Review Tribunal: A big change is coming!
The Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 introduced on 3 September 2025 (House of Reps) proposes a significant shift in how certain temporary visa reviews will be handled.
Proposed changes for student visas (and potentially other temporary visas like visitor visas) are that applications for review will be decided “on the papers provided”, which means without an in-person or oral hearing.
Important to note:
- The tribunal could base its decision solely on the documents and evidence submitted at the time of the application for review.
- Applicants may not have the chance to clarify mistakes or add explanations in person.
What to do when applying for a review
If you’re lodging a visa or review application, make sure you:
- Provide complete documentation upfront.
- Include detailed personal statements that clearly explain the applicant’s circumstances.
- Attach supporting evidence for every claim (financial, academic, family, employment ties, health, etc.).
- Applicants should seek advice early, for their case is prepared as if it will be decided only on paper.
With this change, success will depend less on what the applicant can explain at a hearing and much more on the quality, completeness, and accuracy of your written submission at the time of application.
Please share this message with any applicants for a review of a student or temporary visa refusal.
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