+61 3 9602 3237

5.0 Google Reviews


Visa Refusal? Understanding the ART Merit Review Process and How Danfe Consulting Can Help You in Melbourne

Danfe Team

December 10, 2024

12 min read

If you’ve recently faced a visa refusal, it’s crucial to understand your options and rights to appeal. The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) previously known as the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal), has now been replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which is responsible for reviewing decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs regarding visa applications. This article will guide you through the ART merit review process, how to navigate it, and how Danfe Consulting can assist you with your ART appeals in Melbourne.


What is the ART Merit Review Process?

The ART merit review process is a crucial step if your visa application has been refused or rejected by the Department of Home Affairs. The ART (formerly AAT) allows individuals to challenge the decision based on its merits, meaning that it is not limited to procedural errors, but rather the substance of the decision itself. If you believe the refusal was incorrect or unfair, you can request a review of the decision by the ART.


Key Steps in the ART Merit Review Process

Eligibility: Before you can lodge an appeal with the ART, you need to check if you are eligible. Generally, you have 21 days from the date of the visa refusal decision to apply for a merit review. In some cases, there might be extensions, so it’s essential to act quickly.


Lodging the Appeal: The first step is submitting your appeal application, along with any supporting documents. This is your opportunity to present new information or clarify points that may have been overlooked in your original application.


Review of the Decision: The ART will assess the facts and law surrounding your case. This is a comprehensive process, and it may involve gathering additional information or providing further documentation to support your claim.


Outcome: Once the ART has completed the review, it will either affirm the original decision, overturn it, or make a different decision altogether. If the decision is overturned, your visa may be granted, or other favorable outcomes could be reached.


Further Steps: If the ART’s decision is unfavorable, there may be further options such as judicial review in the Federal Court, but this depends on the specifics of your case.

How Danfe Consulting Can Assist You with ART Appeals in Melbourne

As a Melbourne-based consulting firm, Danfe Consulting offers tailored assistance for those facing visa refusals and looking to challenge the decision through the ART merit review process. Here’s how we can help:


Expert Advice: We offer initial consultations to assess your case and determine the best course of action, whether it’s lodging an ART appeal or exploring other immigration pathways.


Document Preparation: Our team will assist you in gathering and preparing the necessary documents, ensuring that your appeal is well-supported and meets all legal requirements.


Submission & Follow-up: We’ll handle the entire submission process, including liaising with the ART and following up on your case to ensure progress is being made.


Representation: If required, our experts will represent you in hearings before the ART, presenting your case in the most effective manner possible.


Personalized Support: Every case is different, and at Danfe Consulting, we offer personalized support and solutions tailored to your specific circumstances.


Why Choose Danfe Consulting for Your ART Appeal in Melbourne?

Local Expertise: We’re based in Melbourne and have an in-depth understanding of local immigration policies and procedures.

Proven Track Record: Our team has helped many individuals successfully navigate the ART merit review process and secure favorable visa outcomes.

Comprehensive Service: From visa refusal to appeal, we offer a complete range of services, making us your one-stop solution for immigration assistance in Melbourne.

Ethical and Transparent: At Danfe Consulting, we prioritize honesty and transparency in every aspect of our work, ensuring you understand the process and are confident in the actions we take on your behalf.


Keywords


Visa Refused or Cancelled?

Book an appointment with our Registered Migraton Agent


Santosh Karna

​Registered Migration Agent- 1791162

Frequently Asked Question

Addressing your top concerns about Education, Visa & Migration

What services does Danfe Consulting offer in Melbourne and Sydney?

Danfe provides education counselling, student visa support, migration services, PR guidance, college transfers, GTE/SOP preparation, OSHC, and skills assessments.

Why is Danfe Consulting considered the best migration agent in Melbourne?

We are MARA-registered, community-trusted, and have helped over 10,000 students and migrants achieve visa and PR success.

How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?

We assist with admissions, student visa applications, visa extensions, course changes, and PR pathway planning.

Do I need a registered migration agent to apply for a visa in Australia?

While not compulsory, using a registered agent like Danfe ensures your application is accurate, compliant, and has a higher success rate.

