From 1 October 2026, Australia has removed card payment surcharges on Visa Application Charges (VACs) paid through Immi Account.
Why the Change?
Previously, applicants who paid their Australian visa fees using debit, prepaid, or credit cards had to pay an additional card payment surcharge. The change follows the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging, which introduced a nationwide ban on surcharges for payments made through the eftpos, Mastercard, and Visa networks from 1 October 2026.
No Increase in Visa Application Charges
Before the new policy took effect, many applicants were concerned that the Department of Home Affairs might increase Visa Application Charges (VACs) to make up for the removal of the surcharge. However, the department confirmed that it would:
- Remove card payment surcharges for Visa application payments from 1 October 2026.
- Keep Visa Application Charges (VACs) unchanged, with no increase linked to the removal of the surcharge.
What This Means for Visa Applicants
Applicants can now pay their Australian visa application fees by eligible card methods without paying an additional card payment surcharge. The update makes the payment process simpler while ensuring that the Visa Application Charges remain the same.
