From 18 May 2026, Australia introduced an important change to the way certain temporary visa review applications may be handled by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Under the new process, some review matters may now be decided 'on the papers', meaning the Tribunal may assess and determine a case based on written submissions and supporting documents without conducting a hearing.
This is a significant development for temporary visa applicants, including students, visitors, skilled workers, and other temporary visa holders who may be seeking review of a visa refusal decision. The change places greater importance on the quality of written submissions, supporting evidence, and timely responses to Tribunal requests.
What does 'on the papers' mean?
An 'on the papers' review means the ART may make a decision by considering the written material available in the case, without automatically providing the applicant with an oral hearing, phone hearing, video hearing, or in-person appearance.
Instead, the Tribunal may assess the matter using:
- written submissions
- supporting evidence
- visa refusal documents
- migration records
- any additional documents requested by the Tribunal
In practical terms, this means the written case before the Tribunal may now carry even more weight in some temporary visa review matters.
When did this change commence?
The new ART 'on the papers' review process commenced on 18 May 2026 for certain temporary visa review matters.
This change forms part of the updated review framework operating under the Migration Regulations 1994 and the broader ART review system.
Who may be affected?
This update may affect people who are applying for review of refusals relating to certain temporary visas. Depending on the matter, this could include:
- international students
- visitor visa applicants
- skilled workers
- other temporary visa holders
If your temporary visa application has been refused and you are considering, or have already lodged, an ART review, it is important to understand whether your case may be dealt with under this new process.
Do hearings still exist?
Yes, hearings still exist in the ART system. However, the important change is that not every temporary visa review matter may automatically proceed to a hearing.
In some cases, the ART may decide the matter based only on the documents and written material available. Applicants should therefore not assume they will automatically have an opportunity to explain their case in person or verbally later in the process.
Why is this change important?
This change is important because it increases the value of:
- properly prepared written submissions
- strong supporting evidence
- timely compliance with ART requests
- early case strategy and document preparation
Where a matter may be determined without a hearing, the written documents lodged with the Tribunal may become one of the main ways an applicant explains their case.
What should applicants pay attention to now?
Written submissions: Your written submissions should clearly explain your case, respond to the refusal reasons, and identify the relevant supporting facts and evidence.
Supporting documents: Strong and relevant supporting evidence may now be more important than ever. Documents should be organised, clear, and directly related to the issues in your case.
ART requests and deadlines: If the Tribunal requests additional information or documents, it is very important to respond within the required timeframe.
Case strategy: Applicants should understand the strengths and weaknesses of their review matter early. A properly planned strategy may make a major difference to the outcome.
Risk of dismissal without a hearing
One of the most important points applicants should understand is that if they fail to respond to ART requests for information or supporting material, their review application may be at risk of being dismissed without a hearing.
This means applicants should not delay, ignore correspondence, or assume that the Tribunal will automatically ask them to attend and explain their case later.
What this means for temporary visa applicants
For temporary visa applicants, this new process means that review cases may now depend even more heavily on the written material provided to the Tribunal.
This is especially important for applicants who may have assumed they would later have a chance to explain everything in a hearing. Under the new process, that may not always happen.
As a result, applicants should take Tribunal correspondence seriously and make sure their submissions and evidence are properly prepared from an early stage.
Need guidance with an ART matter?
If your temporary visa has been refused and you are considering an ART review, it is important to understand:
- whether your case may proceed 'on the papers'
- what documents should be included
- how to prepare written submissions
- how to respond to Tribunal requests
- whether your case is strategically strong
The ART review process can be complex, and early preparation may be very important under the new system.
If you need professional guidance with your ART matter or temporary visa refusal review, you may contact Big Dream Education & Visa Services for assistance.
