ART Migration Review Processing Times: How to Read the New Benchmarks

ART processing figures can help with planning, but they describe previously finalised cases. They are not a promise about how long a current review will take.

Effective date: Reporting period: Jan–Jun 2026.

What changed

For migration reviews finalised from January to June 2026, half were finalised within 1 year 6 months and 95% within 2 years 10 months. Student refusal reviews had a 50th percentile of 1 year 6 months and 95th percentile of 2 years.

The figures describe matters finalised between 1 January and 30 June 2026. They are historical measures and will change as the ART publishes new reporting periods.

Who may be affected

Clients with pending or contemplated migration merits reviews.

These are historical distributions, not service guarantees. They help set realistic expectations while preserving attention to deadlines and requests from the Tribunal.

What this does not mean

The 50th and 95th percentile figures are not averages, service standards or guaranteed completion dates. An individual matter may finish earlier or later.

Important points

• 50th percentile means half of the reported matters finished within that period; it is not an average.

• 95th percentile indicates the time within which most reported matters finished.

• Case category, complexity, evidence and Tribunal workload can affect an individual matter.

• Clients must continue to meet deadlines and update relevant circumstances while waiting.

Summary

The ART’s published times describe how long previously finalised cases took. They help with planning, but your review may be shorter or longer and the figures are not a guaranteed decision date.

Official source

Official source: Administrative Review Tribunal

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Important information

This article provides general information only and is current as at 12 August 2026. It is not legal or migration advice. Australian migration law, policy, fees and processing arrangements can change, and the correct approach depends on the facts and documents in each matter. Visa outcomes and processing times cannot be guaranteed.

For advice based on your circumstances, you may book an initial consultation with Chin & Co Migration Agency.