A refusal is a setback,
not the final word.
If your visa or employer nomination has been refused, you may have the right to have that decision independently reviewed. We prepare and run ART appeals every week.
Refused? Here is what matters now.
- ✓The tribunal looks at your case afresh, new evidence and arguments are allowed.
- ✓Deadlines are short and, for most migration decisions, cannot be extended.
- ✓A registered migration agent can prepare and represent you throughout.
Brisbane
Servicing all of AustraliaOffshore
Clients worldwideMany refusals are overturned on review. The question is whether your case is put properly.
The Administrative Review Tribunal reviews government decisions, including visa and nomination refusals.
The ART is the independent body that replaced the AAT in October 2024. When the Department of Home Affairs refuses a visa or an employer nomination, the ART can review that decision on its merits. It stands in the shoes of the original decision-maker and can reach a different, correct outcome.
It is not a court. You can present fresh documents, respond to the department's concerns, and give evidence at a hearing.
Refusals we take to the tribunal.
Whether it is an employer's nomination or an applicant's visa, we have run these matters before. Common refusals we act on:
Nomination knocked back?
We appeal refused employer-sponsored nominations, genuine position, salary, occupation and business criteria issues addressed head-on.
SC 482SC 494SC 186 ENSSkilled work visa refusals
Refused on skills, English, health, character or a nomination link? We rebuild the case for the visa applicant.
SC 482SC 494SC 186Partner & family visas
Relationship genuineness, evidence gaps and sponsorship concerns, presented properly to the tribunal.
PartnerFamilyStudent visa refusals
GTE / genuine student, financials and course-progress refusals, reframed with the right supporting evidence.
SC 500Subsequent entrantSkilled & points-tested
Points, skills assessment and eligibility refusals across the skilled program taken to review.
SC 189/190SC 491Other visa refusals
Visitor, work, and other subclasses, tell us your decision type and we will confirm your review rights and deadline.
Ask usHow an ART appeal works with us.
A clear, four-stage path from refusal letter to tribunal decision.
Case review
We read your refusal letter, confirm your review rights and, critically, your exact deadline.
Lodge in time
We prepare and lodge your application to the tribunal correctly, before the clock runs out.
Build the case
We gather fresh evidence, write detailed submissions and answer every concern the department raised.
Represent you
We prepare you for the hearing and put your case to the tribunal member on the day.
Know the two numbers that decide your appeal.
The time limit and the tribunal fee are set by law. Here is what to expect, and why moving quickly matters.
Your time limit
- !Most visa refusals allow 28 days from notification; some allow 21 days or less.
- !For most migration decisions the tribunal cannot extend the deadline, miss it and the right to review can be lost.
- !Your exact deadline is in your decision letter. Send it to us today and we will confirm it immediately.
Some decisions (for example, immigration detention) carry much shorter limits. Do not wait to check.
The tribunal fee
- ·This is the government's application fee, current from 1 July 2026, separate from our professional fees.
- ·A 50% reduction may be available on financial-hardship grounds.
- ·50% is refunded if your review succeeds, the decision is set aside, varied or remitted. Protection-visa reviews are charged differently.
We will give you a clear, fixed quote for our work before you commit, no surprises.
Experienced tribunal representation, from people who do this every week.
Registered migration agents
Regulated, accountable and authorised to prepare and represent you at the ART.
Deep ART experience
Strong track record across employer-sponsored, skilled, partner and student refusals.
Evidence-led submissions
We do not just re-lodge, we answer the department's exact concerns with the right documents.
We move fast
Deadlines are unforgiving. We assess, advise and lodge without delay.
Transparent fees
A clear quote up front, so you know exactly where you stand before proceeding.
Nationwide & direct
We act for clients across Australia and offshore, one dedicated point of contact.
What people ask before appealing.
Can my refusal actually be overturned?
Often, yes. The ART reviews the decision on its merits and can accept fresh evidence and arguments the department never saw. No one can guarantee an outcome, but a well-prepared case that squarely addresses the reasons for refusal has a real prospect of success.
How long do I have to apply?
Usually 21 to 28 days from when you are notified, but it depends on the decision, and some limits are shorter. For most migration decisions the tribunal cannot extend the deadline, so the safest step is to send us your decision letter now and let us confirm the exact date.
What does it cost?
There is the government's tribunal fee (currently $3,727 for most migration decisions from 1 July 2026, with a possible 50% hardship reduction and 50% refunded if you succeed), plus our professional fee for preparing and running the appeal. We give you a fixed quote before you commit.
My employer's nomination was refused, can that be reviewed?
Yes. Refused employer-sponsored nominations (including subclass 482, 494 and 186) can be reviewable. We regularly act for businesses to address the position, salary, occupation and genuineness concerns behind a nomination refusal.
Do I have to attend a hearing?
Most merits reviews involve a hearing before a tribunal member. We prepare you thoroughly and represent you on the day, so you are never facing it alone.
Nationwide Migration and Education | Suman Dua, MARN 1800859 | This page is general information, not personal migration advice. Outcomes depend on your individual circumstances and the current Administrative Review Tribunal and Department of Home Affairs requirements. Our agents are registered with OMARA and bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
Talk to a Brisbane Registered Migration Agent
From skilled and employer sponsored visas to family, partner, student and New Zealand pathways, rules and allocations change often. A quick consultation gives you current, honest guidance for your situation. MARN 1800859.
Whether you are sponsoring talent or seeking sponsorship, our Brisbane team manages the full process and plans your pathway to permanent residency.
Contact
Phone: +61 7 37265183
Email: [email protected]
Address: 320 Adelaide St Brisbane QLD 4000
Nationwide Migration and Education
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