Urgent cases
Response deadlines in immigration law are strict and cannot be extended. The good news: acted on quickly and correctly, most urgent situations have a pathway. Here is exactly what to do.
Know your deadline
s56 Request for More Information
Usually 28 days
The exact date is in your letter — it cannot be extended. A late or weak response usually means refusal.
Visa refusal — ART appeal (most visas)
21 days
From the date of decision. The Administrative Review Tribunal cannot extend this limit.
Protection visa (866) refusal
7 working days
The shortest deadline in the system. Contact an agent the day you receive the decision.
Visa cancellation / NOICC
Days, not weeks
Response windows to a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation are very short. Immediate advice essential.
Deadlines are indicative and set by your individual notice — always follow the date in your letter.
The Department is asking for additional documents or explanation before deciding your application. This is a critical opportunity — not a formality.
What we do: Do not rush a partial reply. We review exactly what the case officer is signalling, gather the right evidence, and respond once — completely and on time.
A refusal is often not the end. The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) independently re-examines the decision — many refusals are set aside on review.
What we do: Lodge the appeal within the strict limit (21 days; 7 working days for protection), then build the case properly: new evidence, submissions, hearing preparation.
Your existing visa is at risk — over conditions, character grounds, or information provided. A Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation starts a very short clock.
What we do: Immediate professional response. What you say in the first reply shapes everything after. Do not respond without advice.
Identify exactly what is being asked, and note the deadline date — it is fixed and cannot be extended.
No rushed replies, no new applications, no travel bookings until you have advice. A wrong move can close options.
The decision letter or request, your current visa grant notice, passport, and any evidence you hold.
Within 1–7 days. Call or email with "URGENT" in the subject and attach the letter.
Email [email protected] with "URGENT" in the subject and attach your letter — an agent will assess your deadline and options.