Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa

Part One: Do I need a visa?

Under the Visa Waiver Program, Australians and nationals of 26 other countries, including the UK and New Zealand, can travel to the U.S for tourism or business stays of less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

However, beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Australia, are required to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

Part Two: What do I need to apply for a U.S. visa?

If your visit does not meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program you need to apply for a visa.

All applicants (except officials and diplomats, whose requirements differ slightly) must have the following:

• Application Form DS-156 (Feb 03 edition): This form must be completed by all applicants for all visa types. Failure to answer all questions on this form could result in significant delays. Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 years old should sign this form on their behalf.
• Applicants are required to fill out this form online. After filling out the DS-156 online, please print out all three pages of the form and bring them with you on the day of the interview. Please note that filling out the form online does not transmit the form to the Consulate. Handwritten forms will not be accepted.
• Download Form DS-156.
• A color photograph on a white background. The photo must be less than six months old, 5 × 5 cm, and show you facing the camera directly. Details of photo requirements.
• A valid passport or travel document. If you have held previous passports please bring them on the day of the interview.
• There is a world-wide non-refundable application fee of USD131.00. For further information regarding this fee increase, please refer to our fee information page. This fee can be paid at any Australia Post outlet. You will need to advise the counter assistant that you would like to pay the U.S. non-immigration visa application fee. Ensure you bring the original receipt for this payment with you to the interview. Please note: U.S. Department of State policy requires that all Embassies and Consulates worldwide retain the original Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application fee receipt as part of the visa application record. If you require a record of your transaction, please make a copy of your application fee receipt prior to your visa interview.
• A self-addressed Express Post Platinum envelope, Registered Post envelope or courier satchel for the return of your documents. Failure to provide this will cause a delay in the processing of your application.
• Issuance fees may apply. Fee information.
• Additional documents as required (see below)

All male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, and all applicants who are citizens of Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea and Sudan must also submit:

• Supplemental Application Form DS-157

Additional documents: Certain types of visas require additional forms or documents. Please click on a visa type in the left menu to read detailed instructions and find out what additional documentation is required. There are also additional requirements if you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

Part Three: How do I apply?

Have you had a previous US Visa? Read about the Department of State’s new Fingerprint Reissue/Reuse Program.

Most applicants applying for a U.S. visa must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Consular Office serving your state. To schedule your appointment use the VisaPoint service. To use this service, you must purchase a Personal Identification Number (PIN) online by using a credit card. The PIN will allow you to access visa information and to schedule nonimmigrant visa appointments for up to five family members residing at the same address. For more information please consult the VisaPoint FAQ.

Children under 14 years of age and adults over 80 years of age who are also Australian citizens or Permanent Residents, and official and diplomatic visitors may not need to appear in person. If you are applying in Sydney, read about visiting the Consulate.

Part Four: What else do I need to know?

Please do not contact the Consulate to inquire about the progress of your visa application, as we are unable to provide this service.

Please see our telephone information page for general advice on visas (charges apply).

Still have questions? See our non-immigrant visas frequently asked questions.

The U.S. Consulate General accepts no liability for any documents lodged as part of a visa application. It is your responsibility to use a secure means of sending your application to us and for ensuring its safe return to you.

Note: You should never pay for travel arrangements (e.g., airfare, hotels) without having a visa in your possession. The U.S. Consulate General accepts no responsibility if you do so. We are able to issue most visas within two business days of interview; however, we are unable to guarantee the issuance of a U.S. visa before a fixed travel date. You risk significant financial losses if you ignore this advice.

Employment Authorization and Social Security Numbers

The dependents of certain categories of non-immigrant visa holders are permitted to work in the United States, including those traveling on J-2, L-2, E-1, E-2, and E-3D visas. In order to do so, they must apply for both employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and for a social security number from the Social Security Administration after their arrival in the United States. Note that it can take a significant amount of time to receive these items after the applications are filed, and you should plan accordingly.

For more information on Employment Authorization Documents, including who must apply, current processing times, and how to follow up on applications once they are made, please visit the USCIS website.

For more information on how to acquire a social security number, how long this process requires, and what a social security number is for, please visit the Social Security Administration website.

Last update: Thursday, 13 November 2008 GMT+1000