Got a visa refusal or cancellation letter? You may still have a chance through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). But one question comes up every time: how long will the appeal actually take?
This guide explains current ART processing times, what affects them, and what to expect at each stage.
What Is the ART?
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is the independent body that reviews decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. It commenced on 14 October 2024 and replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). All cases that were with the AAT moved across to the ART.
The ART does not simply check the Department’s paperwork. It looks at each case fresh and can confirm, change, or overturn the original decision.
Which Visa Decisions Can Go to the ART?
The ART reviews most refusals and cancellations of:
- Partner and family visas (subclasses 820/801, 309/100, 300, 870)
- Skilled and employer-sponsored visas
- Student visas
- Some visitor visas, depending on where the application was lodged
- Sponsorship and nomination refusals
- Protection (refugee) visa decisions
Not every decision can be reviewed. Decisions made personally by the Minister cannot go to the ART. Some offshore visitor visa refusals also fall outside the ART’s scope.
ART Processing Times in 2026
Processing time depends heavily on the type of case. The ART publishes data twice a year, and the most recent figures give a clear picture.
Migration Review Processing Times
For migration reviews finalised between January and June 2026, half of all cases were finished within 1 year and 6 months from lodgement. Almost all cases, 95%, were finished within 2 years and 10 months.
Partner visa reviews and Permanent Business visa matters tend to take longer than other categories because of their complexity.
Protection (Refugee) Review Processing Times
Protection visa reviews take considerably longer. Half of these cases were finalised within 2 years and 5 months from lodgement. Most, 95%, were finalised within 5 years and 2 months.
Factors That Affect ART Processing Times
- Volume of applications – a high number of pending cases slows the whole system down
- Number of available Tribunal members – fewer members means longer queues
- Type of decision under review – some visa categories are more complex than others
- Case complexity – extra evidence, hearings, or legal issues add time
- The Tribunal’s caseload strategy – some categories are prioritised over others at different times
Because of these factors, published processing times are a guide only. They do not guarantee any individual case will finish within the same period.
Deadline to Lodge an ART Appeal
Most visa refusals must be appealed within 28 days of the decision being notified. This deadline runs in calendar days and, for most migration categories, the Tribunal cannot extend it.
Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to review altogether. Acting quickly after receiving a refusal letter is critical.
Step-by-Step ART Appeal Process
- Receive the refusal or cancellation notice from the Department of Home Affairs
- Check whether the decision is reviewable and confirm the deadline
- Lodge the application for review with the ART, along with the required fee
- Submit supporting evidence and documents
- Attend a hearing, if one is scheduled
- Receive the Tribunal’s decision
What Happens While You Wait? (Bridging Visa E)
If you lodge an ART appeal while in Australia, you may be issued a Bridging Visa E. This lets you remain in Australia lawfully while your case is being decided.
Work rights on a Bridging Visa E are not automatic. They must be specifically granted, so check the conditions attached to your bridging visa before making any work plans.
Can You Get Priority or Faster Processing?
In limited situations, priority processing can be requested. For example, if a visa was refused over an English test result and updated results are now available, a faster decision may be requested. Approval for priority processing is not guaranteed, and a well-prepared request improves the chances of it being considered.
ART Fees
There is a fee to lodge an application for review with the ART. Some applicants may be eligible for a reduced fee. Check the current fee amount on the official ART website before lodging, since fees are reviewed periodically.
Common Mistakes That Delay an ART Case
- Missing the 28-day deadline to lodge
- Submitting weak or incomplete evidence
- Not preparing properly for the hearing
- Ignoring conditions attached to the Bridging Visa E
- Assuming the ART will simply repeat the Department’s original assessment
Why Get Help from a Registered Migration Agent
An ART review is a second chance, not a formality. Strong evidence, a clear written case, and proper hearing preparation genuinely affect the outcome. A MARA-registered migration agent can review your refusal reasons, build the right evidence, and guide you through each stage of the ART process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an ART case take in 2026?
For migration reviews, half of all cases finish within about 1 year and 6 months, and most finish within 2 years and 10 months. Protection visa reviews generally take longer.
What is the deadline to lodge an ART appeal?
Most visa refusals must be appealed within 28 days of the decision notice, and this deadline usually cannot be extended.
Can I work while my ART case is pending?
Only if your Bridging Visa E has work rights attached. This is not automatic and depends on your specific conditions.
Can I speed up my ART review?
Priority processing is possible in limited situations, such as new evidence resolving the original refusal reason, but it is not guaranteed.
Is the ART the same as the old AAT?
The ART replaced the AAT in October 2024. All AAT cases were transferred to the ART, and it now handles migration and protection reviews with updated procedures.
Final Thoughts
ART processing times vary widely depending on the visa category and case complexity, and most matters now take well over a year to finalise. Understanding your deadlines, preparing strong evidence, and getting the right advice early gives your case the best chance of a good outcome.
If you have received a visa refusal or cancellation, book a free consultation with a MARA-registered migration agent to check your options and deadlines before time runs out.
