Your options
Review & Appeal Options
Select a card to see how each option works.
Tribunal Review
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) replaced the AAT in October 2024 and conducts independent merits review of many migration decisions — looking at your case afresh and deciding the correct or preferable outcome. Strict lodgement time limits apply from the date of the decision.
When it applies
- Many visa refusals and cancellations are reviewable by the ART — your decision letter states your review rights.
- You must apply within the time limit — often as little as 7–28 days depending on the decision.
- You can provide new information and submissions to support your case.
How we help
- Confirm your review rights and the exact deadline.
- Prepare written submissions addressing each ground of the decision.
- Gather supporting evidence and represent you at the hearing.
Ministerial
Ministerial Intervention
Where a tribunal has affirmed a refusal, the Minister has a personal, non-compellable power to intervene and substitute a more favourable decision in unique or exceptional circumstances. It is discretionary and is generally only considered after review options are exhausted.
What it involves
- A detailed request setting out the unique or compelling circumstances of your case.
- Strong supporting evidence — compassionate, community or other exceptional factors.
- Realistic advice: intervention is rare and entirely at the Minister’s discretion.
Judicial Review
Judicial Review (Courts)
Judicial review in the Federal Circuit and Family Court (or Federal Court) does not re-decide the merits of your case — it examines whether the decision-maker made a legal or jurisdictional error. Very strict time limits apply, and legal representation is strongly recommended.
When it applies
- Where you believe the tribunal or department made a jurisdictional or legal error.
- Generally must be lodged within 35 days of the decision.
- The court can send the matter back to be decided again according to law.
How we help
- Assess whether an arguable legal error exists before you commit to litigation.
- Work with experienced immigration lawyers where court representation is needed.
- Explain costs, prospects and timeframes honestly.
* Time limits are strict and vary by decision — get advice immediately. Indicative only; always confirm current details with the relevant tribunal, court or one of our registered migration agents.
Our process
How We Handle Your Appeal
Free Case Review
We review the refusal decision letter and all documents in your file to understand the grounds for refusal.
Strategy Assessment
We identify the available review or appeal options and recommend the strongest path forward for your situation.
Grounds Preparation
We prepare a detailed written submission addressing each ground of the refusal and gathering supporting evidence.
Lodgement & Representation
We lodge the review application and represent you before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if required.
Outcome
We keep you informed throughout the process and advise on next steps whether the review is successful or not.
Common questions