Apply for
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
Turn a refusal into a second chance — with the right review, lodged on time.
If you’ve received an Immigration or citizenship decision you don’t agree with, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) may be able to review it — including certain visa refusals/cancellations, nomination refusals, sponsorship decisions, and citizenship decisions. Strict time limits apply, and in many cases the deadline can’t be extended, so acting quickly is critical. Most review applications also have an application fee, and applications are generally lodged online.
At Knowbal Migration, we help you move fast and stay organised — reviewing your decision letter, confirming whether a review right exists, and preparing a clear, evidence-backed strategy for the ART process. We can assist with drafting submissions, compiling supporting documents, and guiding you through each stage, so your case is presented properly, consistently, and on time.
Overview for Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
- Independent review of visa and citizenship decisions
The ART is an independent body that reviews certain immigration and citizenship decisions made by the Department or the Minister, including visa refusals, visa cancellations, and citizenship refusals. - Merits review (a fresh look at your case)
The Tribunal reassesses the facts, evidence, and relevant law to determine the correct and preferable decision, rather than simply checking for errors. - Who can apply
Only decisions that are reviewable under migration law can be taken to the ART. Eligibility depends on the type of decision and the applicant’s circumstances. - How the process works
After an application is lodged, the ART may request additional information, review documents from all parties, and conduct a conference or hearing if required. - Possible outcomes
The ART can confirm the original decision, change it, set it aside and make a new decision, or send it back for reconsideration. - Support and guidance
Applicants can access ART resources to understand the process, prepare evidence, and know what to expect at a hearing.
Cost: AUD 3,580.00 for a review of most migration decisions.check here
Success-based refund: If the review outcome is successful, we will refund 50% of our professional fees paid.
Eligibility for Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Reviewable decision | The decision must be one the ART is legally allowed to review. Not all government decisions are reviewable. Your decision letter should state whether the decision is reviewable. |
| Affected interest (who can apply) | You must be the person or entity whose interests are affected by the decision. In migration matters, this is commonly the visa applicant, and in some cases may include the sponsor or nominator (depending on the decision type). |
| Strict time limits | You must lodge within the timeframe stated in the decision letter. Time limits are strict and vary by decision type. Common examples include: • 28 days (many migration/visa decisions) • as little as 7 days (some character-related matters) • 14 days (some matters involving immigration detention) |
| Late applications | If you miss the deadline, the ART may not accept the application. Extensions are uncommon in migration-related matters. |
| Application method | You must lodge a complete application (online or by an accepted written method) in the required form. |
| Application fee | A fee generally applies. A commonly referenced fee for many migration-related reviews is AUD $3,580, with possible concessions for financial hardship. |
| Documents required | You should provide the decision details (and ideally the decision letter), your identifying information, and the grounds/reasons you are seeking review. |
| What decisions are commonly reviewable | Depending on the case type: visa refusals/cancellations, sponsorship or nomination refusals, bridging visa decisions, and some citizenship decisions. |
| What is generally not reviewable | Decisions that the ART has no power to review, including certain decisions made personally by the relevant Minister. |
| Outcome notice | The Department’s decision letter should specify whether ART review is available and the exact deadline to lodge. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
The ART can review certain decisions made under the Migration Act 1958 to refuse or cancel visas (and some visa-related decisions). Whether your decision is reviewable depends on the law and your specific decision type.
Your Department of Home Affairs decision letter will state whether the decision is reviewable and who is entitled to apply. If the letter doesn’t clearly confirm review rights, get help quickly because time limits are strict.
The ART generally cannot review:
- a visa cancellation decision made personally by the Minister, or
- a decision if you’re not entitled to apply.
Also, the ART’s process differs for protection (refugee) matters, character-related decisions, and some business visa cancellations (these aren’t covered by the general information you shared).
Applying online is usually the easiest and safest option. It also lets you upload documents during the review, receive confirmations, and access what you’ve already submitted.
Yes. If you can’t apply online, you can apply using the relevant paper form (for example, different forms may apply depending on detention status or specific bridging visa condition matters) or apply by written request.
Ideally, include a copy of the Home Affairs decision letter. If you don’t have it, you must provide enough identifying information and decision details (such as your name, contact details, decision date/description, and passport or identity details) so the ART can treat the application as valid.
If the decision is about a visa applicant and you are not the visa applicant, you’ll need to include the visa applicant’s details (name, contact details, and identity details such as passport information) as part of the application.
Blogs
How to Claim 5 Extra Points for Regional Study: The Ultimate GSM Guide
Introduction If you are navigating the General Skilled Migration (GSM) system in Australia—chasing a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa—you...
How Partner Points Work for Australian GSM Visas (189, 190, 491): A Simple Guide
Introduction When you are applying for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa—like the 189, 190, or 491—you know that every...
Form 888 vs Section 48 Statutory Declarations
Introduction Applying for an Australian Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is already one of the most document-heavy, emotionally draining, and expensive...
