How to apply

Learn more about the non-immigrant visa process

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What is a visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa is a sticker in your passport that entitles you to travel to the United States and 'apply for admission', i.e. present your passport to a U.S. immigration inspector at a port of entry. Citizens of the Australia and of other visa waiver program countries do not require a visa for most tourist and business visits shorter than 90 days. The immigration inspector, however, is by law still required to determine a visa holder's eligibility for admission to the United States. Although the vast majority of visa holders are admitted, it is possible to be refused admission even with a visa. This could happen if the type of visa you carry does not match the purpose of your trip. You cannot study or work with a tourist visa, for instance. It is therefore very important to check all visa information and apply for the correct category of visa.

Who requires a visa?

All visitors who are unable to use the visa waiver program require a visa to travel to the United States. Furthermore, certain Australian citizens and other visa waiver program nationals also require a visa. This includes: any business traveler or tourist who wishes to stay in the U.S. more than 90 days, airline crew members, crew members of commercial, private or maritime vessels, students, interns, exchange visitors, temporary workers and intra-company transferees, treaty traders, religious workers, performers and artists, representatives of foreign countries on official business, and journalists/media representatives. See our ESTA program and our page on visa categories for more information.

Who must apply in person?

All non-immigrant visa applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must appear in person at the Consulate General that serves their area for an interview and finger scanning as part of the application process. All applicants, including those who wish to request an emergency appointment, must schedule an appointment through the VisaPoint Service. A, G and NATO visa applicants (official and diplomatic visa applicants) are exempt from both of these requirements. We do not accept walk-in applicants nor is it possible to make an appointment by calling the Consulate or the Embassy directly. If you have previously been issued a U.S. Visa, you may be eligible for the Fingerprint Reuse/Reissuance program and not have to personally appear.

How long does it take to get a visa?

Due to the requirements of biometric processing, we cannot provide same-day issuance. Please plan to be without your passport for at least three working days after your interview to allow for visa issuance and return. Some applicants may be subject to additional clearances or administrative procedures that may add weeks to the processing time. Do NOT make travel commitments or purchase tickets until the visa has been received. Prospective travelers should apply for visas early.

Frequently asked questions

Please take some time to read our frequently asked questions page.

Last update: Friday, 12 June 2009 GMT+1000