It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.
Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish.
However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.
Can I represent myself?
Yes. You can deal directly with us (represent yourself).
If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us.
Can I ask someone to represent me?
Yes. You can arrange for a registered migration agent, or an Australian lawyer who holds a practising certificate, to represent you. A close family member or the person nominating or sponsoring you can also represent you.
Only a registered migration agent or Australian lawyer who holds a practising certificate can ask you to pay a fee for representing you. We cannot pay for any of these costs.
If you want immigration advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible.
A representative can:
- communicate with us on your behalf
- give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
- request access to documents relating to the review
- attend the hearing (but cannot present oral arguments, unless the Member permits this).
You can also arrange for someone to receive correspondence on your behalf. This person is called an authorised recipient. They can be the same or a different person to the person representing or assisting you.
To appoint a representative or authorised recipient, you must provide us with their details.
If you have already lodged the application for review and wish to appoint a new representative or authorised recipient, complete the appointment of representative and/or authorised recipient form.
You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s or authorised recipient's details.
Use the change of contact details form to:
- cancel your representative’s authority to act on your behalf
- stop a person receiving correspondence on your behalf
- change the contact details of your representative or the person receiving correspondence on your behalf.
We will continue to give documents about your review to a representative or authorised recipient until you tell us not to.
If you are dissatisfied with the advice or services provided by a registered migration agent or Australian lawyer, you should initially try and resolve any problems or concerns directly with that person.
If your complaint is about a registered migration agent, you can also make a formal complaint to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. To find out more about complaint procedures and limitations, please visit their website at www.mara.gov.au.
If your complaint is about an Australian lawyer, you can make a formal complaint to the relevant State and Territory legal professional regulatory authority.
Where can I find help with my review?
We can help you understand the review process but we cannot give you advice about your case.
There are professional people (for example, registered migration agents) and other organisations that can help you with your review.
We cannot pay for someone to assist you. We cannot recommend a particular individual or organisation to help you.
Can I have an interpreter?
Yes. If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge.
For immediate assistance in your language, please contact TIS on 131 450.
Can I have assistance because of a disability?
Yes. If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Where can I find other types of support?
You, your family or friends may need other types of support.
Help for migrants and refugees
- Refugee Council of Australia - helps migrants and refugees find the services they need, including migrant resource centres. Phone: (02) 9211 9333
- Migrant resource centres - provide a range of services (for example, housing, advocacy, health, employment) to refugees and migrants. Contact the Telstra Directory Assistance on 1223, or contact the Refugee Council of Australia (02 9211 9333) and ask for the contact details of your closest migration resource centre.
- Australian Red Cross - provides help and support for refugees, people seeking asylum, people in immigration detention and other migrants in Australia. Phone: 1800 733 276
Crisis and mental health support
The organisations listed below provide help to people in need.
- Lifeline – provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Ph: 13 11 14
- 1800 RESPECT – provides 24-hour support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Ph: 1800 737 732
Didn’t find the right support for you? Please refer to further information about mental health services.