Australia 601 ETA Refused? How to Apply for 600 Visitor Visa (Step-by-Step)
Don't Panic. An ETA refusal is not the end of the road.
If your Subclass 601 (ETA) application via the app was unsuccessful or you received a message saying "Location Required" or "Refused", DO NOT keep trying to apply for the ETA.
Repeatedly applying for a 601 ETA will likely result in the same outcome and may flag your profile. The correct next step is to apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa.
1. Why Was My 601 Refused?
The ETA app is an automated system. It filters out applications that require human checking. Common triggers include:
- Name Match: Your name matches someone on a watchlist.
- Criminal Record: You answered "Yes" to the character question (even for a minor offence).
- Previous Overstay: You have a history of overstaying in Australia.
- Technical Glitch: The NFC chip scan failed or photo quality was poor.
Because the 601 processes instantly, it cannot handle complex cases. It simply rejects them and tells you to apply for a visa that allows for full documentation: the Subclass 600.
2. The Solution: Subclass 600 (The "Paper" Visa)
The Subclass 600 allows you to upload documents to explain your situation. It is manually assessed by a case officer.
Step 1: Gather Documents
Unlike the ETA, the 600 requires proof. You need:
- Bank Statements: Proof of funds (3 months).
- Employment Letter: Proof you have a job to return to.
- Itinerary: Your travel plans.
- Character Statement (CRITICAL): If you were refused due to a criminal record, you MUST attach a detailed statement and court documents explaining what happened and why you are safe to enter.
Step 2: Declare the Refusal
In the 600 application form, there is a question: "Has the applicant ever had a visa refused or cancelled?"
- Answer: YES.
- Details: "My Subclass 601 ETA application was unsuccessful on [Date]."
WARNING: Failing to declare the 601 refusal is considered migration fraud (providing false or misleading information) and can lead to a 3-year ban.
Step 3: Submit and Wait
The 600 visa takes longer (2-4 weeks usually, sometimes longer for character cases). Do not book non-refundable flights until it is approved.
Need Professional Help? If you are unsure why your ETA was refused, or how to write a character statement, contact our consultants. We specialize in handling refused cases.
