) or your nominator or sponsor. Only an agent or lawyer can charge you a fee for representing you. The Tribunal says it is best to organise advice or representation as soon as possible.
Find a registered migration agent or Australian lawyer · Free legal help by state or territory ↗
Summarised from the Administrative Review Tribunal website (Commonwealth of Australia). YourVisaSite is not part of the Tribunal or Home Affairs.