Updated 26 October 2026. A Student visa (subclass 500) refusal relating to Genuine Student (GS) or the former Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion calls for an immediate review of the Department of Home Affairs decision notice. Not every refusal has a right of merits review, and the correct deadlines depend on the decision and the applicable law.
GTE and Genuine Student: what is the difference?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the former GTE requirement for Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, subject to the relevant transition rules. Earlier applications may be assessed against the historical GTE criteria. The specific concerns identified by Home Affairs—about study intentions, personal circumstances or evidence—must be reviewed in the context of the law applicable at the relevant date.
Can you appeal a Student visa refusal?
Some decisions can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) on 14 October 2024. However, review rights are not universal. Your decision notice will ordinarily explain whether review is available, who is eligible to apply and the deadline.
Do not assume that every case has 28 days. Some expedited reviews have much shorter limits. The ART’s official immigration and citizenship review information explains the relevant process and how to apply.
Five steps to take after a refusal
- Retain the full refusal notice and any attached reasons.
- Confirm the date the decision was communicated and immediately identify any review deadline.
- Check current visa status, bridging visa arrangements, and any restrictions on making further applications.
- Review Home Affairs’ concerns and the documentary evidence relevant to each issue.
- Assess whether an ART review, a new valid application or another lawful option is genuinely available in the circumstances.
What does A2MS do?
A2MS can help review refusal reasons, available pathways and supporting evidence. Immigration assistance is led by Sunil Choudhary, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418425). We cannot guarantee a positive review decision or a new visa grant.
Discuss your decision promptly: Book an appointment or telephone 08 7094 8094.
Useful official resources
- Administrative Review Tribunal — immigration and citizenship
- Home Affairs — Student visa subclass 500
- A2MS — Visa Refusals and Appeals
Information updated October 2026. General information only, not advice for any individual. Current law and the actual decision notice control review rights and lawful status.
Education options or refusal and review advice?
Manmeet can help with course options and education admissions after a setback, but does not advise on visa refusals, review deadlines or migration law. For Student visa refusal decisions, review options and individual migration legal advice, book Sunil, A2MS’s registered migration agent.
Manmeet Chhabra
QEAC T284
Education & admissions only: choosing a CRICOS course or provider, entry requirements, education pathways and enrolment planning. Manmeet’s education consultations do not provide visa or migration legal advice.
Book Manmeet: free 10-minute education call45-minute education session — $150
Sunil Choudhary
MARN 2418425
Visa & migration legal guidance: Student visa (500), Student Guardian visa (590), Temporary Graduate visa (485), visa refusals, review options and changing-provider visa implications. Outcomes depend on individual facts and law; no visa or migration outcome is guaranteed.
Book Sunil: free 10-minute migration introduction45-minute migration consultation — $250