Administrative Review Tribunal Amendment Bill 2025
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Introduction
On 3 September 2025, the Government introduced the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. This Bill proposes changes to how the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) handles certain migration cases. The main change is that some applications may now be reviewed without an oral hearing, with decisions made entirely based on written submissions.
This article breaks down the key points in simple terms and explains what this means for student visa and temporary visa applicants.
Key Changes in the Bill
The Bill amends both the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 and the Migration Act 1958.
When ART Can Decide Without a Hearing
Under the changes, the ART can decide a matter “on the papers” if:
The issues can be properly resolved without a hearing.
It is reasonable in the circumstances to avoid a hearing.
Both parties have had a fair chance to submit written arguments.
Student and Temporary Visa Reviews
The amendments to the Migration Act go further by making paper-based decisions mandatory in some cases, including:
Reviews of refused student visas.
Reviews of certain prescribed temporary visas (with scope for more visa types to be added later).
This means that applicants will not attend a hearing but instead provide written submissions for the ART to review.
What Is Not Affected
The Bill does not affect:
Permanent visa applications.
Protection visa applications.
These types of matters will still be reviewed under the usual hearing process.
What This Means for Applicants
If you are applying for a student visa or certain temporary visas and your case goes to the ART, your review may be decided solely on the documents and submissions you provide.
This highlights the importance of:
Preparing strong written submissions.
Ensuring all supporting documents are complete and accurate.
Seeking professional advice early to avoid mistakes.
Conclusion: Book A Consultation
The Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 marks a significant shift in how visa refusals—especially for student and temporary visas—are reviewed. While the aim is to reduce backlogs and speed up decisions, applicants must be prepared to rely entirely on written evidence.
If you are affected, now is the time to ensure your applications and submissions are thorough and professionally prepared. Book a Consultation with RACC below!
