The AAT is now the ART
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal was abolished on 14 October 2024 and replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal. This page explains what happened to AAT matters - and where every current visa review actually goes.
Looking to appeal now?
There is no such thing as a new ‘AAT appeal’ any more. All current visa refusal and cancellation reviews are lodged with the ART.
Go to ART appeals →What changed
AAT abolished
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal ceased to exist and the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) commenced under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 - a single new federal review body with redesigned procedures.
Transitioned automatically
Matters that were before the AAT on transition day moved to the ART automatically. Review rights were preserved - you did not need to re-lodge, and old AAT decisions remain valid decisions of a Commonwealth tribunal.
New procedures
Transitioned matters are run under today’s ART framework: the Practice Directions of 2 March 2026 (NAATI-certified translations, generative-AI disclosure in expert reports, active notification duties) apply to applications lodged before or after that date.
Your old AAT case: What it means
If your matter was still undecided at the AAT - it is now an ART matter. Your case number carried across, but the procedures, member directions and hearing (or ‘on the papers’) model that apply are the ART’s, including the 2026 changes that put far more weight on the written file.
If the AAT decided your case before October 2024 - that decision stands. Depending on how long ago it was made, the realistic options are judicial review for legal error (strict time limits apply, though the courts can extend in limited cases) or a ministerial intervention request in unique and exceptional circumstances.
If you have just been refused or cancelled - your review lies to the ART, not the AAT. Deadlines are short and strictly enforced. Start at our ART appeals page, or bring your decision letter straight to a consultation.
Old correspondence, migration agent advice and web articles that mention the ‘AAT’ are historical. Check anything you rely on against the current ART framework - the review fee alone is now $3,727 for most migration decisions (as at 3 July 2026; the charge at lodgement date applies - confirm at art.gov.au).
AAT transition FAQs
Is the AAT still operating?
No. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal was abolished on 14 October 2024. Its work - including all migration and refugee reviews - is now performed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Any new review application is made to the ART.
My case was lodged with the AAT and never decided. Do I need to do anything?
Your matter transitioned to the ART automatically and your review rights were preserved. You do, however, need to run it under the current rules - including the 2 March 2026 Practice Directions on certified translations, generative-AI disclosure and notification obligations. If your file has been dormant, have it reviewed before the Tribunal lists it.
Can I still challenge a decision the AAT made before it was abolished?
Possibly. AAT decisions remain valid, and the usual post-tribunal pathways apply: judicial review for jurisdictional error (strict time limits, with a discretion to extend in limited circumstances) and ministerial intervention in unique and exceptional cases. Whether either has substance depends on your file - get advice before assuming the door is closed.
Where do I appeal a visa refusal today?
To the ART. See our ART appeals page for deadlines, fees ($3,727 for most migration reviews as at 3 July 2026) and how the 2026 ‘on the papers’ model changes preparation.
Old AAT file or new refusal? We map it
Bring whatever paperwork you have - AAT-era or current - and we will tell you plainly where the matter stands and what can still be done.