Standard fee
In 2026, the ART general migration fee sits in the low thousands of dollars range. Specific amount depends on visa category.
Tribunal Fee · Professional Representation · Hardship Waivers
An ART appeal has two cost layers.
Our team Sourabh Aggarwal, Neha Sharma, and Prateek Maan provides fixed-fee ART appeal packages across partner, skilled, and cancellation matters. The Tribunal application fee, and the cost of professional representation. Here is what both look like in 2026, when waivers apply, and how to budget for the appeal.
Tribunal fee
Set by regulation. Refundable in some outcomes.
The ART application fee is a fixed amount set by regulation and charged at lodgement.
Partial refund on win
If the appeal is successful (favourable decision), a partial refund is typically made. Check current refund rules.
No refund on loss
If the appeal is unsuccessful, the fee is not refunded. Budget assuming no refund.
Payable at lodgement
The fee must be paid at the time of application lodgement. Missing the deadline due to fee issues is a common avoidable error.
Fee waivers for hardship
Narrow but real.
ART fee waivers apply in specific financial hardship scenarios.
EligibilityEvidence of financial hardship: low or no income, limited assets, dependents. Similar evidence standard to Form 1005 hardship applications.
Partial vs full waiverMost waivers are partial (reduced fee, not zero). Full waivers are rare and require extreme hardship evidence.
Evidence requiredBank statements, tenancy agreements, evidence of dependents, explanation of income. Documented.
Application timingWaiver application is made alongside the ART application. Lodge both together.
Professional representation cost
Not mandatory. Often worth it.
Most successful ART appeals have professional representation. The cost is usually less than the downside of losing an unrepresented appeal.
Fixed-fee packages
Our ART appeal packages are fixed-fee by visa type. Covers submissions, evidence preparation, hearing representation where applicable.
When a lawyer is needed
Complex character matters, judicial review, or multi-issue cases often benefit from an immigration lawyer. Our Prateek Maan for these.
Cost vs risk of refusal
A failed appeal means no visa. Reapplication means paying the Department fee again. Representation cost is usually a fraction of what is at stake.
The Department application fee is not refunded on visa refusal.
If you paid the Department fee for the original application and the visa was refused, that fee is gone. An ART appeal costs the Tribunal fee plus representation, but it does not require paying the Department fee again. This is why ART appeals are often more cost-effective than fresh applications.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For ART appeal cost planning, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I apply for a fee waiver?
Yes, with evidence of financial hardship. Partial waivers more common than full waivers. Lodged with the ART application.
What happens to the Tribunal fee if I withdraw my appeal?
Generally not refunded. Withdrawal decisions should factor this in.
Do I need a lawyer for an ART appeal?
Not legally required. Unrepresented appellants can present their own cases. In practice, representation significantly improves outcomes for most case types.
What is a reasonable budget for an ART appeal?
The Tribunal fee plus representation cost combined. For a partner or skilled appeal, total sits in the low-to-mid thousands range.
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.