Visa Refusal

& Cancellation Appeals

Facing a visa refusal or cancellation in Australia can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Many decisions can be appealed, giving you an opportunity to have your case reviewed by an independent authority.

At Questra, we provide the guidance, strategy, and legal support you need to approach your appeal with confidence.

What Is a Visa Refusal or Cancellation?

  • Visa Refusal: When the Department of Home Affairs declines your visa application.
  • Visa Cancellation: When an existing visa is revoked—often due to breaching visa conditions, character concerns, or providing incorrect information.

Both outcomes are serious, but many onshore applicants have the legal right to appeal through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Common Reasons for Refusal or Cancellation

Understanding the reason for your refusal or cancellation is key to building a strong case:

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Not meeting visa eligibility requirements

Failing the character or health test

Providing false or misleading information

Breaching visa conditions (e.g. work or study limitations)

Changes in personal circumstances

Who Can Appeal?

Situation Appeal Rights
Refusal or cancellation while in Australia Most can appeal to the ART
Decision letter says “reviewable” You are eligible to lodge an appeal
Refusal while outside Australia Usually no appeal rights

Important: Appeals must be lodged within strict timeframes—typically within 21 days of the decision. Late applications are not accepted.

The Appeal Process: Step-by-Step

Review your decision letter and act fast.

The Appeal Process: Step-by-Step

Submit your application to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and pay the required fee. You’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa to stay lawfully in Australia during the process.

The Appeal Process: Step-by-Step

 With Questra, you’ll respond to the refusal reasons, collect new evidence, and prepare strong submissions.

The Appeal Process: Step-by-Step

Present your case to a tribunal member. We help prepare you and can represent you at the hearing.

 

The Appeal Process: Step-by-Step

Successful? Your visa is granted or sent back to the Department for reconsideration.

Unsuccessful? We’ll help you assess further options like judicial review or Ministerial Intervention.

  • Check Your Deadline
  • Lodge Your Appeal
  • Build Your Case
  • Attend Your Hearing
  • Receive the Decision

Visa Refusal & Cancellation Appeals – Processing Times

The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream and applicant profile together with government workload requirements. The official government source provides the most accurate and current information about visa processing times.

🔗 Check current visa processing times

Why Appeal With Questra?
We handle the pressure so you can focus on moving forward.
Personalised legal advice
Thorough preparation of your submissions
Support throughout your appeal and hearing
Clear communication and strategy
Improved chances of success
Visa Refusal & Cancellation Appeals - FAQ
How long do I have to appeal?

Usually 21 days, but it can be shorter. Your decision letter will specify the exact timeframe.

Can I stay in Australia while my appeal is processed?

Yes, if your appeal is lodged on time, you’ll typically receive a Bridging Visa to remain lawfully in the country.

How long does an appeal take?

It depends on the complexity and caseload of the ART. Some cases are resolved within months; others may take over a year.

What happens if my appeal fails?

You may need to leave Australia, but in some cases you might be eligible for judicial review or Ministerial Intervention. We’ll advise on your next steps.

Can I appeal a student visa refusal?

Yes, if your application was refused while you were in Australia, you can usually appeal.

Ready to Appeal?

A visa refusal or cancellation is not the end. It’s your chance to be heard—and with the right support, your opportunity to turn things around.

Contact Questra today. Let us help you take the next step with clarity, confidence, and the expertise you need to succeed.

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Kim Fejeran
Kim Fejeran
October 10, 2025.
If you’re looking for a sign that you’ve chosen the right migration agent — this is it. Many can become migration agents, but not everyone does their work with genuine care and heart. That’s why choosing a migration agent with genuine care and compassion for their clients is so important. And Bill Mitroulas of Questra Immigration is definitely one of them. Our gratitude to Bill and the Questra Team is beyond words — they were the ones who made it possible for us to achieve the future we’ve been dreaming of here in Australia. Even though the process wasn’t easy and at times felt almost impossible, Bill and the Questra Team stood by us and helped us successfully complete our PR application. And because of the positive outcome of our PR application, we were able to get the house we’ve always dreamed of. In behalf of my partner, Jhoseph Paxton, we want to thank you, Bill and the Questra Team, for changing our lives — giving my children a future filled with hope and opportunity. I pray for Questra's continued success.✨
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We have had great professional support from Questra in our immigration process. They are always open to listen our concerns, responding promptly and clearly. We've been grateful for their help and guidance. Thank you, Questra team.
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A heartfelt thank you to Questra and their amazing team! 💜 We’re writing this with so much joy because… our visa was approved! And honestly, we couldn’t have done it without their unwavering support and dedication. From the very beginning, we felt guided with professionalism, empathy, and a warmth that gave us peace throughout the entire journey. It wasn’t just paperwork it was a path filled with dreams, fears, and hope… and they were right there with us the whole way. Thank you for helping us turn this dream into a reality. We truly recommend their work with all our hearts.
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Jhonatan steve Rojas giraldo
July 7, 2025.
Excelente help and customer service to homologate my degree. With VETASSES
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Carlos Andres Ramirez Contreras
June 13, 2025.
Questra Immigration has been an excellent choice for us. Their approach throughout the entire process was professional, transparent, and of high quality from start to finish.
Johana Genez
Johana Genez
March 19, 2025.
Thanks Questra Immigration •Overall Experience: I had an excellent experience working with Questra Immigration on my 407 Training Visa application. The team was professional, efficient, and incredibly knowledgeable. Their expertise made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for immigration assistance in Australia! •Communication & Support: The communication with Questra Immigration was outstanding. They kept me informed at every stage of my 407 Training Visa application, promptly answered all my questions, and ensured I fully understood each step. Their support gave me confidence throughout the process. •Visa Process Success: Thanks to the expert guidance of Bill, Alejandra and the entire team, I successfully obtained my 407 Training Visa. Their dedication and attention to detail made all the difference. I’m extremely grateful for their help in making my Australian journey possible!
Jorja Naidu
Jorja Naidu
August 20, 2024.
Was recommended to Bill and his team by a good friend who was also with Questra. They took on my case after a last minute situation, and were honest, professional and assuring the entire process. Will definitely be using them again! Thank you team :)
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Aurore Susini
July 12, 2024.
Great Efficient agency. Extremely helpful. listens and takes the time to answer our questions and find the best solutions to move forward with the visa .
Vignesh M
Vignesh M
April 24, 2024.
Bill Questra is nothing short of exceptional. His assistance was instrumental in helping my wife and me navigate the complexities of the visa process, ultimately leading to our successful visa grant. What sets Bill apart is not just his expertise, but his approachability and willingness to go the extra mile for his clients. He patiently guided us through each step, answering our questions, addressing our concerns, and ensuring that we felt confident and supported throughout the process. His professionalism, coupled with his warmth and empathy, made all the difference during what could have been a stressful ordeal. Thanks to Bill's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, my wife and I can now embark on this new chapter of our lives with peace of mind and excitement for the future. He is truly an amazing person and a consummate professional.
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