I'm trying to travel to Australia as a US Citizen but can't seem to get an ETA at this time. My partner is a UK Citizen

Expert's Assistant chat

Customer: Hi! I'm trying to travel to Australia as a US Citizen but can't seem to get an ETA at this time. My partner is a UK Citizen and was able to get an ETA. What is our next step?
JA: What steps have you taken? Have you filed any paperwork with the U.S. government?
Customer: We are only trying to go from Feb 13 - April 1st and so only need a temporary visa. It is for professional development. I have tried to obtain an ETA and my partner tried to file for a travel exemption, but he was denied back in June 2021.
JA: Have you talked to a lawyer about the visa?
Customer: Not yet, no.
JA: Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you.
Customer: I don't believe so, no! Thank you

Answered by John Melis in 2 mins 7 months ago

John Melis

10+ years of experience

71840 Satisfied customers

Expert in: Family Law, Legal, Estate Law, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law, Business Law, Consumer Protection Law, Bankruptcy Law, Traffic Law, Personal Injury Law.

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John Melis

71840 Satisfied customers

10+ years of experience

John Melis

10+ years of experience

71840 Satisfied customers

Lawyer's, Assistant

116 Lawyers are online right now.

John Melis, Expert

Hi! My name is***** a solicitor in Australia, and I’m happy to help you.

Have you received any notification as to why you cannot get the Visa?

Customer

When I try and apply for an ETA online as a US Citizen it just says "based on the answer provided we are unable to process your online visa request. Please contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate."My partner is a UK citizen though and he is able to get an ETA through the same site.

John Melis, Expert

Did you print out the form with respect to the questions you have answered?

Customer

Customer attachment 1/9/2022 9:29:53 PM

John Melis, Expert

As a business Visa that you need to apply for a certain type of Visa. There's something missing on your application process.

Customer

My partner and I applied for an identical ETA visa.He was able to get one and I was not.The sole difference between the two is that I am a US Citizen and he is a UK Citizen.I just want to know if it is possible for US Citizens to even travel to Australia at the moment.

John Melis, Expert

Between Australia and the UK there are different arrangements in place with respect to Australia and the USA.

The passport holders are managed differently based on the passport.

As you have a USA passport you have other restrictions that you need to comply with.

Due to the coronavirus lockdown, and the type of application you raise, you cannot enter the country.

Customer

Okay. Can my partner enter the country with an ETA as a UK citizen?Does he need to apply for a travel exemption and if so, which one?

John Melis, Expert

You have a said that your partner already applied for the ETA with the UK passport. Was your partner granted the Visa?

Customer

He was, yes

Customer

My understanding though is that currently non-citizen ETA visa holders cannot enter the country without a travel exemption.

John Melis, Expert

UK citizens can be issued an ETA. It does not mean they can enter the country. It's all subject to the border restrictions at the time.

Customer

Okay. He has the ETA. How do we find out if he can get in? Our flight is meant to depart on February 13th.

John Melis, Expert

When your partner rise of the airport to check in at the counter, your partner will then find out whether he can actually arrive into Australia.

Customer

There's no way to find out before then?

Customer

Someone to call and ask?

John Melis, Expert

Your partner that is in the UK, already has the ET a Visa. Give them permission to enter the country. When they arrive at the airport check-in counter in the UK, they will get final confirmation whether they can enter the country.

Customer

Who decides that ultimately? Out flight leaves from Boston, MA, USA.

John Melis, Expert

When you arrive at the check-in counter at the airport, that's when you'll find out.

Customer

Got it. Thanks for your help. Is there anyone else you recommend that I could call about this for further assistance?

John Melis, Expert

Your questions will be answered when you check-in at the airport. If you could check in at the airport, then you can arrive to Australia.

Customer

the airline decides?

John Melis, Expert

The airline does not decide. The airline follows government policy of Australia.

Customer

could I call the airline and ask them today if he'd be allowed in a month?

John Melis, Expert

When you arrive at the airport to check in, that is when you'll find out.

Customer

Ok. Thank you. Goodbye

John Melis, Expert

It was my pleasure to help you today, and I thank you for chatting with me. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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