Just A Click Away.
53,000 Student Visa Reviews: What the ART Backlog Means for You
Recent media reporting, citing figures obtained by AAP, indicates that more than 53,000 student visa review cases are currently before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
For students challenging a visa refusal or cancellation, the backlog means potentially lengthy review periods. Current ART processing data shows that, for student visa refusal reviews finalised between March and August 2026, 50% were completed within 1 year and 5 months, while 95% were completed within 2 years and 2 months.
Student Visas Are Facing Greater Scrutiny
The backlog comes at a time of increased scrutiny across Australia's student visa program.
Under the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, the Department of Home Affairs may consider an applicant's previous study in Australia, including their course progress and reasons for changing courses or education providers.
Separately, the Australian Government has confirmed changes affecting the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). From 5 October 2026, affected providers will no longer be able to enrol new overseas students in this course under CRICOS.
Students who were already enrolled and had commenced the course before 5 October 2026 can continue their studies. Different arrangements apply to students who had not yet commenced.
Who Is Affected?
The current environment is particularly relevant to students who:
- have received a Student visa refusal or cancellation and are considering an ART review;
- have changed courses or education providers and need to explain their study history;
- are affected by the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) changes; or
- currently hold a Bridging Visa while waiting for their immigration matter to be resolved.
Importantly, since 1 June 2026, most Student visa refusal reviews are decided without an oral hearing. This means the documents, evidence and written submissions provided to the ART can play a particularly important role in the outcome.
What the ART Backlog Means in Practice
A lengthy review process can create uncertainty around your visa status, study plans, work rights and future migration pathway.
If you are on a Bridging Visa, your conditions and travel rights will depend on your individual circumstances. If you need to travel overseas while your matter is under review, you should confirm your visa status and whether you need a Bridging Visa B before leaving Australia.
For students affected by the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) changes, the next step will depend on whether you commenced the course before 5 October 2026 and your individual visa and enrolment circumstances.
Practical Steps for Affected Students
- Check your review deadline. If your Student visa has been refused or cancelled, your Home Affairs decision letter will state whether you have review rights and the applicable timeframe. ART migration review deadlines are strict.
- Prepare your evidence carefully. For most Student visa refusal reviews, there may be no oral hearing. Your written evidence and submissions therefore need to clearly address the reasons for refusal.
- Check your Bridging Visa conditions. Do not assume you automatically have work or travel rights while waiting for an ART decision.
- Review any course changes. If you have changed courses or providers, keep evidence explaining your study history, academic progress and reasons for those changes.
- Get advice early. Waiting until later in the ART process may limit the time available to properly prepare your case.
Key Takeaways
- Recent reporting indicates that more than 53,000 student visa review cases are before the ART.
- Current ART data shows some Student visa refusal reviews are taking more than two years to finalise.
- Since 1 June 2026, most Student visa refusal reviews are decided without an oral hearing, making written evidence and submissions particularly important.
- Changes affecting the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) take effect from 5 October 2026, with transitional arrangements for students who have already commenced.
- Bridging Visa, work and travel rights depend on individual circumstances and should be checked carefully.
Has your Student visa been refused or cancelled?
If you are considering an ART review, or are unsure how a refusal, course change or Bridging Visa may affect your next step, our migration lawyers can review your circumstances and advise you on your options.
Speak with the Riverwood Migration legal team before making your next move.
The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.
Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer
As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Stay Informed on Australian Immigration Law
- YouTube: Johnny Kong | Migration Lawyer
- Instagram: @johnny_migrationlawyer
- Facebook: Riverwood Migration
- TikTok: @johnny_migrationlawyer
- Linktree: linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer
