VISA REFUSALS CAN BE OVERTURNED
If the Department of Immigration has refused your application for an Australian visa you may still have options for visa review.
You may be able to ask for the decision to be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Visa review | Appealing Australian visa decisions
How do I apply for a visa review?
If your visa has been refused you typically have 21 or 28 days to apply for a review of the department’s decision with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. And if this is also unsuccessful you can consider seeking Ministerial Intervention.
Is there a time limit on visa appeals?
Yes. Time limits to review a decision are statutory and can’t be extended for any reason.
If you don’t lodge an application for a visa review in the required timeframe the matter is finalised and you’ll need to leave the country unless you hold another visa.
What is the Administrative Appeals Tribunal?
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is an independent review body, separate to the Department of Immigration.It applies the same laws and policies as the Department of Immigration but has the authority to review department decisions and potentially overrule them.Its role is to consider if the relevant laws and policies, along with the discretionary judgements of department case officers, have been properly applied to the facts of a visa application.The Administrative Appeals Tribunal may agree with the department’s decision or it can revert the application back to the department on the basis that you meet criteria for the visa.If the matter is reverted back, the department will continue to process the application.While this doesn’t guarantee a visa being granted, it is indicative that it will be if relevant criteria are fulfilled.
Why choose Alan Rigas Solicitors for your visa review?
When lodging an Administrative Appeals Tribunal, we prepare detailed submissions to assist the tribunal in understanding your matter and why the visa should be granted.
We also help clients prepare for tribunal hearings where they are asked questions by a presiding tribunal member.
The tribunal in this jurisdiction is inquisitorial – designed to find out more information about your specific circumstances – and not adversarial. You need to know your application intimately.
Expertly drafted submissions are the cornerstone of your review application. Good submissions addressing the issues pave the way for a good hearing.
What will a Australian visa review cost?
All Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviews are subject to an application fee – currently $AU1764 per review applicant. This must be paid when lodging your review application.
Protection visa reviews are exempt from this fee until after the decision is made, at which point the applicant will be required to pay if the review fails.
Applicants may be eligible for a 50% discount on review application fees if they can demonstrate the cost will cause them financial hardship. However, the first 50% of the fee must be paid when lodging the review application.
What is a Judicial Review?
If the Administrative Appeals Tribunal affirms the department’s decision to refuse a visa application, you may have an opportunity to have the Tribunal’s decision reviewed by the Federal Circuit Court to determine if there was an error.
To get help with your visa review or visa appeal, contact Alan Rigas Solicitors on (02) 9635 5333.
HANDY HINT
You should lodge the judicial review application before your bridging visa expires (28 days from refusal notification) so you can obtain another bridging visa with the same conditions as the one you’re currently on. This is particularly important if you have work rights and wish to keep them.
HANDY HINT
If it is the first time you are submitting an application to the minister for intervention you are eligible for Bridging Visa E. This visa will keep you in Australia until the review is finalised.
Contact Us
Phone: +61 2 9635 5333Fax: +61 2 9633 3677Email: ua.moc.walsagir%40ofni
Find Us
Suite 3, Level 1,9 George StreetParramatta NSW 2150
Related content
The Department of Immigration called their relationship a sham. Our immigration lawyers had the decision overturned on appeal.
Newlyweds reunited after visa drama
The Australian passport ranks among the most powerful in the world. Find out how you can obtain one, along with?other benefits of citizenship in one of the most liveable and economically stable countries on the planet.
Partner and 457 visa holders maybe eligible for permanent residency after two years. Find out which pathways are available to you.
Our other services
Buying or selling a home, investment property or business is one of the most important transactions people will ever make. We coordinate the entire transaction.
We can provide strategic advice in negotiating or drafting your next employment contract. Or, in the event of a breach of contract, we can advise you of your rights.
It is vitally important that you have a current will and that it is updated every time your circumstances change.