You should access the Immiaccount via the link in the email asking for documents, then it should lead to the page for submitting documents for 601 visa.

You CANNOT see any application for 601 visa if you don't use the email link. So people just log in, and can see only 600, and applied for 600 and paid....

it's purely random, as there is no logic, based on my experiences with many of my family and friends applying. Having an existing visa does not guarantee approval.

Official statistics revela 3/4 of Malaysians will get called for additional documents, and a quarter get approval instantly (ie the computer algorithm passed the application, as it's too fast to be a human doing it).

it the full $190, and you will have paid the $20 in the App already.

601 is the ETA. (specific countries, list has expanded a lot in recent years, to include most Europeans), $20 via App
651 is the eVisitor (mostly Europeans) free
600 is the normal tourist visa the rest of the world uses. From offshore $190, onshore $475

This post has been edited by limeuu: Nov 19 2023, 10:59 PM

Everybody (except Australian citizens) travelling to Australia needs a visa.

Singapore is in the ETA list, but the "additional documents" request is only about 2%, compared to 75% for Malaysians. Note that if you are a PR in Singapore, you are still considered a Malaysian.

Don't book anything before you get your visa! Otherwise if you are rejected, all burnt.

Visa is assessed based on profiling, not your travel arrangements.

Do not "fill in form". You are reapplying for a different visa (601) if you do and will need to pay another AUD190.

After registering, go back to the email, and click the link. You will then get to the page to enter your data for your ETA (600).

You shouldn't have any ETA number at this point. Afaik, once you click on the email link, you should be directed to a page where your original application should be already captured. Complete the online form, and then attach the documents as requested.

You cannot apply for the 601 via the immiAccount site. They are just using the portal as means to enable you to submit your documents. That submission page can only be accessed via the link in your ETA email, and that page should be specific for your current ongoing ETA application only.

After Covid reopening, Australia took the opportunity to increase screening of Malaysian visitors due to large numbers of plane jumpers overstaying to work. Up to 3/4 of ETA applications by Malaysians are subject to this additional screening. The overage worldwide is only 2%.

The 601 is the ETA. You would have applied for the 600 if done though the immiAccount and paid AUD190.

Citizens of countries not eligible for ETA (601) or eVisitor (651) must apply for the 600.

In addition, if you want to stay longer than 3 months each entry, you also need to use the 600.

You will be surprised how many plane jumpers are Malays.... particularly those who seek asylum...

Can still apply for the 600 visa, which is the standard tourist visa for those not in the ETA (601) or eVisitor (651) visa. Apply via immiaccount pay AUD190.

But if they think you are B40, high risk of jumping plane, they will say no....

The process is not dependent on having flights and accomodation. An unknown algorithm vets your ETA application data, and if passed, you get your approval within 1-2 minutes.

If the algorithm flags you, then an email is sent automatically (also almost instantaneous too) where you will be asked to register and submit supportive documents. That's when you submit flights etc, but that's not the information they want. Their decision is based on answering one simply question: "is this person likely to overstay the visa". Humans are involved at this point so the turnaround varies. They are interested in evidences you will not jump plane, like having a stable job, own residence, commitments in your home country etc. Bank accounts aren't really helpful, it's not difficult to temporarily pad up accounts.

This post has been edited by limeuu: Feb 21 2024, 05:36 PM

The process in 2022 was much delayed because of backlog and lack of humans processing. It was resolved by early last year.

Their advice (as well as any agent or any of us here) is never book anything before you get your visa.

The chance of approval is NOT improved by showing flights and hotel bookings.

Return? That's more like scoot pricing.

If you have already bought, then no hurry to apply ETA. If "business" trip us just attending meetings, it's the same ETA so can apply before your business trip and use for your holiday later. It's always valid for multiple entries for a year, maximum 3 months stay each entry.

Cannot find such prices. Return from kul for one adult already 3.5k.

From experiences here, it appears a significant portion of applications still get blocked for more information. In 2022, it was 74% (actual data from a freedom of information request).

I got my visa in 2 minutes when I applied in January. The lucky quarter.

The worldwide average is just about 2%. The red dot included.

Perhaps think like them...pretend you are the immigration officer looking at your application. Do you think based on the documents, this guy will jump plane? What other evidences would you want?

This post has been edited by limeuu: Feb 24 2024, 07:38 AM

60k visa overstayers in 2019 statistics.

Covid delayed the response. When they reopened in 2022, the policy to vet Malaysians kicked in. Because of shortage of humans processing this, the turnaround time balloon to 6-7 weeks. Many were caught out, missing important events like children's graduation (a colleague), weddings, birthdays etc.

The backlog is now cleared and you can get an answer as fast as 1 working day now

Worst case scenario, they will remove Malaysia from ETA, and we join the Indonesians and Indians applying for the 600 with AUD190. Plus medical examination for those over 60.

This post has been edited by limeuu: Feb 24 2024, 09:06 AM

Will be a first.

Yes, for the same reason. However it corrected itself when it became less attractive to jump plane to UK, and the attention shifted to Australia.

SK is hot at the moment.

Very fortunate that despite such bad track records, no demotion occured.

If you have read the links given above about cases of asylum seekers, there are examples of whole families with young children seeking asylum.

So travelling with children is NOT an indication you will not jump plane.