Australia has changed the cost structure for protection reviews and narrowed eligibility for some Bridging Visa B grants under regulations that commenced on November 1.
The Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations require a person seeking review of a protection decision in the Administrative Review Tribunal to pay half of the ordinary application fee at the outset. The upfront amount is waived for a person in immigration detention and for a protection review lodged as part of a combined application.
The balance of the fee can become payable depending on the result and circumstances of the review. The regulations also provide for refunds in specified cases, including where an application is invalid or the tribunal is prevented from reviewing the decision. The revised structure replaces a system in which protection-review applicants did not ordinarily pay an application fee at lodgment.
The same instrument changes Bridging Visa B eligibility for certain non-citizens connected with a protection visa application. It limits access where the protection claim has been finally determined, while preserving defined pathways during merits review or judicial review. Some affected bridging visas will carry conditions 8564 and 8566, which concern unlawful activity and conduct that poses a risk to public safety or public order.
The provisions apply principally to decisions and applications made on or after commencement. Their practical effect will depend on a person’s precise procedural position, including whether a protection application, tribunal review or court proceeding remains pending.
The regulations were registered on October 31 and are published in full on the Federal Register of Legislation.
