Question 1

Where are section 501 character decisions reviewed?

Accepted Answer

Many are reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal in its General Division under section 500 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), not in the Migration and Refugee jurisdiction. There is no migration-specific short-code form; you use the Tribunal's general application for review.

Question 2

How long do I have to apply for review of a section 501 decision?

Accepted Answer

Where the decision relates to a person in the migration zone, the deadline is 9 days after notification under section 500(6B) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). It is extremely short and generally cannot be extended — act the day the decision arrives.

Question 3

How much is the ART General Division fee from 1 July 2026?

Accepted Answer

The standard General Division application fee is $1,195 from 1 July 2026. Fee reductions may be available; confirm the current figure on art.gov.au.

Question 4

Can every section 501 decision be reviewed by the ART?

Accepted Answer

No. Where the Minister personally makes or substitutes a character decision under the non-compellable powers, there is generally no Tribunal review, and judicial review in the courts is the only avenue. Check whether your decision is reviewable before assuming it is.

Question 5

How is the General Division different from Migration and Refugee review?

Accepted Answer

The General Division handles character (section 501) and other decisions on a much shorter 9-day clock, while the Migration and Refugee jurisdiction handles ordinary visa and protection decisions on longer periods. The procedures and stakes differ, and section 501 matters often involve detention.

The ART General Division: section 501 character reviews

Where are section 501 character decisions reviewed?