Latest news 
Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship
20 August 2008
The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. Visits by a U.S. Navy ship this August and September are helping to commemorate the endurance of that partnership.
Visa Chat: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) & the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
The chat room is now closed. A transcript of the session is now available.
Counterterrorism Speaker Heffelfinger Discusses Extremist Ideology
Perth — 28 July 2008
During his July 28 visit to Perth, visiting U.S. Counterterrorism Speaker Chris Heffelfinger spoke on “Dismantling Extremist Ideology: Deradicalization Challenges in the South East Asian Context.” His program began with a morning lecture at Curtin University’s Center for Advanced Studies where he spoke to approximately 30 academics, independent researchers and higher degree students. In the afternoon, he visited the Western Australian Police Academy and delivered a lecture to approximately 80 law enforcement personnel who specialize in counterterrorism or have an interest in this area. At these functions, Heffelfinger traced contemporary terrorism to earlier events in Egypt and Afghanistan during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, citing the significance of Salafist ideology used as a tool to promote militant jihad. He stressed the importance of communities serving as the front line of defense against marginalization of individuals, and he noted that early intervention programs are effective in hindering radicalization attempts and preventing militant indoctrination of at-risk individuals.
While in Perth, Heffelfinger was the guest of honor at a dinner with law enforcement officials hosted by Consul General Ken Chern.
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
Prime Minister Rudd Makes First Official Visit to Washington
28 March 2008 — Washington D.C.
On Friday, President Bush welcomed Prime Minister Rudd to the White House as part of the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the United States. The two leaders met on Friday morning and then held a joint press availability where both reiterated how strong our alliance is, and their confidence that our “alliance has a strong, robust future” and how our “friendship will strengthen and endure under the leadership of Kevin Rudd.” The pair also discussed the global economy and the Doha Round, the environment, and helping developing nations, as well as Iraq, to which the President expressed his appreciation of the Prime Minister as “somebody who does what he says he’s going to do.”
More information
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.
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.
Consulate highlights
DCM Clune visits WA
Perth — 16-20 June 2008
Coming from the U.S. Embassy in Canberra to Perth for a June 16-20 visit, Deputy Chief of Mission Dan Clune spoke to approximately 40 Scotch College secondary school students and faculty about the U.S. Presidential campaign and the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Australian political systems. He also spoke about U.S.-Australian cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region to approximately twenty senior academics from the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at Curtin University. At Curtin, he explored the history and foundations of the bilateral relationship, citing the World War II experience, shared values, and similar cultures. He highlighted strong ties in trade, defense, the environment, and humanitarian assistance, and cited examples of how the U.S. and Australia can work together to build better relationships in Asia and the Middle East.
At the University of Western Australia, the DCM met with Professor Kim Beazley and Vice Chancellor Alan Robson before seeing Professor of Astronomy Peter Quinn, who briefed him on plans for the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope system, a 19-nation project that will exponentially expand astronomical exploration and will be sited either in Western Australia or in southern Africa. DCM Clune attended an Australian Institute of Company Directors and Australia Business Arts Foundation reception at the At Gallery of Western Australia, where ANZ Bank Chief Economist Saul Eslake gave a presentation on business support for the arts. While in Perth, the DCM also met with business and resource professionals, government officials, political leaders, and senior academics, and was the guest of honor at an evening reception hosted by Consul General Ken Chern.
James Kelly Visits Perth
Perth — April 2008
During his April visit to Perth, visiting U.S. Speaker James Kelly spoke to senior academics, business professionals, think tank representatives, students and members of the international affairs community about America's policy toward the Asia-Pacific, U.S.-China relations, and U.S. efforts to strengthen its alliance relationships. He commented that there has been an enclave of bipartisanship in American policy toward the Asia-Pacific, including relations with China. He cited the understanding in America, and to a greater extent in Australia, that the global center of gravity is shifting from Europe to East Asia. He noted that Asia is developing in leaps and bounds and that the United States is often preoccupied by competing demands in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East. Mr. Kelly spotlighted growing protectionism in the U.S., noting that this phenomenon amidst deteriorating economic conditions presented challenges to the U.S. in East Asia. He remarked that the U.S. election campaign has focused little attention on international issues, adding that an upcoming vote in the U.S. Congress for a U.S.-Korea trade deal in 2009 could test the attitudes of a new President and Congress toward free trade.
Mr. Kelly has previously held a number of key roles at the U.S. Department of State. He is the former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and he led the U.S. delegation to the initial three sessions of the Six-Party Korea Talks in 2003-04.
Ambassador McCallum tours WA
Perth — 11-13 March 2008
Ambassador Robert D. McCallum, Jr. and Mrs. Mimi McCallum further acquainted themselves with Western Australia during their March 11 - 13 visit to our state. In Broome, in the Northwest Kimberley region, they paid their respect at the Allied War Memorial; met with representatives of the Returned Services League and Shire leaders; and visited the University of Notre Dame campus, where the Ambassador spoke to approximately 30 students and faculty members about the role of an Ambassador, the U.S. Presidential campaign, and the outlook for U.S.-Australia relations after the election. The Ambassador also lunched with business and political leaders from the Kimberley region and discussed economic, environmental, and social aspects of development plans for this mineral and energy rich region. In Perth, Ambassador and Mrs. McCallum met with His Excellency Dr. Ken Michael, AC, Governor of Western Australia and Mrs. Julie Michael, and with former Federal Opposition leader Kim Beazley. The Ambassador also called on Perth’s resource industry leaders. More than 100 secondary school students attended a talk by the Ambassador at Shenton College. The McCallums were also special guests at the Fulbright National Presentation Dinner — the first ever such dinner in Western Australia — held at the University of Western Australia.
See more Consulate highlights…
Updates from the U.S. Embassy
Embassy News and Notices
- The U.S. Consulate General in Perth will be closed on Tuesday, 4 November 2008, to observe Melbourne Cup Day.
Consular News
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The U.S. Consulate General, Perth is pleased to offer an online appointment system for those seeking services provided by the American Citizens Services Section.
As of Monday, November 5, 2007, you must make an appointment via our website (perth.usconsulate.gov) to be allowed entry into the consular section for routine non emergency services. Please use the U.S. Department of State website to make an appointment in Perth.
You will need to bring evidence of an existing appointment in order to be permitted access to the Consulate.
Please follow the instructions for the particular service you require. You will also find the link to making an appointment in the instructions.
If the particular service you need does not require a personal appearance at the Consulate, you will be instructed to submit your application by mail.
- Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution (16 July 2008)
- China Travel Alert (3 July 2008)
- Travel Warning: East Timor (15 February 2008)
- Avian Influenza information
- U.S. Consular Services in Australia - Find the Consulate for your region
Last update Monday, 11 August 2008
