Don't Panic — You Have Options
Receiving a visa refusal is stressful, but it is not necessarily the end of your Australian journey. The options available to you depend on the type of visa refused and the reasons for refusal.
Option 1: Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Review
For many visa refusals, you have the right to apply for merits review at the ART. The ART can review the decision on its merits and substitute a different decision if appropriate. Strict time limits apply — typically 28 days from the date of the refusal decision.
Option 2: Judicial Review
If you believe the decision involved a legal error, you may be able to seek judicial review in the Federal Circuit Court (FCC). This is a complex and expensive process and is generally a last resort.
Option 3: Ministerial Intervention
In limited circumstances, you may request the Minister for Immigration to intervene in your case. This is a discretionary power and is rarely exercised.
Option 4: New Application
In some cases, the best option is to lodge a new application that addresses the reasons for the original refusal. This may be appropriate where circumstances have changed or where additional evidence is available.
Act Quickly
Time limits for ART review are strict. Contact TerraOz Migration immediately if you have received a refusal — we can review your options and advise on the best course of action.