The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is responsible for reviewing most migration decisions in Australia, including visa refusals, visa cancellations and other related decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs. As migration review applications continue to rise, ART processing times remain a significant concern for visa applicants across all visa categories.
Expected ART Processing Times
According to statistics published in the ART’s In-Focus newsletter, migration cases finalised between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026 show that:
- 50% finalised within 1 year and 6 months
- 95% finalised within 2 years and 10 months
Partner visa reviews and Permanent Business visa matters continue to take longer to finalise due to their inherent complexity. More broadly, most migration review applications now exceed 18 months in processing time, reflecting ongoing migration tribunal delays.
Protection and Refugee visa appeals take significantly longer than other migration matters. For cases finalised between October 2025 and March 2026, half took more than 3 years and 1 months, with many extending beyond five years and four months.
Migration Processing Times by Case Category
A detailed breakdown of ART processing times by case category is set out below:
| Case Category | 50% of cases finalised within | 95% of cases finalised within |
|---|---|---|
| Bridging | 10 days | 1 year |
| Family | 2 year and 2 months | 3 years and 6 months |
| Nomination/Sponsor approval | 1 year and 7 months | 2 years and 5 month |
| Partner | 2 years and 11 months | 3 years and 9 months |
| Permanent business | 2 years and 3 months | 3 years and 1 months |
| Skill linked | 1 year and 4 months | 2 years and 9 months |
| Student cancellation | 1 year and 3 months | 1 year and 11 months |
| Student refusal | 1 year and 6 months | 2 years |
| Temporary work | 1 year and 6 months | 2 years and 10 months |
| Visitor | 9 months | 2 years and 1 month |
| Other | 11 months | 2 year and 2 months |
| All migration case categories | 1 year and 6 months | 2 years and 10 months |
ART Caseload and Visa Refusal Appeals
The ART’s workload remains a key contributor to extended processing times. Between 1 July 2025 and 30 November 2025:
- 22,170 migration review applications were lodged
- 6,995 were finalised
- 67,489 remain pending
Visa refusal appeals account for over 90% of the ART’s migration caseload. The most commonly reviewed visa subclasses include:
- Training (Subclass 407)
- Temporary Skill Shortage / Skills in Demand (Subclass 482)
- Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
What This Means for You
While ART processing time statistics provide useful guidance, every migration review is different. Delays can be influenced by visa type, the strength of supporting evidence, legal complexity, and the ART’s overall caseload.
Delays are understandably frustrating, but a positive outcome is often worth the wait. When it comes to securing a favourable decision at the ART, what truly matters is a well-prepared application, supported by strong evidence and experienced professional guidance, particularly where a Tribunal hearing is required.
If you’re navigating an ART review, the right support can make all the difference.
How Brightstone Migration Can Help
Brightstone Migration has extensive experience in:
- Lodging ART review applications
- Comprehensive ART hearing preparation
- Representing clients at ART hearings
- Federal Circuit Court appeals
Contact us today for tailored advice and let us fight for you!
Read our insights to understand the key steps in a successful ART (formerly AAT) visa refusal appeal.
Official Data Soueces
The statistics and processing time estimates referenced in this article are based on publicly available information published by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART):
- ART Migration Caseload Statistics
- ART Processing Times and In-Focus Newsletter Updates
For the most current figures, readers should refer to the official Administrative Review Tribunal website.
This article was prepared and written by our immigration lawyer team at Brightstone Migration and reviewed by Mei Guo, Partner Solicitor and Head of Immigration, to provide professional insights and commentary. The content is for reference only and does not constitute specific legal advice.
Last updated: 29/04/2026
