Judicial & Merit Reviews
At Farrell Rose Migration Lawyers, we help clients challenge negative visa decisions through Merit Review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Judicial Review in the Federal Circuit and Family Court or the Federal Court of Australia. If your visa application has been refused or cancelled, you may still have legal options—and time is critical.
Merit Review (ART)
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) provides an independent review of decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. We represent clients at the AAT to appeal:
Visa refusals and cancellations
Sponsorship or nomination refusals
Protection visa decisions
Character-related decisions
We assist in preparing detailed submissions, gathering supporting evidence, and representing you at the hearing to give you the strongest chance of success.
Judicial Review
If the ART or the Department has made a legal error, you may be able to seek a Judicial Review in court. Unlike the ART, the courts do not reassess your visa application—they focus on whether the decision-maker followed the law correctly.
We can assist with:
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Identifying reviewable legal errors
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Filing urgent court applications
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Representing you in the Federal Circuit Court, Federal Court, or High Court (in limited cases)
Judicial reviews are complex and time-sensitive, so early legal advice is essential.
What Do You Need Help With?
Family & Partner Visas
Supporting Australians to bring their family members to Australia.
Student Visas
Assisting you to study in Australia and with your post-study work options.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Helping businesses sponsor overseas workers via 482, 186 & 494 visas, and manage compliance.
Visa Cancellations
Assisting individuals facing visa cancellations under character, compliance, or other grounds. We help you respond to notices, appeal decisions, and protect your right to stay in Australia.
General Skilled Migration
Helping professionals and skilled workers with State Nominated (subclass 190) visas, Skilled (Independent) (subclass 189) visas and Skilled Work (Regional) (subclass 491) visas.
Citizenship
Advising and assisting permanent residents to become Australian citizens as well as applications for citizenship by descent and evidence of citizenship.
Character, cancellations and identity issues
Helping you establish your identity, address character issues under s501, and respond to visa cancellation notices under s109 or s116.
Judicial and merits review
Helping to represent you in the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) (formerly the AAT) or the Federal Circuit and Family Court, Federal Court or High Court of Australia.
Protection Visas
Assisting you to lodge Protection (subclass 866) visa applications in Australia or access Australia's offshore Humanitarian visa program
How We Work
- Consultation
- Personalised Strategy
- Application Process
- Ongoing Support
- Outcome
Why Choose Farrell Rose?
- Experienced & Dedicated – With over 19 years of experience, we understand how stressful navigating Australia’s immigration processes can be. We will assist you to find the most cost effective and direct route to a positive migration outcome.
- Excellent Client Reviews – We are proud to maintain a great success rate and a strong reputation, backed by numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied clients.
- Open & Honest Communication – Transparency is at the core of our practice. We provide clear advice, step-by-step guidance, and updates throughout your immigration process.
- Personalised Solutions – No two immigration cases are the same. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and offer tailored strategies for the best possible outcome.
- A strategic and creative approach – our combined expertise in migration and refugee law allows us to bring innovative solutions to your immigration matter backed by legal rigor, dedication and professionalism.
Meet The Team
Our team combines deep legal expertise with compassion and integrity to guide you through every step of your migration journey.
Our Recent Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
A Merit Review (usually at the ART) looks at the entire decision again and can replace it with a new one. A Judicial Review checks whether a legal error was made in how the decision was reached—it doesn’t look at the facts of your case again.
Not all decisions are reviewable. Whether you can appeal depends on your visa type, the reason for refusal or cancellation, and your location at the time of decision. We can quickly assess your eligibility.
Time limits are strict—often 21 to 28 days from the date of decision. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to appeal, so you should act immediately.
You’ll have the opportunity to present your case, submit additional evidence, and respond to questions. We’ll prepare all documents, help you gather evidence, and represent you at the hearing.
Our Office Locations
We offer in person appointments in our Melbourne and Sydney offices. Can’t make it to the office? We also offer video and telephone appointments.
Melbourne Office:
Level 35, 477 Collins Street,
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Wurundjeri Country
Sydney Office:
201 Kent Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Gadigal Country
Get.
Started.
Today!
Take the next step in your migration journey with expert guidance from Farrell Rose. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking permanent residency, or planning for citizenship, we are here to simplify the process and support you every step of the way.