Australia Implements Upfront Fee for Protection Visa Review Appeals

Australia has introduced a mandatory upfront fee of A$1,863.50 for most protection visa decision reviews. The Administrative Review Tribunal confirmed the change, which stems from amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 that became active on November 1, 2026.

Under the previous system, applicants typically paid fees only after a review concluded. The new policy requires payment at the time of lodging the application, with the amount set at half of the standard application fee.

The regulation applies to reviews involving refused or cancelled protection visas, as well as certain decisions to withdraw protection findings. Individuals in immigration detention or those whose cases are combined with a previously paid application are exempt from this initial charge.

Applicants who successfully challenge a decision are eligible for a full refund. However, those who withdraw their review applications generally will not receive their money back, except in specific, limited circumstances.

The updated rules also include changes to Bridging Visa B provisions for those associated with protection claims. These modifications restrict access to certain grants once a claim has reached a final determination, while maintaining specific pathways during active review periods.