Visa Refused or Cancelled by the Department of Home Affairs?
You May Still Have Options to Challenge the Decision
If your visa application has been refused or cancelled by the Department of Home Affairs, you may be eligible to apply for an independent review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART can reassess your case and determine whether the decision was correct based on law, policy, and evidence.
ACT QUICKLY – Most ART applications must be lodged within 28 days of receiving your decision. Missing the deadline may mean losing your right to review.
What Department of Home Affairs Decisions Can Be Reviewed?
Visa Refusals
- Partner visas
- Student visas
- Skilled visas
- Visitor visas
- Protection visas
- Humanitarian visas
Visa Cancellations
- Character cancellations (section 501)
- Overstay or compliance cancellations
- Health or incorrect information cancellations
Sponsorship Decisions
- Partner sponsorship refusal
- Employer sponsorship cancellation
- Family sponsorship issues
Other Immigration Decisions
- Bridging visa refusal
- Citizenship refusal or cancellation
- Immigration detention-related decisions
Why Apply for an ART Review?
- Challenge an incorrect or unfair refusal
- Submit new supporting evidence
- Clarify misunderstandings in your application
- Correct errors made in the original decision
- Have your case reviewed independently
Possible Outcomes
- Affirm the Department’s decision
- Set aside the decision and replace it with a new one
- Send the case back for reconsideration
How the Review Process Works
- Lodge Your Application – Submit to the Administrative Review Tribunal within the required timeframe.
- Department Response – Home Affairs provides your case file and reasons.
- Submit Evidence – Provide additional documents, statements and arguments.
- Hearing (if required) – Attend in person, by phone, or via video conference.
- Decision – The Tribunal reviews all evidence and makes a final determination.
Early action improves your chances of success.
