Need an ETA? Get on the App
For many individuals, travel to Australia has been easily facilitated using an ETA. An ETA or Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) allows eligible visitors to visit multiple times within the 12-month validity period and stay up to 3 months each time they enter Australia.
What differentiates the ETA from other visa subclasses? It is the mode of application. Until recently, the ETA was made online via a website link whereby the individual would follow the prompts and pay their $20 service fee. In most cases, the ETA would then be issued almost instantaneously as it would not be assessed by an actual delegate like other Australian visas.
The age of Apps
From 6 April 2022, all ETA eligible visitors must now apply using the Australian ETA app.
Australian ETA APP
The App is readily available to download from the Apple Store (Apple) or Google Play store (Android).
Once downloaded, the initial navigation through the App explains the eligibility and the purpose of the ETA visa. As with all things, the user is prompted to read and accept the Department of Home Affairs’ Terms and Conditions.
What must be noted here is that just because the visa application is being made via an App, it does not mean that one can be loose and carefree in the information they are providing. As it is made abundantly clear in the following extracted terms, providing false and misleading information can still subject you to PIC4020 (more commonly known as the fraud provision):
You must not provide information which you know or reasonably suspect to be false or misleading information. Doing so could result in prosecution and or criminal and civil penalties in Australia. Providing false or misleading information in completing the Australian ETA app is the same as providing incorrect information on a form, through a website or in person.
This must be remembered for those who have criminal convictions to disclose or who have gone by several names. The rule of thumb is to always be transparent in your dealings with the Department.
Also note that as part of the application, you will be prompted to scan your passport (which will then trigger an automation to prefill the details into the application form). As part of an additional identity verification feature, a photograph must be taken and uploaded.
After submission, the decision should be available immediately (written notification by email). However, in some cases, there may be a processing time of up to 12 hours if the Department is having issues verifying the information provided (i.e. the application form has not been completed correctly).
How can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Contact us if you have received an adverse decision. We are well versed in the nuances of immigration law and can find a solution for you. If you want to find out more about the risks of travelling overseas, do not hesitate to contact us. You can book a Migration Planning Session with one of our immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02 8310 5230 or email us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Burmese and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact our office.