What to Do If Your Visa Gets Refused While Onshore in Australia?

Receiving a visa refusal can be stressful, but it’s important to know that if you’re onshore in Australia, you often have review rights — and there are steps you can take immediately.

✅ Step 1: Understand Your Review Rights

In most cases, if your visa is refused while you are in Australia, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

⏰ You must lodge your appeal within 28 calendar days from the date of refusal. This is a strict deadline and cannot be extended, so time is of the essence.

✅ Step 2: Lodge Your Appeal with AAT

Visa Empire, a trusted visa agent in Perth, can assist you in preparing and lodging your AAT appeal. With our strong track record of successful cases, we ensure your application is well-presented with supporting documents, statements, and relevant legal arguments.

Once your appeal is lodged:

Your current Bridging Visa A (BVA) remains in effect.

You retain the same work rights you had while your original visa application was being processed.

This allows you to legally stay in Australia while your case is under review.

❗ What If You Miss the 28-Day Deadline?

If you fail to lodge your AAT appeal within 28 days, your options become very limited. You may have:

Up to 35 days to make arrangements to leave Australia voluntarily.

In rare circumstances, ministerial intervention might be explored, but it’s discretionary and not guaranteed.

📌 Final Advice:

Always read your visa refusal letter carefully — it outlines whether you have appeal rights and the exact timeline.

If you’re unsure what to do next, contact Visa Empire, your reliable visa agent, immediately. Our team can guide you through the process with professionalism and urgency.

📞 Need help fast? Reach out to us now.