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Visa Application Charges
The Visa Application Charge
A Visa Application Charge (VAC) is the amount of money, in Australian dollars (AUD) that must be paid for most visa applications to enter Australia. The VAC is generally not refundable even if the visa application is unsuccessful.
VACs are reviewed on 1 July each year and this may increase the cost of a visa application. If the VAC is changed, the new amount will apply to all visa applications received by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the department) on or after the day the VAC is changed.
Paying for a Visa Application Charge Overseas
All VACs are listed in AUD.
If you are paying a VAC outside of Australia, payment will need to be made in the currency and method accepted by the Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate where the visa application is being lodged. These Australian Missions cannot receipt Australian currency.
Exchange rates
The exchange rates used to calculate the VAC payable in a foreign country are updated on 1 January and
1 July each year.
While the AUD amount of a VAC may not change at this time, the amount payable in a foreign currency will change in line with the exchange rate and this may increase or decrease the cost of a visa application made
overseas.
The foreign currency rates are valid for six months and apply to all visa applications received by the department on or after the day the exchange rate is changed.
Alternatively, you can arrange for a friend or associate to pay the VAC in AUD at any Australian office of the department. By doing this, you would avoid the effect of any foreign currency changes.
The cost of the VAC is dependent on when the application is received by the department.
Note: Visa Application Charges are updated twice a year on 1 January and 1 July. For a visa application lodged close to these dates, the VAC or currency rate may change in the time it takes for your application to be received by the department.
For example:
- if you pay for a visa application in Australia before 1 July and lodge your application with an Australian Mission overseas after 1 July;
OR
- if you send the VAC with your visa application before 1 July, but the application
is not received by the department until after 1 July; you may have to pay for any increase in the VAC or the foreign currency rate.
A visa application is not valid until the correct amount of VAC is received by the department. If the correct amount is not paid, it will result in your visa application being delayed until the correct amount is received. Your visa application may be returned with a request that it be resent with the correct VAC amount.
Further Information
Information on VACs, including how to pay and the amounts payable in a foreign currency, can be obtained from any of the department’s offices or can be found on the department’s website.