What to Expect at an ART Hearing?
If your Australian visa application has been refused or cancelled, and you have applied for a review, you will likely be invited to attend a hearing at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART is a serious legal proceeding that may determine your future in Australia. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and ensure you present your case effectively.
Why is there an ART Hearing?
The hearing is your opportunity to tell your story directly to the individual making the decision – the tribunal member. The ART conducts a merits review, which means they look at your case again from the beginning to decide if the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) made the right choice.
Note: As of May 2026, some temporary visa cases can now be decided “on the papers”. However, if your case involves complex facts, a hearing is usually required.
Related: Student Visa Appeals Are Changing: What This New Change Means For You
Who Will be in the ART Hearing Room?
The hearing room is small and private. The individuals present will typically include:
The independent official (the tribunal member) who will decide your case.
You (the applicant) will be asked questions about your claims.
If you have engaged a lawyer, your legal representative will sit with you to provide support and make legal arguments.
If you are not fluent in English, a professional interpreter can be arranged.
If you have individuals supporting your case, they may be called in to give evidence.
DoHA does not usually send a person to the hearing, but they may provide a written report for the tribunal member to review.
Related: How does the ART Appeal Process Work?
What is The Step-By-Step ART Hearing Process?
A typical hearing lasts between 1 and 3 hours. The general flow is:
The tribunal member will explain the process and ask everyone to take an oath or affirmation to tell the truth.
The questioning portion is the main part of the hearing. The tribunal member will ask you detailed questions about your application, your history and your evidence. They are looking to see if your story, as you claim, is consistent and honest.
If you have witnesses, the Member may ask them questions separately to confirm your story.
Your legal representative will have the opportunity to explain, in a legal submission, why your visa should be granted under the law.
The member will end the hearing. They will usually make their decision after compiling all the information they received at the hearing.
When Will You Get the ART Result?
In most cases, you will receive a written decision record via email, usually within 1 to 8 weeks after the hearing. This document will explain exactly why the tribunal member decided to either affirm (keep) the refusal or overturn the refusal.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Success for the ART Hearing?
Engaging with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to have a legal representative appeal a visa refusal or cancellation can be highly technical and complex. Our immigration lawyers will also conduct a mock hearing session to help you prepare for what it is like to be at a hearing.
Review your original application and any statements you have made. Any inconsistencies between what you wrote before and what you say now can affect your appeal decision.
If you are unsure about the answer to a question, be honest and say so. Do not guess or make up details. Read: Don't Lie to Your Immigration Lawyer! Why Honesty is Your Best Defence
You can provide new documents to the hearing that support your case. It is better to provide them to the tribunal at least one week before the hearing begins.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Evidentiary Building Explained: Working with an Immigration Lawyer
I Missed the 28 Day Window to Appeal My Visa – What are My Options?
Why a Visa Remittance from the ART Isn’t Always an Approval?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Success at the Tribunal depends on more than just telling a "sad story”; it requires a strong legal strategy. While the process can be intimidating, being well-prepared and having professional legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome. Reach 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 and the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
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.
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