ART “On the Papers” Review Australia Explained: What Temporary Visa Applicants Need to Know in 2026
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Last updated: 19 May 2026
Australia has introduced a major change to how some temporary visa review applications are handled by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
From 18 May 2026, certain temporary visa refusal reviews may now proceed under a new “on the papers” review process. This means the ART can assess applications using written submissions and supporting documents without conducting a hearing.
For temporary visa holders, international students, skilled workers, visitors, and migration applicants already dealing with a visa refusal, these changes could significantly affect how ART review cases are prepared and decided.
This guide explains:
what an ART “on the papers” review means
who may be affected
whether hearings still exist
how the new process works
what temporary visa applicants should now pay attention to
Quick Summary: ART on the papers review Australia
Australia introduced a new ART “on the papers” review process on 18 May 2026
Some temporary visa review cases may now be decided without a hearing
ART members can assess applications using written evidence and submissions only
ART registrars and staff now have expanded administrative powers
Applicants who fail to respond to requests for information may risk dismissal of their review application
Written submissions and supporting evidence may now play a more important role in temporary visa review cases
What Is an ART “On the Papers” Review?
An “on the papers” review means the ART can make a decision using written documents and submissions without conducting a hearing.
Under this process, applicants may not automatically receive:
an oral hearing
a phone hearing
a video conference
an in-person appearance before the Tribunal
Instead, the ART may review:
written submissions
supporting evidence
visa refusal documents
migration records
additional documents requested by the Tribunal
The changes are linked to amendments supporting the operation of the ART review system under the Migration Regulations 1994.
Need Help Understanding Your ART Options?
If your temporary visa has been refused, understanding the review process early can be important. The new ART system places greater emphasis on written evidence, response deadlines, and properly prepared submissions.
Speak with a registered migration professional if you are unsure:
whether your case may proceed “on the papers”
what evidence should be included
how to respond to ART requests
whether your review application is strategically strong
Which Visa Applicants Could Be Affected?
The changes apply to certain temporary visa review decisions.
Depending on the review type, affected applicants may include:
international students
visitor visa applicants
temporary skilled workers
graduate visa applicants
bridging visa applicants
other temporary visa holders seeking ART review after a refusal or cancellation decision
The ART has not stated that every migration review will proceed without a hearing. However, the new framework allows more temporary visa matters to be handled administratively through written material.
Does This Mean ART Hearings Are Being Removed?
No. ART hearings have not been completely removed.
However, some temporary visa review applications may now be decided without an oral hearing if the ART considers that written submissions and evidence are sufficient to determine the case.
This is why the changes are often referred to as:
“on the papers” reviews
paper-based reviews
review without hearing processes
Some cases may still involve:
hearings
further information requests
additional submissions
direct communication with the Tribunal
The exact process may vary depending on the circumstances of the application.
Why Did Australia Introduce This Change?
The Australian Government introduced the changes to help improve the efficiency of migration review processing.
The ART system has experienced significant migration review backlogs in recent years. The new process is intended to:
streamline review procedures
reduce delays
improve administrative efficiency
allow simpler matters to progress faster
The changes were introduced through the Administrative Review Tribunal Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Rules 2026.
What Powers Can ART Registrars and Staff Now Use?
The amendments allow the President of the ART to authorise registrars and staff members to perform certain administrative functions in “on the papers” review cases.
These powers may include:
issuing invitations for applicants to provide written submissions or evidence
requesting additional documents
managing procedural matters
dismissing applications where applicants fail to respond to requests within required timeframes
Importantly, ART members still retain responsibility for making review decisions.
The changes mainly allow administrative staff to assist in progressing matters more efficiently.
What Is Section 367F of the Migration Act?
Section 367F of the Migration Act allows the ART to invite applicants to provide additional information, evidence, or written submissions during a review process.
Under the new amendments, ART staff and registrars may issue these invitations as part of the “on the papers” review system.
If an applicant fails to respond to a section 367F invitation within the required timeframe, the review application may potentially be dismissed.
However, safeguards may still allow reinstatement in some circumstances.
Because of this, applicants should pay close attention to:
ART correspondence
response deadlines
document requests
submission requirements
What These Changes Mean for Temporary Visa Applicants
For many applicants, the practical impact is significant.
Under a paper-based review process, the strength of written submissions and supporting evidence may become even more important than before.
Applicants may have fewer opportunities to:
explain issues verbally
clarify misunderstandings during a hearing
respond spontaneously to Tribunal concerns
This means poorly prepared applications could face greater risk if key issues are not clearly addressed in writing.
Applicants should now pay closer attention to:
evidence quality
written explanations
consistency of documents
response deadlines
legal and factual accuracy
In many cases, strategic preparation may become more important than simply lodging a review application quickly.
Is It Now Harder to Win an ART Review?
Not necessarily harder overall, but the review process may become more document-focused.
Strong cases supported by:
credible evidence
clear written submissions
organised documentation
accurate legal arguments
may still perform well under an “on the papers” review.
However, applicants who rely heavily on oral explanations or informal clarification opportunities may find the process more challenging.
The changes reinforce the importance of preparing review applications carefully from the beginning.
How Applicants Can Prepare More Effectively
Under the new ART process, applicants may benefit from:
preparing detailed written submissions
organising supporting evidence clearly
responding quickly to ART requests
ensuring documents directly address refusal concerns
obtaining migration advice early where appropriate
Applicants should also avoid ignoring ART correspondence, as failure to respond to requests may affect the progress of the review application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ART “on the papers” review?
It is a review process where the ART may decide certain temporary visa review cases using written submissions and documents without holding a hearing.
When did the new ART review process start?
The changes commenced on 18 May 2026.
Does every ART migration review now happen without a hearing?
No. Some matters may still involve hearings or additional communication with the Tribunal.
Can the ART dismiss an application if I do not respond?
Potentially yes. Failure to respond to requests for submissions or evidence may result in dismissal in some cases.
What is section 367F?
Section 367F of the Migration Act allows the ART to request additional information, documents, or written submissions from applicants during a review process.
Are temporary visa applicants affected?
Yes. The new framework specifically relates to certain temporary visa review decisions prescribed under the Migration Regulations 1994.
Does this affect permanent visa reviews?
The changes specifically focus on prescribed temporary visa review pathways.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s new ART “on the papers” review process represents a significant procedural change for temporary visa review applications.
The new system places greater emphasis on:
written submissions
supporting evidence
procedural compliance
response timeframes
document quality
While hearings have not disappeared entirely, some applicants may now have fewer opportunities to explain their case verbally before a decision is made.
For temporary visa holders facing a refusal or cancellation decision, understanding how the ART process works may become increasingly important in 2026 and beyond.
Need Advice About an ART Review?
If your temporary visa has been refused and you are considering an ART review, obtaining proper migration advice early may help you better understand:
whether your matter may proceed “on the papers”
what evidence should be included
how to prepare stronger written submissions
what deadlines and procedural requirements apply
Our migration team can help assess your circumstances and explain potential review pathways based on your situation.
