Receiving a visa refusal notification from the Department of Home Affairs is every international student's nightmare. If you are currently onshore in Sydney, the clock is ticking.

But here is the good news: A refusal is not the end. Because you are onshore, you likely have the right to have the decision reviewed. However, you must act fast.

Right & Associates Sydney specializes in turning these hopeless situations around. Located centrally at 301 Castlereagh Street, our team of Registered Migration Agents is ready to fight for your right to stay in Australia.

Immediate Steps You Must Take

Check Your Deadline (Critical!) If you are onshore, you typically have 21 days from the date of refusal to lodge an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) (formerly known as AAT).

  • Warning: If you miss this deadline by even one day, you may lose your right to appeal and become unlawful.
  • Action: Contact our Sydney office immediately. We can lodge the application on your behalf to "stop the clock" and keep you legal.

Understand Your Review Rights The ART provides a "merits review." This means they look at your application afresh.

  • Did the Case Officer make a mistake?
  • Did they misunderstand your financial documents?
  • Was your "Genuine Student" claim unfairly dismissed?
  • Our MARA agents know exactly how to argue these points to get the decision remitted (overturned).

Stay Lawful on a Bridging Visa Once we lodge your appeal, you will generally be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay in Australia while the tribunal makes a decision. In many cases, this also allows you to continue studying or working, depending on your previous visa conditions.

Why Choose Right & Associates Sydney?

We are not just education agents; we are migration law experts.

  • Local Presence: We have offices in Sydney CBD (Castlereagh St), Rockdale, and Parramatta. You can meet us face-to-face today.
  • Proven Track Record: We have successfully handled hundreds of complex refusal cases, including Section 48 bars and GTE rejections.
  • Honest Assessment: We will review your refusal letter for free and tell you honestly if you have a winning case. We don't give false hope.

Visit Us Today: Sydney CBD: Suite 12, Level 1, 301 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Phone: +61 2 9281 1464

Don't let one decision define your future. Let us help you fight back.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: The AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) was replaced by the ART (Administrative Review Tribunal) in late 2024. The function is similar, but the ART is designed to be more efficient. Right & Associates is fully updated on the new ART procedures.

A: Usually, yes. If you move onto a Bridging Visa A (BVA), you typically carry over the work rights from your previous visa. We will confirm this based on your specific grant letter.

A: The Tribunal charges an application fee (approx. AUD $3,496, subject to change). Our professional fees vary based on the complexity of your case, which we will discuss transparently during your consultation.

A: You can visit our Parramatta Office (Suite 201, Level 2, 34 Charles Street) or Rockdale Office (552 Princes Highway) for the same expert service.