Student Visa Refused? We Can Help You Appeal Successfully

If your student visa has been refused, you may feel confused and uncertain about what to do next. The good news is you may have the option to appeal the decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). At MaxiMax Education & Migration Services, we specialise in helping students lodge successful ART appeals with confidence.

Why "Student Visa" get Refused?

The Department of Home Affairs may refuse a student visa for various reasons, usually related to your intention to stay temporarily or the supporting documents provided.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Not meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirement
• Not meeting English Language Proficiency requirement.
• Providing incomplete or inconsistent documents
• Insufficient evidence of financial support
• Concerns about academic progression or course relevance
• Doubts about your future plans or return intentions

Understanding the reason for refusal is the first step to building a strong appeal case.

What is the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)?

The ART is an independent body that reviews decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. If your student visa is refused while you are in Australia, you may have the legal right to apply for a review of the decision.

• You usually have 28 days from the date of refusal to apply.
• The ART will reassess the facts and evidence, not just check for errors.
• Lodging an appeal gives you a second chance to present your case properly.
• It offers a valuable opportunity to present your case and prove that you are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a student.

How Much Does It Cost to Appeal?

Applying to the ART involves a fee, but it gives you the chance to stay lawfully in Australia during the appeal process and continue your studies.

• Standard application fee: $3,496
• If your appeal is successful, 50% of the fee may be refunded.
• Fee reductions may apply if you are experiencing financial hardship for that you should complete Request for Fee Reduction (Financial Hardship) form

What Happens to Your Bridging Visa After Appeal?

If you apply for an ART review within the time limit, your current Bridging Visa will remain active. This allows you to stay in Australia legally during the appeal process.

• Your current Bridging conditions will stay the same (study, work rights, etc.)
• You must comply with all visa conditions while waiting for your hearing outcome.
• If you do not have travelling facilities in your Bridging Visa, you may be able to make an application for Bridging Visa with travel facilities.

Expedited ART Review – Fast-Track Your Appeal

If you're applying for a review of a visa refusal, you may be eligible to request an expedited decision from the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) under certain conditions. This process can help you receive a faster outcome, avoiding lengthy wait times and reducing stress.

This request is different from a general urgency appeal. It specifically applies to cases where the refusal was due to not meeting certain visa criteria at the time of application and where the applicant can now demonstrate they meet those criteria.

What If You Don’t Lodge the Appeal?

Failing to appeal within the allowed timeframe has serious consequences.

• Your Bridging Visa will expire 35 days after the visa refusal.
• You will become unlawful in Australia and may face detention or removal if you do not depart within 35 days after the visa refusal. You could also, receive a 3-year re-entry ban, preventing future visa grant.

Acting quickly gives you the best chance to remain in Australia and protect your future.

What Happens Next After the ART Decision?

After reviewing your case, the ART can make one of the following decisions:

✅ Remit the decision – The ART sends the case back to the Department with recommendations for reconsideration. The Department must review it again considering the ART’s input.

✅ Set aside the decision – The ART disagrees with the refusal and replaces it with a new decision (for example, that your visa should be granted).

❌ Affirm the decision – The ART agrees with the Department's refusal. The original decision remains in force and your visa remains refused

❌ Application not properly made / No jurisdiction:
The ART cannot review your case (e.g. if you lodged too late or didn’t meet eligibility requirements).

If the ART affirms the refusal or decides your application was not properly made:

If you believe the ART’s decision is legally incorrect, you may consider judicial review in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. If you make the valid judicial review application within the given timeframe you may be eligible to apply for another bridging visa to remain lawful. If you do not apply for Judicial review your BV will cease 35 days after the decision (if granted on or after 19 Nov 2016)

How MaxiMax Can Help You Win Your Appeal, Real Support! Real Results!!

Our team of Registered Migration Agents is highly experienced in handling ART student visa refusal cases. We’ve helped many international students across Australia with their student visa refusal appeal application and continue their education journey.

Our team treats every case with care, integrity, and professionalism and offers personalised support from start to finish.

We assist with:

• Analysing the refusal reasons in detail
• Preparing strong legal submissions and supporting documents
• Representing you at ART hearings (if required)
• Advising on future study or migration options
• Maintaining your visa status during the appeal process

We’re committed to giving you the best possible chance of success. When you work with MaxiMax, you're not just getting help with your visa matters but also getting a partner who genuinely cares about your future.

Don’t let time run out. Our team is ready to help you fight your refusal and get your life back on