ART "On the Papers" Review Commences: What Temporary Visa Applicants Need to Know

18 May 2026 marks a shift in how visa appeals are handled in Australia. The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) has officially commenced its new “on the papers” review process for certain temporary visa decisions. These changes, introduced through the Administrative Review Tribunal Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Rules 2026, aim to streamline the appeals process. If you are currently challenging a temporary visa refusal or cancellation, it is best to understand how these administrative updates may affect your appeal.

What is an "On the Papers" Review?

Traditionally, many tribunal reviews involve an oral hearing where the applicant can speak directly to a Tribunal Member. An "on the papers" review means the Tribunal may now decide based solely on the written submissions and evidence you provide, without the need for a formal hearing. This process is designed to resolve straightforward temporary visa matters more quickly, but it places much more importance on the quality of your written legal submissions.

New Powers for ART Registrars and Staff

To support this new pathway, ART registrars and staff members have been authorised to perform specific administrative tasks. While the final decision on your visa still rests with a Tribunal Member, staff can now:

They can formally invite applicants under Section 367F to provide written submissions and evidence.
They will monitor your response to these invitations.
If an applicant fails to respond to a Section 367F invitation within the specified timeframe, staff may dismiss the application.
A dismissed application may be reinstated in specific circumstances, but missing a deadline remains a high-risk mistake.

Why Your Written Evidence Matters More Than Ever?

Because the "on the papers" process relies on documentation rather than an in-person conversation, your statement of claims must be strong and clear. You no longer have the "safety net" of explaining yourself in person if your written story is unclear or missing evidence. If you receive an invitation under Section 367F, you must treat it as a matter of highest priority. A failure to provide a strong, evidence-backed response could lead to your case being dismissed before a Member even looks at the merits of your visa.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Engage a professional representative to assist with the ART appeal for your visa refusal or cancellation by reaching out to one of our immigration lawyers. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

Client Testimonials

….we call it Support Network

Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.

These are their stories…

Our Client's Latest Visa Grants