Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa Subclass 601 Application Process

An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) authorises eligible travellers to visit Australia for a shorter period or for business purposes without obtaining a visa stamp. The ETA Visa Subclass 601 is a popular and convenient option that allows multiple short stays, varying up to three months each within 12 months.

Read More – ETA Visa Subclass 601 Eligibility Criteria

Step-by-Step Guide to the ETA 601 Application Process

Here’s a quick guide to applying for the visa. Following these procedures systematically will help:

Step 1 – Gather Your Essentials

• Your passport needs to remain valid for 6 months starting from your planned arrival date in Australia. You need both a valid passport and citizenship from an approved nation to apply for ETA 601.
• Keep an email address ready to receive notifications and confirmations related to your application.
• Prepare a credit or debit card or any other online payment method to pay the charges of the ETA 601 application.
• Be ready to provide extra documentation such as proof of your trip’s reason, accommodation booking, family or travel companions’ details, or any other suitable documents.

Step 2 – Accessing the Official Application Portal

• Apply for an ETA 601 using the official Australian ETA App, which is the only accepted channel.
• Verify that the app is developed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and check for official government branding.

Step 3 – Completing the Online Form

• Carefully fill in your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport details in the form. The passport number and other entries must exactly match your passport.
• Specify the purpose of your visit (tourism or business), intended duration (up to 3 months per visit), and current location at the time of application (must be outside Australia).
• Health and Character Declarations – Answer eligibility questions about your health and legal records.
• Do Biometric and Photo Verification by taking a recent passport-style photo within the app to verify your identity.
• If travelling with family or companions, apply as a group through the app, but each individual must submit their own application and provide a photo.

Step 4 – Review and Submission

• Verify all provided information and avoid multiple submissions.
• However, if you discover errors after submission, you must reapply and pay the fee again, as editing an application is not possible after submission.

Step 5 – Payment of the Application Fee

• The fee is not refundable for ETA 601 applications. Ensure that all areas you have filled out are correct.
• Depending on platform availability, the acceptable payment methods are credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, or Venmo.

Step 6 – Confirmation and Processing

• You will receive an email acknowledging your ETA application after it has been submitted and paid for.
• ETA 601 & Visitor visa subclass 600 processing time can vary from a minute to 24 hours. Others might need more documentation or checks, which will be provided via email.
• To prevent delays, promptly submit any additional papers or information that is needed by using the link given in the confirmation email.
• Once the application is granted, the ETA Visa Subclass 601 will be electronically linked to your passports. No physical visa label or stamp will be issued.
• You can also check your ETA status via the Australian ETA app or the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) service.

Points to remember after your ETA  601 application acceptance

• An ETA functions for a maximum of 5 years until the passport expires. However, in the UK, it lasts for 2 years.
• The maximum stay allowed on each visit is up to six months, but border officials determine the duration at entry.
• Those who hold an ETA can perform activities such as tourism, visiting family or friends, business, short-term studies and transit, but must obtain specific permits for extended work and study opportunities.
• Travellers can make multiple entries during the ETA’s validity period.

Conclusion

The ETA 601 offers significant convenience and efficiency for eligible travellers to visit Australia for the short term. The quick ETA 601 processing time allows for last-minute travel plans and speeds up the immigration process.

With the ETA Visa Subclass 601, you can get more flexibility and greater peace of mind throughout the journey to Australia. It embraces the simplicity of this modern travel authorisation and looks forward to your next adventure in Australia.