BPAY Suspended in ImmiAccount: What Visa Applicants Need to Know

The Department of Home Affairs has announced the suspension of the BPAY payment option within ImmiAccount, effective from the notice issued on 19 June 2026 (MIA Notice 65). This affects applicants who previously used BPAY to pay visa application fees.

BPAY was a widely used payment method for applicants lodging visa applications through ImmiAccount, particularly for those with Australian bank accounts. Its suspension means that any applicant attempting to finalise a payment using BPAY biller codes will be unable to complete their transaction through that channel.

Who Is Affected

This suspension affects all visa applicants and sponsors using ImmiAccount who intended to pay application fees via BPAY. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Skilled migration applicants (189, 190, 491)
• Employer sponsored visa applicants and their sponsors (482, 494, 186)
• Partner and family visa applicants
• Student and graduate visa applicants
• Parent visa applicants

If you have a visa application that is currently prepared but not yet lodged, you will need to use an alternative payment method to submit your application and pay the applicable visa application charge (VAC).

Available Alternative Payment Methods

The Department of Home Affairs supports several payment methods within ImmiAccount. Based on current departmental guidance, the following alternatives remain available:

Payment MethodKey NotesCredit or Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard)Most widely accepted; processed immediatelyPayPalAvailable for some applicants; subject to PayPal account limitsPOLi (Online Banking)Requires Australian bank account; availability may vary by bank

Applicants should confirm currently available payment methods directly within their ImmiAccount session at the time of lodgement, as departmental system configurations can change without advance notice.

Practical Steps for Applicants

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount and check the payment screen before your intended lodgement date.
2. Ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or PayPal account ready before initiating your application submission.
3. If you are approaching a visa expiry date or a grant deadline, do not delay lodgement while waiting for BPAY to be reinstated.
4. If you are an employer sponsor paying on behalf of an employee, confirm with your accounts team that an alternative payment method is available and authorised.
5. Retain records of your payment confirmation, including transaction reference numbers, as proof of payment.

Is This Suspension Permanent?

MIA Notice 65 describes this as a suspension rather than a permanent removal, which suggests BPAY may be reinstated in the future. However, no reinstatement date has been confirmed. Applicants should not plan application timelines around the assumption that BPAY will be restored by any particular date.

Separately, MIA Notice 65 also flagged a planned system maintenance period affecting ImmiAccount payments. These are two distinct issues: the maintenance period is temporary and time-limited, while the BPAY suspension is an indefinite policy change.

Key Takeaways

• BPAY has been suspended as a payment method in ImmiAccount as of 19 June 2026.
• All visa applicants who planned to use BPAY must switch to an alternative method: credit or debit card, PayPal, or POLi.
• The suspension is currently indefinite. No reinstatement date has been announced.
• Do not delay visa lodgement waiting for BPAY to return, particularly if you are near a deadline.
• Confirm available payment options at the time of lodgement within your ImmiAccount session.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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