Doc Summary
If your visa application payment has failed, is pending, or you’re unsure who to contact, use the official support channels below. This guide focuses on Australian visa payments made through ImmiAccount and third‑party centres, with clear steps and links to the right help desks.
Quick answer #
- ImmiAccount payment issues (Australian visas): See payment troubleshooting and technical help via the Department of Home Affairs at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online/technical-help/online-payment-issues.
- General Home Affairs support: Use official contact options at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/contact-us.
- Visa application centre (VFS Global): If you paid a third‑party service (e.g., biometrics or appointment fees), reach VFS at https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/contact-us.html.
- Your bank or card issuer: Call the number on the back of your card to check blocks, limits, or 3‑D Secure authorisation issues.
ImmiAccount and Department of Home Affairs support #
Most Australian visa fees are paid online through ImmiAccount. If your card is declined, you see a “payment pending” status, or you receive an error code, start with the official troubleshooting pages:
- Online payment issues (Home Affairs) – step‑by‑step fixes for card declines, authentication failures, duplicate charges, and pending payments.
- Contact Home Affairs – webform, phone options, and office details (note business hours and call charges).
Tip: Keep your Transaction Reference Number (TRN), ImmiAccount email, date/time of payment attempt, and any error messages handy when you contact support.
VFS Global and third‑party payment support #
If you booked biometrics or other ancillary services through a visa application centre and the payment failed or you were charged incorrectly, contact the service provider directly. For VFS Global:
- VFS Global – Contact for email forms, chat, and regional phone details.
Have your appointment ID and payment confirmation ready. Note that VFS cannot resolve Home Affairs fee issues made inside ImmiAccount.
When to contact your bank or card issuer #
Card declines often relate to the bank’s risk controls or card settings. Contact your bank if you experience:
- International transaction blocks or insufficient daily limits
- 3‑D Secure (OTP/SMS) failures or app approval timeouts
- Suspected fraud flags or temporary security holds
Ask your bank to allow an online, international government payment and try again. If you used Visa Secure or similar authentication and the charge is pending, your bank can confirm whether the authorisation will drop or settle.
Common payment errors and fixes #
- Payment pending in ImmiAccount: Wait one billing cycle (or as advised on the Home Affairs page). Do not submit multiple times unless instructed. If still pending, use the Online payment issues guide and contact Home Affairs.
- Declined/Do Not Honour: Check card funds, international/online permissions, and retry after calling your bank.
- 3‑D Secure authentication failed: Ensure the correct one‑time password, enable notifications, or use a different card with working 3‑D Secure.
- Browser or session errors: Clear cache/cookies, update your browser, disable VPN/ad‑blockers, and try a private window or another device.
- Duplicate charge concerns: Keep confirmation emails and screenshots. If a duplicate settles, contact Home Affairs with evidence via Contact Us.
Information to prepare before you call or lodge a ticket #
- ImmiAccount email/username and visa application details (e.g., TRN)
- Date/time zone of payment attempts and number of retries
- Exact error code/message and screenshots (no personal card PAN)
- Last four digits of card, card brand, and issuing country
- Any bank reference IDs or authorisation codes
Refunds and card acceptance #
Visa application charges are typically non‑refundable once processed, even if the visa is refused. Refunds, where applicable, are handled by the relevant authority’s policy. Accepted payment methods can vary by location and service. For the latest accepted methods and refund guidance, check the official Home Affairs pages and your application centre’s terms.
How Skills Campus can help #
As an Australian education, migration, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) guidance provider, Skills Campus can help you:
- Clarify the correct fee, timing, and payer details for your visa category
- Navigate ImmiAccount steps to reduce payment errors
- Coordinate documents and timelines so your submission isn’t delayed by payment issues
We do not process payments on your behalf, but we’ll guide you to the right, official support channel and help you prepare the information they require.
Useful official links #
- Home Affairs – Online payment issues: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online/technical-help/online-payment-issues
- Home Affairs – Contact us: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/contact-us
- VFS Global – Contact: https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/contact-us.html
Talk to Skills Campus #
Need tailored guidance for study, migration, or RPL pathways to Australia—and help avoiding payment pitfalls? Connect with our team at https://skillscampus.com.au/ or message us directly at https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
