U.S. Announces Electronic Authorization System for Visa Waiver Travel

3 June 2008

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that, beginning on a voluntary basis in August 2008, travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may provide certain information electronically before traveling to the United States. The system does not affect those travelers who have obtained a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.

Currently, citizens of VWP countries complete a written form providing basic biographic, travel, and eligibility information while en route to the U.S. Under the electronic system, VWP travelers would provide this information online prior to their departure for the United States.

Once the electronic system becomes mandatory, likely in January 2009, all travelers entering the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

The Government of Australia has a similar program, called the Electronic Travel Authority.

More information

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

NEW! U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program announced by President Bush and Prime Minister Howard in September went into effect October 31, 2007.

The program, which allows American and Australian post-secondary students and recent graduates to work and travel in Australia or the U.S. for up to one year, further strengthens the cultural and personal ties between our two nations. Although Australia has similar arrangements with other countries, this is the first program of its kind for the United States.

Interested Australian participants must first secure sponsorship from an approved exchange organization. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has initially approved the following sponsoring organizations:

• American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
• Camp Counselors USA/Work Experience USA
• Core Consulting Solutions, LLC.
• Council on International Educational Exchange
• Cultural Homestay International
• InterExchange, Inc.
• International Cultural Exchange Organization, Inc.
• International Exchange of North America, Inc.
• Life Adventures, Inc.
• Walt Disney World Co.

Further information on program sponsorship for the Student Work and Travel Pilot and other exchange visitor programs is available on the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Website.

As of June 2008, 133 applicants have begun the Pilot Program and this number continues to grow on a daily basis. The U.S. Exchange Organizations are actively seeking Student Work and Travel Participants and would encourage anyone considering the program to contact them immediately to begin the process.

Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.

Important Notice — Consular Exchange Rate

On Thursday, March 13, 2008, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia will revise the consular exchange rate to reflect recent changes in equivalency between the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar.

All U.S. Consular fees worldwide are established in U.S. dollars (USD). For some common consular services we have listed the Australian dollar (AUD) equivalent on the relevant fee information web page. For a complete list of U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visa fees please refer to travel.state.gov.

Consular fees at U.S. Consulates in Australia may be paid in U.S. dollars, by credit card, or in Australian cash. Please refer to our fees page for further guidance on how to pay a fee at U.S. Consulates in Australia.