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Visa Payment Surcharges to End from 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, card payment surcharges will be removed across major card networks in Australia, affecting how applicants pay Visa Application Charges (VACs) and other eligible immigration-related fees.
Importantly, this does not mean that Visa Application Charges themselves are being abolished or reduced. Applicants will still need to pay the applicable VAC for their visa application.
What Is Changing?
When visa application charges and certain other immigration fees are paid by card, an additional payment surcharge may currently apply depending on the payment method used.
From 1 October 2026, major card networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and eftpos will implement no-surcharge arrangements in Australia.
This means applicants using affected payment methods should no longer be charged an additional card surcharge on top of the applicable visa fees.
What Has Not Changed?
The underlying Visa Application Charge has not been abolished.
Applicants must still pay all applicable government charges for their visa, which may include a base application charge, additional applicant charges or other amounts depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.
The change relates to the payment surcharge, not the amount of the VAC itself.
Who May Be Affected?
The change may benefit visa applicants, sponsors and nominators who would previously have incurred a card surcharge when paying eligible Home Affairs fees.
The amount payable will continue to depend on the specific visa, sponsorship or nomination application and the charges applicable at the time of lodgement.
Practical Steps for Applicants and Sponsors
- Check the current government charges for your specific visa or application before lodging.
- Do not assume that your Visa Application Charge has decreased — the change concerns the card payment surcharge only.
- If you are lodging after 1 October 2026, check the final amount shown in the payment system before completing payment.
- For employer-sponsored, skilled or family visa applications, confirm all applicable government charges as part of your overall visa budget.
Key Takeaways
- Card payment surcharges are set to be removed from 1 October 2026.
- This does not abolish or reduce the underlying Visa Application Charge.
- Applicants must still pay all VAC components applicable to their visa application.
- The change may reduce the total amount paid where a card surcharge would previously have applied.
Visa fees can involve more than the headline application charge, particularly where family members, sponsorships or nominations are involved.
If you are preparing an Australian visa application and want to understand the government charges, eligibility requirements and overall strategy before lodging, speak with the Riverwood Migration legal team for advice based on your circumstances.
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.
Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer
As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
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