Appeals
If you’ve received a refusal letter, time matters. Some appeal windows are as short as seven working days — and once they close, the Tribunal generally cannot help, no matter how strong the underlying case is. Contact our office immediately so we can tailor a personalised response.
Citizenship and visa refusal appeals
We represent clients before the Administrative Review Tribunal (the ART, which replaced the AAT on 14 October 2024) for both citizenship and visa refusals. Our team understands the significance and distress of an appeal and works to support and guide clients through what is often a difficult process.
Australian Citizenship Appeals
The Department of Home Affairs and the responsible Minister have wide-ranging powers under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to refuse, cancel, or revoke citizenship under sections 17, 19D, 24, 25, 30, 33, 34, and 36. If you’ve received a refusal letter, your reviewable decisions and the time limits for appeal will be listed on it. Speak to us as soon as possible — some windows are very short.
- Refusals under sections 17 / 19D / 24
- Cancellations under section 25
- Revocations under sections 34 / 36
- Renunciation refusals (section 33)
Migration & Refugee Visa Appeals
The ART’s Migration & Protection jurisdiction now reviews most visa refusal and cancellation decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs — including partner, skilled, business, student, and protection visas. The Tribunal ‘stands in the shoes’ of the original decision-maker and can substitute a new decision based on fresh evidence and proper context.
- Partner, skilled & business visas
- Student & protection visas
- Cancellation reviews
- Sponsorship-related decisions
What to Expect at the ART
After your application is lodged, the Tribunal will request the Department’s file and any additional evidence from us. Hearings can be held in person, by phone, or online. Most migration matters now exceed twelve months in processing — protection and refugee matters typically take longer. We’ll keep you informed at every stage and prepare you thoroughly for any hearing.
- Department file requested
- Evidence built and lodged
- Hearing in person, phone, or online
- Prepared with us throughout
If the ART confirms the refusal
If the Tribunal’s decision goes against you, judicial review may be available in the Federal Circuit and Family Court — but only on grounds of legal error, not on the merits of your case. Strict time limits apply (often 35 days from notification). Where appropriate, we work with our advocacy team to support more complex matters at this stage.
- Federal Circuit & Family Court
- Legal error grounds only
- 35-day filing window typical
- Advocacy team support available
Fee guide
Our fees include lodgement, advice, preparation, and submission. The Department of Home Affairs charges its own fees separately. Other costs (test preparation, postage, sundries) should also be considered.
| Description | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Australian Citizenship — main applicant | $2,000 |
| Australian Citizenship — per additional adult family member | $1,500 |
| Per additional child / dependant (under 18) | $100 |
| Department fee — under 59 years (estimate) | $490 |
| ART rejection & appeal submissions (estimate) | $3,750 |
Estimates only and current at time of publication. Department fees are set by the Australian Government and change periodically. Final pricing is confirmed in your costs agreement after consultation.
Information videos in your language
We’ve compiled a series of department-published information videos on our Facebook page covering what to expect during an appeals process — available in:
- English
- Arabic
- Mandarin
- Punjabi
- Urdu
- Farsi (Persian) / Dari
- Serbian
- Vietnamese