In short: Home Affairs no longer adds a surcharge when you pay by card, PayPal or UnionPay.
What changed From 1 October 2026 the Department stopped applying surcharges on all card, PayPal and UnionPay payments. It made the change in line with the Government's updated directive that followed the Reserve Bank of Australia's review of merchant card payment costs and surcharging. Before this, a percentage surcharge was added to card payments.
Who it affects Anyone paying Home Affairs visa charges by card, PayPal or UnionPay. The visa application charge itself has not changed.
Key dates • In force from: 1 October 2026 • Official page last updated: 12 October 2026
Where to check The official surcharges page is linked below. This is general information, not migration advice.
Publication details
Version 1
- Published on YourVisaSite
- 3 Nov 2026, 8:06 am (Perth)
- Effective from
- 1 October 2026
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