AAT Migration and Refugee Division Processing Times (Final Six Months)
Before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) was replaced by the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) in October 2024, it regularly published processing time statistics for its Migration and Refugee Division (MRD). These figures, covering the period from 14 April 2024 to 13 October 2024, offer insight into how long applicants waited for reviews to be finalised.
Although the ART has not yet released similar statistics, these legacy numbers remain a useful general guide for those seeking to understand the complexities of migration and refugee visa review timelines in Australia.
Understanding the Data
The table below shows the time (in calendar days) within which 50% and 95% of cases in each category were finalised by the former MRD. These figures do not include cases where:
The AAT found it had no jurisdiction to review the decision
Applicants withdrew their case early
Such cases were typically resolved more quickly and are not included in the data set.
Migration and Refugee Review Processing Times (14 April – 13 October 2024)
Key Takeaways for Visa Applicants
Protection visas had the longest wait times, with 95% of reviews taking over six years to finalise.
Bridging visas were typically resolved more quickly, with half of all decisions finalised within just 11 days.
Partner and family visas faced particularly long delays, with most cases taking over three years for a decision.
On average, all migration-related reviews took 460 days for 50% of cases and up to 1,692 days for 95% to be finalised.
No Guarantees Under the ART
It’s important to note that these figures served only as a general guide during the AAT’s operation. With the introduction of the Administrative Review Tribunal on 14 October 2024, the review process may differ significantly in structure, approach, and timelines. As of now, no processing time statistics have been released by the ART.
Applicants should be aware that review times can vary widely depending on:
The complexity of the case
Availability of supporting documents
Tribunal workload and resourcing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these AAT timeframes still relevant under the ART?
Not directly. While the figures provide historical context, ART procedures and timelines may change. Always check for the latest updates from the ART website.
2. Why were Protection visa reviews so delayed?
Protection visa cases often involve complex legal and humanitarian considerations, contributing to extended processing times.
3. Will ART publish new review statistics?
It is expected that the ART will eventually publish performance data, but no timeframe has been confirmed.
4. Can I request expedited review of my visa case?
Yes, in certain circumstances (such as health concerns or serious hardship), expedited processing can be requested. Legal advice may help support such a request.
Useful Links
Migration Review Process Overview – Australian Government
Need Help With a Visa Review?
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