Big changes are coming to how student visa refusal decisions are reviewed in Australia.
From 1 June 2026, most applications for review will now be decided “on the papers” rather than through an in-person hearing.
This means the ART will generally assess your review based on written submissions and evidence, and may invite applicants to provide further information about enrolment and study intentions.
However, not all cases will be eligible for paper-based review. Matters involving certain Public Interest Criteria or special return issues will still follow different review pathways.
Key points to be aware of:
– Most student visa refusal reviews will be paper-based
– Applicants will still be invited to provide submissions and evidence
– Strict response timeframes apply (including 14–28 days depending on the request)
– Failure to respond can result in dismissal of the review
– The changes apply to applications lodged from 1 June 2026 (and some transitional cases)
These amendments significantly change how student visa refusals are managed and make timely, well-prepared submissions more important than ever.
If you’ve received a student visa refusal or are considering a review, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect your case.
Contact our team at AVIE for advice and tailored guidance.