Administrative Appeals Tribunal

The AAT known as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), reviews decisions made by administrative authorities under commonwealth legislation. For migration purposes, the AAT reviews decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs, under the delegation of the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration and multicultural affairs specifically those related to visa refusals and cancellations. If your visa is refused or cancelled while you are in Australia, you often have the right to seek a review of this decision by the AAT. If your visa is refused, you are provided a notification of refusal by the Department which will inform you whether you have review rights or not. The right to review provides you the opportunity to represent your case, provide additional evidence and arguments to support your position on the matter.

Let us help you navigate the legal complexities of the AAT review process.

We will ensure your AAT process is hassle free

Eligibility criteria for AAT appeals

  • Have rights to review the decision that was made

  • Be refused or cancelled a visa from the Department of Home Affairs

  • Be subject to an administrative decision that can be a reviewed at the AAT

  • Lodge within the stipulated time frame

AAT Appeal process

Lodging the appeal

The Hearing

Once the application is submitted, you will be notified of the hearing date and the mode of your hearing in advance. We as immigration lawyers will represent you at the hearing to present your case effectively by navigating the legal complexities of your matter and any questions the tribunal members may have, with precision and confidence.

The Decision

The tribunal will review your case with the presented evidence and make a decision. Our lawyers will argue and present a strong case on your behalf to increase your chances of receiving a successful outcome. If the decision is reversed, your case will be referred back to the Department of Home Affairs to be made again. If the AAT affirms the decision, you can seek judicial review of your matter.

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Your steps

Initial consultation

Preparing your case

Our lawyers have expert knowledge of the Migration laws, regulations and policies. We will go through your visa refusal or cancellation letter, the relevant statutory instruments and legal precedents to find a solution for your predicament. Our lawyers will conduct in-depth legal research to develop legal arguments to support your appeal.

Document preparation

We will let you know the documents that will be required to support your appeal. We will ensure that the documents are set to the standards set out by the AAT. We will prepare detailed submissions addressing the reasons for the initial decision by the Department and make statements supporting the appeal.

Lodge the application.

We will handle the application lodgment carefully and in compliance with the strict timelines imposed by the AAT.

Representation and Advocacy

Post hearing support

After your hearing, we will keep in touch with you to inform you on the status of your appeal. We will also provide you with guidance on the next steps that you can take depending on the decision of the appeal.

Guidance on Permanent Residency pathways

We will advise you on the steps that you can take while your AAT application is being processed. While you may face several complexities due to the refusal decision made by the Department, we will provide tailored advice on how you can maintain your lawful status and the other options you may have to proceed to permanent residency.

Delaying your appeal may result in you having to depart Australia

Let us help you with expert guidance

FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions

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Uththara Deshamani

Uththara Deshamani

I’m incredibly grateful to team of MJ Legal for their outstanding support in securing our Employer Sponsored (SC 482) visa. We were under a very limited timeframe, and at one point, we genuinely thought it would be impossible to get everything done in time. But thanks to the dedication and expertise of Mr. Jayantha, Keith, and Thamasha, our visa was granted successfully — well before the deadline! The team was highly professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process. They guided us clearly through each step, ensuring everything was completed accurately and efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment made a stressful situation so much more manageable. I highly recommend MJ Legal to anyone needing trustworthy and experienced immigration assistance. Thank you once again for your excellent service — we truly appreciate your help and look forward to working with you again in the future

a week ago

Adelina Lawrence

Adelina Lawrence

I had a fantastic experience working with Keith and the team at MJ Legal, including the exceptional admin staff. I am extremely grateful for all the support and guidance they provided throughout my permanent residency process. Their responsiveness, honesty and professionalism set them apart from other migration agencies I have dealt with. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and genuine migration assistance.

2 months ago

Hasith Subasinghe

Hasith Subasinghe

MJ Legal has all my trust and confidence with their responsibility towards their clients. From the first time I contacted them I was given a very accurate breakdown of the costs and processes and expected timeframes. I was also given updates along the way that greatly helped with understanding what went on with my application. Great standard of communication! Very grateful for all the help from Keith and the team at MJ Legal!

2 months ago

Ryan Miriyagalla

Ryan Miriyagalla

I had a fantastic experience working with Keith James and the team at MJ Legal. I’ve been using their services for almost all of my visa-related needs since the very beginning, and they have always delivered excellent support. What really stood out to me is their deep knowledge of Australia’s constantly changing migration laws. They always stay up to date and clearly explain how any new changes might affect my situation, which gave me a lot of peace of mind. Their attention to detail is second to none. No matter how small the issue, they always follow up and make sure everything is handled properly. Their clear communication and organised approach made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I recommend MJ Legal to anyone without a doubt. They’re professional, reliable, and genuinely care about helping their clients succeed.

5 months ago

Madhavee Herath

Madhavee Herath

I am deeply grateful to Keith James and the entire team at MJ Legal for their unwavering support and expertise throughout my journey to Australian permanent residency. From our initial consultation, Keith demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities involved in immigration law. His guidance was not only professional but also empathetic, ensuring I felt supported throughout the entire process. Keith's team was always responsive, providing timely updates and addressing any concerns I had promptly. Their dedication and attention to detail were evident at every step, making a potentially overwhelming journey much more manageable. I wholeheartedly recommend Keith James and MJ Legal to anyone seeking expert immigration assistance.

5 months ago

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