Refusals & Appeals
We fight back.
A refusal is not the end
A sponsorship or nomination refusal does not mean your recruitment plans are over. It means the decision must be tested.
We act for employers facing adverse outcomes under the Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994. Our role is to move quickly, analyse precisely, and map the most effective pathway forward.
Every decision record is dissected line by line. We identify errors, gather evidence, and build the case that should have been presented the first time.
Types of refusals
We represent employers across all categories of sponsorship and nomination refusals, from initial applications to cancellation matters.
Sponsorship Refusals
Standard Business Sponsorship applications refused for training requirements, genuine need, compliance history, or failure to demonstrate lawful and active business operation.
Nomination Refusals
Position nominations refused for inadequate Labour Market Testing, salary below market rates, position not genuine or necessary, or occupation not on relevant list.
Visa Refusals
Employee visa applications refused for skills assessment failures, English language requirements, health or character concerns, or insufficient work experience.
Sponsorship Cancellations
Existing sponsorship cancelled under ss 109, 116, 128, 134, 137J and related provisions for compliance breaches, business changes, or adverse information.
Integrity Issues
Refusals based on PIC 4020, adverse credibility findings, document authenticity concerns, or alleged misrepresentation in the application.
Choose the right option
AAT Merits Review
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviews the decision afresh on its merits. We present new evidence, make legal submissions, and advocate for your business.
Key Features
- Full review of all facts and evidence
- Opportunity to present new material
- Tribunal can affirm, vary, or set aside decision
- Strict time limits apply (usually 21 days)
Judicial Review
Federal Circuit Court or Federal Court review for jurisdictional error, denial of natural justice, or improper exercise of power.
Key Features
- Limited to legal error, not merits
- Can result in decision being remitted
- Urgent stay applications available
- Strategic advice on litigation prospects
Fresh Application
Sometimes the fastest path forward is a new application that addresses every issue raised in the refusal decision.
Key Features
- Address all refusal grounds comprehensively
- Prepare stronger evidence package
- Often faster than appeal process
- Strategic when evidence was the issue
Why applications get refused
Sponsorship Appeals
SBS Refusals- Training requirement not met
- Genuine need not demonstrated
- Compliance history concerns
- Business legitimacy questions
- Adverse information held
- Previous breach allegations
Nomination Appeals
Position Refusals- Labour Market Testing failures
- Position not genuine or necessary
- Salary below market rate
- Occupation not on relevant list
- Employee qualifications concerns
- Technical non-compliance
Visa Appeals
Employee Refusals- Skills assessment negative
- English requirement not met
- Work experience insufficient
- Health or character concerns
- Document authenticity issues
- PIC 4020 integrity matters
How we fight back.
Tight deadlines, strict criteria, high stakes: this is where disciplined legal work matters.
Urgent
assessment
Immediate review of the refusal or cancellation notice, time limits, and review rights.
Urgent
assessment
Time is critical after a refusal. We review your decision notice immediately to identify every available pathway before deadlines expire. Appeal rights, time limits, bridging visa implications, and strategic options, all assessed within hours of receiving your instructions.
Forensic
review
Detailed analysis of evidence, delegate reasoning, and procedural fairness.
Forensic
review
Every decision record is dissected line by line. We analyse the delegate's reasoning, identify errors of law or fact, and assess whether procedural fairness was afforded. This forensic approach reveals the grounds that give your appeal the strongest prospects of success.
Strategic
advice
Clear guidance on whether to pursue AAT review, judicial review, a new application, or a negotiated pathway.
Strategic
advice
Not every refusal should be appealed. We provide unvarnished advice on your options: AAT merits review, Federal Court judicial review, fresh application, or negotiated resolution. We recommend the pathway with the strongest prospects and explain exactly why.
Meticulous
submissions
Detailed submissions addressing law, policy, and factual error. Nothing generic, nothing templated.
Meticulous
submissions
Each case receives individualised preparation. Our submissions address every ground of refusal with precision. Legal arguments grounded in the Migration Act and Regulations. Evidence that directly responds to the delegate's concerns. Nothing generic. Nothing templated. Every document chosen with purpose.
