The Tribunal member
The decision-maker. A lawyer appointed to the Tribunal. Reviews your file before the hearing. Leads the questioning. Makes the final decision.
Tribunal Member · Oral Evidence · Usually One Day
Your ART hearing is usually a single day.
Our hearing team Sourabh Aggarwal, Neha Sharma, and Prateek Maan attends hearings across partner, skilled, and cancellation matters. This is where most ART appeals are won or lost. Knowing what happens, who is in the room, and how questions are structured changes how you perform and how the member assesses you. Here is what to expect.
Who is in the room
Four participants.
ART hearings are formal but structured. The cast is small and the format is consistent.
The applicant (you)
Gives oral evidence. Answers questions from the member. Usually seated opposite or beside the member.
Your representative
If you have engaged a migration agent or immigration lawyer, they attend with you. Can make submissions, take notes, and prompt you on what to cover.
Additional witnesses
Sponsors, family members, experts may also attend if relevant to the case. Partner visa hearings usually include both applicant and sponsor giving evidence.
Hearing structure
Three phases. Flexible ordering.
Most hearings follow a consistent structure although order varies by case type and member.
Opening and contextMember introduces themselves, confirms identities, explains the hearing process. Representative may make brief opening submissions about the case.
Evidence and questioningApplicant gives evidence by answering member questions. Sponsor (where applicable) gives separate evidence. Witnesses if any. Written evidence already in the file is not re-read.
Closing submissionsRepresentative makes closing submissions summarising why the decision should be set aside. Applicant can add anything they want the member to consider.
What to bring and wear
Practical hearing day preparation.
Small practical details matter for the hearing experience.
Documents
Bring identification, a copy of the refusal letter, and any documents referenced in your submissions. Your representative will have the full file.
Dress and demeanour
Business or smart casual. Professional appearance communicates seriousness. Speak calmly and clearly.
Arrival and interpreters
Arrive 20-30 minutes early. Interpreters arranged in advance if needed. Tribunal provides them for most languages.
Most ART hearings run for 2 to 4 hours, not a full day.
Despite the formality, most hearings are shorter than applicants expect. Complex partner or character cases can run longer. Simple documentary disputes can be shorter. The hearing time is not a measure of case seriousness.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For hearing preparation, book with Sourabh Aggarwal or Prateek Maan.
Can I attend the hearing by video?
Most ART hearings offer video or phone attendance. Some members prefer in-person where possible. Check with the Tribunal when the hearing is scheduled.
What if I get nervous and forget an answer?
Take your time. Ask the member to repeat a question. Say if you do not know or do not remember. Members understand nerves. Honesty beats guessing.
Can I object to a question?
Your representative can raise procedural concerns. The member has significant discretion in questioning. Answer what is asked; your representative will intervene if needed.
When does the member make the decision?
Almost never on the day. Written decisions follow, usually within weeks but sometimes months. Complex cases take longer.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.