The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) has announced an annual increase to its application fees, affecting several types of review applications, including migration matters. The changes include higher fees for reviewing eligible migration and protection decisions, making it important for businesses to understand the updated costs before lodging an application.
The ART is Australia’s independent body responsible for conducting merits review of a wide range of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws, including certain migration decisions. For businesses managing employer sponsored migration, the ART provides an opportunity to seek an independent review of an eligible migration decision.
When do the new fees apply?
The updated ART fees apply to any application fee paid on or after 1 July 2026.
Importantly, the date the fee is paid determines which fee applies, not the date the application is lodged. This means that an application lodged before 1 July 2026 will still attract the higher fee if payment is made on or after that date.
Higher costs for migration review applications
The fee increases affect applications seeking review of eligible migration decisions before the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The updated migration application fees are:
- Review of a reviewable migration decision: $3,727
- Review of a reviewable protection decision: $2,293 (generally payable only if the review application is unsuccessful)
A reviewable migration decision is a migration decision that the law allows the Administrative Review Tribunal to reconsider. This includes certain visa refusal and visa cancellation decisions that are eligible for merits review.
A reviewable protection decision relates to certain protection visa decisions that are eligible for review by the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The higher application fees increase the cost of seeking an independent review. Employers should consider these increased costs when planning workforce strategies, managing employer sponsored migration programs and assessing review options following an eligible migration decision.
Other ART application fee changes
The Administrative Review Tribunal has also updated application fees across several review categories.
The updated fees include:
- Standard application fee: $1,195
- Small business taxation review application: $641
- Certain taxation review applications involving less than $5,000 in dispute, or where the Commissioner has refused an extension of time to lodge an objection: $119
- Guidance and Appeals Panel application: $1,195
The concessional application fee will remain $100 for eligible applicants who meet the Tribunal’s concessional circumstances.
In addition, a standard application fee will now apply to applications seeking review of decisions made by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commissioner.
Reduced fees remain available in some circumstances
Although application fees are increasing, reduced fees remain available in limited circumstances. Applicants experiencing financial hardship may still be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction of the migration review application fee.
The ART’s concessional application fee will remain $100 for eligible applicants who meet the relevant concessional requirements. Before lodging an application, applicants should determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements for either reduced fee.
Reason for the annual fee increase
The ART updates its application fees each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the cost of goods and services over time. This annual adjustment is required under Australian legislation.
The updated fee amounts are published in the Government Notices Gazette before they take effect.
Key business considerations
Businesses involved in employer sponsored migration should review how the increased application fees may affect future migration review matters and associated legal costs.
Before lodging an ART application, employers should consider:
- Whether the migration decision is eligible for review by the ART
- Whether the application fee will be paid before or after 1 July 2026
- The increased costs when planning migration budgets
- Whether reduced fee provisions may apply
- Obtaining legal advice early to understand available review options and legislative timeframes
Planning ahead can help businesses manage costs, assess review options early and avoid unnecessary delays during the review process.
How Absolute Immigration Legal can assist
Applications to the ART are subject to strict legislative requirements, eligibility criteria, evidence requirements and statutory time limits. Early legal advice from our experienced immigration lawyers can help businesses and visa applicants confirm whether a review is available, assess the prospects of success and prepare a well-supported application.
For tailored advice regarding ART review applications and employer sponsored migration matters, contact our immigration lawyers at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com.