Preserve the record
Keep the decision letter, submitted forms, supporting documents and any procedural fairness correspondence together. Officer notes may also be relevant when available.
Refusals and legal remedies
Refusals, Appeals & Federal Court
The correct response depends on what was decided, what evidence was before the decision-maker and which deadlines apply.
Review the record before choosing the response
Start with the decision, the record and the deadline.
A negative decision is not only a result. The reasons, the material submitted, current immigration status and any review deadline shape what may be done next.
Identify the timing
Federal Court, appeal, reconsideration, reapplication and status-protection questions can follow different timelines. Urgent dates should be identified at the beginning.
Choose a proportionate route
A stronger reapplication, reconsideration request, statutory appeal or judicial review is not interchangeable. The appropriate response depends on the decision and record.
Preparation record
A focused preliminary review usually starts with
Deadlines can be short. Submitting an inquiry does not provide legal advice, preserve a deadline or create a lawyer-client relationship.
- The complete decision or refusal letter
- A copy of the application and supporting record
- Decision, expiry and other material dates
- Any fairness letter, interview record or later correspondence
Service directory
Choose your immigration matter
Review the services below to see which one best matches your circumstances.
A connected approach