Merits review

Review of a visa, sponsorship, nomination or citizenship decision by the Administrative Review Tribunal.

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Merits review

The Administrative Review Tribunal reviews the merits of many migration and citizenship decisions. It replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in October 2024.

A merits review looks at the facts again. It is not the same as a court case.

What can be reviewed

Many visa refusals, and many cancellations.
Some sponsorship and nomination refusals.
Some citizenship decisions.
Not every refusal has a review right. It depends on the decision and, for some visas, on where the person is.

How a merits review works

The Tribunal considers the criteria for itself. It is not bound by the Department’s reasons.
New evidence is often allowed. The question is whether the criterion is met, not whether the Department’s file was complete.
The Migration and Protection jurisdictions hear these cases.

Time limits

Strict time limits apply. They are set out in our FAQ on refusals, cancellations and appeals. Get advice before the date.
The limit runs from notification. Missing it usually ends the review right.
A court challenge is a different proceeding. See judicial review.

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Discuss a Tribunal review

Send the decision record. We will tell you whether a review right exists and when it expires.