Read the full notice and reasons
Home Affairs sends a written Visa Refusal Notification to the nominated email and, for an online application, in ImmiAccount. Save the complete notice and any attached decision record. Note the visa subclass and stream, the date you received the notice, and each reason given. Check whether the notice names an applicant, sponsor or another person as entitled to request review.
A rejected payment, missing application, biometrics request or an agent's summary is a different issue. Verify the actual status and written decision through the official application channel before taking the next step.
Does your notice give an ART review option?
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) can review some Australian visa decisions, but not every refusal. Home Affairs says the refusal notice explains whether a review right exists. The ART says the notice identifies who can apply and the time limit. Read those instructions first; a generic internet deadline may be wrong for your decision or circumstances.
For migration reviews, the ART says its time limits are strict and it has no power to extend them. If the notice gives a review option, check the current ART application method and fee immediately. The ART offers online applications and explains what information it needs. Paying for advice or gathering extra documents should not cause you to miss a deadline.
ART migration review and deadlines · Current ART fees and reductions · Home Affairs review guidance
A refusal and a current visa are separate questions
If you are in Australia, check the visa you currently hold, its expiry and conditions in VEVO. Do not assume that lodging an ART review, or planning another application, automatically gives permission to remain or work. Home Affairs says the availability and conditions of a bridging visa depend on the application and circumstances; an onshore refusal can also limit later visa applications.
If a visa is close to expiry, has expired or your right to stay is unclear, get prompt case-specific advice from an authorised professional or Home Affairs' status-resolution information. Follow any departure or review instructions in your own notice. Do not travel on a bridging visa without checking its travel conditions.
Check current visa conditions in VEVO · Home Affairs stay-longer guidance · Status Resolution Service
Address the stated reason before choosing a new route
A refusal does not itself tell you that a fresh application will succeed or that you can lodge one from your current location. Compare the refusal reasons with the exact criteria for the visa you are considering, and check any location or previous-refusal restrictions. New evidence, changed circumstances or a different visa purpose may matter, but the rules for the chosen route control.
The visa application charge is generally for assessing an application. Home Affairs says a refused or unsuccessful application does not normally entitle the applicant to a refund just because it was refused; its refund page lists the limited circumstances to check. Avoid paying for a duplicate application without understanding why the first was refused.
Explore current visa options · Home Affairs refund rules · Compare our visa starting points →
Take the notice to someone qualified
Review rights, character findings, an expiring onshore visa, past refusals and family sponsorship can need individual advice. Home Affairs says immigration assistance is restricted to registered migration agents, legal practitioners and exempt people. Check a migration agent's registration or a lawyer's practising status before paying. Bring the full decision, application, relevant evidence and any deadline in the notice.
MyAusVisa cannot assess a refusal, calculate a deadline or file a review for you. Keep your passport and refusal documents in your own secure files; do not send them through our signup form or correction email.
Organise the notice and your questions
Download a plain-text worksheet for your own records. It does not calculate eligibility or a review deadline.