If your Australian visa has been refused or cancelled, you may have an opportunity to seek review of the
decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is a statutory body established by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Act 1975. It conducts independent merits review of administrative action such as decisions on visa
applications and visa related matters made by officers of the Department of Immigration and Border
Protection. The Tribunal will look afresh at the facts, law and policy relating to the decision, when
conducting a review, so as to arrive at a legally correct decision or, where there is more than one correct
decision, make a decision that it deems preferable. The Tribunal has the power to affirm a decision
concerning a visa. It can also vary a decision, set aside a decision and substitute a new decision, or remit a
decision to the decision-maker for reconsideration.
In carrying out its functions, the Tribunal is to pursue the objective of providing a mechanism of review that
is accessible, fair, just, economical, informal and quick, as well as proportionate to the importance and
complexity of the matter whilst promoting public trust and confidence in the decision-making process.
The time limit for making an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal is ordinarily stated in the
decision subject of the review and will usually be 28 days after the decision to be reviewed is received.