Commonwealth Migration Group

Appeals & Reviews

A refusal is not always the end of the road. We assess your merits-review options and represent your case — to strict deadlines.

Overview

Refusals & Appeals

If a visa application is refused or a visa is cancelled, many decisions can be challenged through independent merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (the ART, which replaced the AAT in October 2024). The Tribunal can review the decision afresh and either affirm it, set it aside, or send it back to the Department. Strict eligibility rules and short lodgement deadlines apply, so acting quickly and strategically is essential.

Category

Appeals & Reviews

Relevance

When a visa is refused or cancelled

MARA Registered Agents
Free 30-min Consult
Your Australian Migration Journey, Guided by MARA Registered Agents.
Professionally Indemnified

Why It Matters

Why it matters

A refusal can jeopardise your status, your finances and your future applications — and overclaimed or poorly evidenced cases can lead to bans. Where a decision is reviewable, the review window is short (often only days or weeks) and is generally not extendable. Getting expert eyes on the decision record immediately is the difference between a recoverable case and a lost one.

Key Details

Decisions we commonly review

Skilled and points-tested visa refusals

Partner and family visa refusals

Student visa refusals and GTE/Genuine Student issues

Visitor and sponsored-visitor refusals

Visa cancellations (including on character grounds)

Nomination and sponsorship-related refusals

How It Works

Your Step-by-Step Journey

We obtain and analyse the refusal/cancellation notice to identify the real reasons and whether the decision is reviewable.

We check who can apply for review and the exact lodgement deadline — these are strict and rarely extendable.

We lodge with the Tribunal correctly and on time, paying the application fee.

We address each refusal ground with fresh, properly organised evidence and legal submissions.

We prepare you and present your case to the Tribunal member.

Whatever the outcome, we advise on remaining options — re-application, further review, or an alternative pathway.

Watch Out

Good to know

Review deadlines are short and generally cannot be extended — lodging late usually ends the matter.
Not every decision is reviewable, and the right tribunal/jurisdiction depends on the visa and where you applied.
Application fees apply and may be partially refundable on a successful outcome — verify current amounts.
Merits review looks at the facts and law afresh; new, well-organised evidence is often decisive.
Tribunal names and procedures changed when the ART replaced the AAT in October 2024 — we work to the current rules.
How CMG helps
  • An honest, fast assessment of whether your refusal is worth reviewing — before the deadline passes.
  • Correct, on-time lodgement with the right tribunal.
  • Evidence and submissions that directly answer each refusal ground.
  • Experienced representation and a clear plan for whatever comes next.

Information verified against the official source before we advise you.

FAQ

Common Questions

How long do I have to appeal a visa refusal?

It varies by visa and decision, but review windows are short — often only days to a few weeks — and generally cannot be extended. Contact us the moment you receive a decision.

ReadytoStartYourAustralianJourney?

Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our MARA-registered agents. No obligation, no jargon, just expert information tailored to you. You can send an email or find the contact number on our website.

Call Us Now
Book a free 30-minute consultation

MARA Registered

Certified accountable, bound by law

Your Australian Migration Journey, Guided by MARA Registered Agents.

Across all visa categories, 2019 to 2024

500+ Visas Approved

GCC families, professionals, and students

Join 500 Plus GCC clients who chose Australia via CMG
MARA RegisteredIndemnity Insured500 Plus Approved
WhatsAppCall
Book Free Consultation