Visa file / Review, intervention and cancellation
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.
Published 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 you apply from
Lodged with the Tribunal.
Related
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
The day the letter arrives
Read the letter for the review right and deadline.
Where a registered migration agent can helpDiarises the deadline the same day.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Lodge the review
Lodge and pay the fee.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges the review on time.
- 04
Prepare
Obtain the Department's file, prepare submissions and fresh evidence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares submissions and evidence.
- 05
Hearing
Attend the hearing with a free interpreter if needed.
Where a registered migration agent can helpAttends and represents you.
- 06
After the Tribunal
If affirmed, options may include court review, ministerial intervention or a fresh application outside Australia.
Where a registered migration agent can helpRefers court matters to an Australian legal professional.
Charges and processing times.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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. Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
Processing times: not published by Home Affairs for this visa. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Lodging late.
- No new evidence addressing the reason for refusal.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Review
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Refusals, cancellations and character matters have short, fixed time limits. Read the decision letter the day it arrives and contact a registered migration agent straight away.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.