Australia introduces upfront fees for protection reviews from 1 November
The Administrative Review Tribunal has introduced an upfront fee of AUD 1,863.50 for relevant protection reviews. Exemptions, refunds and transitional cases require separate consideration.
Australia’s Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) confirmed on 1 November 2026 that upfront fees for protection reviews are now in effect. The applicable fee is AUD 1,863.50, payable when lodging the review application. It is a review fee, not a new charge on all immigration or citizenship applications.[1][2]
The 31 October announcement covers protection visa refusals and cancellations, and decisions under section 197D of the Migration Act concerning protection findings. Exemptions may apply to non-citizens in immigration detention and applications combined with another application for which the fee has been paid. Successful reviews and applications found to be invalid qualify for a full refund under the rules. Refunds following withdrawal are limited.[2][3]
Transitional cases need particular care. Provision 16501 distinguishes between decisions made before and after commencement, while the ART announcements explain the change by reference to when the review application is lodged. The explanatory statement also summarises the transition in terms of application timing. These descriptions do not fully align. Anyone seeking review after 1 November of an earlier decision should confirm the applicable fee with the ART.[2][3][4]
The ART also says that online applications started but not submitted before midnight AEDT on 1 November must be restarted on a new form. Applicants should check the review deadline, any exemption and the payment requirements together. Saving a draft does not amount to lodging an application.[1][2]
Official sources
- Administrative Review Tribunal: upfront fees now apply for most reviews of protection decisions, 1 November 2026
- Administrative Review Tribunal: fee changes, exemptions and refunds, 31 October 2026
- Federal Register of Legislation: F2026L01448, regulation 4.31B and transitional provision 16501
- Official explanatory statement to F2026L01448: fees and transitional provisions
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.