Administrative Review Tribunal
The ART replaced the AAT on 14 October 2024 and now conducts independent merits review of most visa and citizenship decisions. It can look at your matter afresh and substitute a new decision — but the window to lodge is short and set by your decision letter. The sooner we start, the stronger your review.
Independent merits review of departmental decisions
When the Department of Home Affairs refuses or cancels a visa, or refuses citizenship, the ART offers a second, independent assessment on the full merits. It is not a court and it is not the Department — it is a fresh decision-maker. Here is what it does, what it can review, and how we prepare a matter for it.
A fresh, independent look at your decision
On review, the Tribunal ‘stands in the shoes’ of the original decision-maker. It can consider evidence that was never before the Department, reach its own findings on the facts, and either affirm the decision, send it back for reconsideration, or set it aside and substitute a more favourable one. A refusal is the Department’s view — not the last word.
- Independent of the Department of Home Affairs
- Decides on the full merits, not just legal error
- Can substitute a new, favourable decision
- Fresh evidence is allowed and expected
What the ART can review
The Tribunal’s Migration & Protection jurisdiction reviews most decisions made under the Migration Act — visa refusals and cancellations across partner, skilled, student, visitor, business and protection visas, along with many sponsorship and nomination decisions. Citizenship refusals, cancellations and revocations are reviewed in its Citizenship caseload. Not every decision is reviewable, which is why the first step is always to confirm your rights.
- Partner, skilled & business visa refusals
- Student, visitor & protection decisions
- Visa cancellations and sponsorship matters
- Citizenship refusals and revocations
From application to hearing
Once a valid review application is lodged within time, the Tribunal obtains the Department’s file and we build and submit the supporting evidence. Many matters proceed to a hearing — held in person, by telephone, or online — where you can give evidence and answer the Tribunal’s questions, with an interpreter if needed. Timeframes vary by caseload, and many migration matters now run beyond twelve months; protection matters often longer.
- Department file requested by the Tribunal
- Evidence and written submissions prepared
- Hearing in person, by phone, or online
- Interpreter arranged where required
Why preparation decides the outcome
Review is won on the quality of the evidence and how clearly it answers the criterion that was failed. We identify exactly why the Department refused, assemble targeted evidence to meet that issue, prepare written submissions, and ready you for the kinds of questions the Tribunal asks. Going in prepared is the difference between a hearing that feels like an interrogation and one where your case is already made.
- Pinpoint the exact reason for refusal
- Evidence built to meet that specific issue
- Clear, persuasive written submissions
- Hearing preparation, start to finish