Is Danfe Consulting registered with MARA?

Yes, our migration agents are MARA-registered and fully compliant.

Can Danfe assist with GTE and SOP writing?

Yes, we craft genuine, high-quality statements aligned with DHA guidelines.

What are the requirements for a student visa in Australia?

You need a valid CoE, financials, English proficiency, OSHC, and GTE documentation.

How do I change my course or education provider with Danfe’s help?

We assess your eligibility and guide you through the new enrolment and visa update process.

How can Danfe assist with the points test for PR?

We calculate your points and help boost them with experience, study, NAATI, and partner skills.

What is a skills assessment and who needs it?

It’s an evaluation by an assessing authority confirming your qualification and experience match your occupation.

Which occupations are in demand for skilled migration in 2025?

IT, engineering, nursing, trades, social work, early childhood education, and community services.

How do I apply for a 190 visa with state nomination?

We guide you through occupation selection, ROI/EOI submission, and application with the sponsoring state.

Can I apply for the 491 visa while living in a metropolitan area?

Generally no, unless you’ve studied or worked in a designated regional area or meet specific state criteria.

Does Danfe help with Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions?

Yes, we prepare and lodge EOIs and monitor invitations for skilled visas.

Who pays for the SAF levy in a 482 sponsorship?

The employer must pay the SAF levy by law.

What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?

Study in-demand courses, gain skilled experience, and apply through 189, 190, or 491 pathways.

Which PR pathway is best for international students?

It depends on your background. Most use 485 → skills assessment → 190/491 nomination → PR.

Can I apply for PR after 2 years of study in Australia?

Not directly. You need work experience, skills assessment, and to meet visa points.

Does Danfe help with state nomination applications?

Yes, we prepare and lodge all required documents and guide your ROI and EOI process.

What makes Danfe Consulting different from other migration agencies?

We provide culturally inclusive support with a focus on long-term success, not just visa approvals.

Can Danfe help me transition from a student visa to PR?

Yes, we specialize in student-to-PR planning, including skill assessment, EOI, and state nomination.

How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?

We assist with admissions, student visa applications, visa extensions, course changes, and PR pathway planning.

Does Danfe offer online consultations for interstate and offshore clients?

Absolutely! We offer virtual consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.

What languages does the Danfe Consulting team speak?

Our team can communicate in English, Nepali, Hindi, Tagalog, and more.

How can Danfe help with my student visa application?

We guide you through course selection, GTE writing, document prep, and visa lodgement.

What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) and who is eligible?

It allows recent graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing a CRICOS course.

Can Danfe help me apply for the 485 visa after graduation?

Yes, we assist with application preparation, skills assessment, and future PR planning.

What documents are needed for the 485 visa application?

Passport, transcript, IELTS/PTE, AFP clearance, health check, insurance, and skills assessment if applicable.

What are the differences between the 189, 190, and 491 visas?

189 is independent, 190 is state-nominated PR, and 491 is regional (5-year visa with PR pathway).

What is a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and who can apply?

It allows skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor in Australia. Requires job offer and relevant skills.

Can Danfe help find employers willing to sponsor 482 or 186 visas?

We assist with preparing documents and guidance, though job search is the applicant’s responsibility.

What are the costs involved in applying for a 482 visa?

Employer pays sponsorship/nomination fees and SAF levy; applicant pays visa fee and optional agent fee.

How do I transition from 482 to PR through a 186 visa?

After 2+ years with the employer, you may apply for a 186 TRT stream PR with skills, English, and age criteria.

What is the PR points calculator and how is it used?

It determines your eligibility for skilled visas based on age, English, education, experience, and more.

What is the PR points calculator and how is it used?

It determines your eligibility for skilled visas based on age, English, education, experience, and more.

How can I increase my chances of getting PR in 2025?

Improve English scores, gain work experience, study in-demand courses, and lodge early.

Ready to Experience the Best Education & Migration Service?

It only takes a few minutes to get started!

©2014-2025 | Danfe Consulting VIC Pty ltd. | All Rights Reserved | MARN: 1791162 | Consumer Guide