Overview
A Ministerial Intervention request is a last-resort option for applicants who have exhausted all review rights and believe there are exceptional or compassionate circumstances that justify personal intervention by the Minister.
Who this option is for
This pathway may be considered if:
- You no longer have AAT or other review rights
- Your circumstances are unique, compelling, or exceptional
- You are not seeking to re-argue standard visa criteria
Important limitations
- Ministerial intervention is discretionary, not a right
- The Minister is not required to consider or grant requests
- Requests must meet strict internal guidelines
- Routine or hardship-only cases are usually not considered
What a request must demonstrate
A strong request usually focuses on:
- Exceptional humanitarian circumstances
- Serious and unique consequences of removal
- Evidence that standard visa pathways cannot address the situation
- Clear, well-structured supporting documentation
Typical supporting documents
- Immigration decision history
- Personal statements explaining exceptional circumstances
- Medical, family, or compassionate evidence (where relevant)
- Independent supporting letters or reports (if applicable)
How we support you
We assess whether ministerial intervention is appropriate, help structure a clear and respectful request, and ensure your submission aligns with internal consideration guidelines.