On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten." The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort. Here are some ways that you can get involved.
The Honorable Kim Beazley visited with Consul General Ken Chern and Consul Neal Vermillion to apply for their diplomatic visas before heading to Washington, D.C., where Mr. Beazley will take up duties in February as Australian Ambassador to the United States
Consul General Ken Chern throws opening pitch
Consul General Ken Chern and his wife, Ronni, attended a baseball game December 10. Ken threw out the opening pitch of a game that the Heat went on to win, 5-2.
Former President Clinton to Lead International Haiti Coordination
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who has been the U.N. special envoy to Haiti since May 2009, agrees to lead international relief efforts for Haiti…
Iran Urged to Inform U.N. Agency of Position on Nuclear Deal
If Iran has agreed to enrich its uranium supplies through a foreign country for use in its medical research reactor, it needs to inform the International…
Boosting Biofuels, Clean Coal Promotes U.S. Energy Independence
The United States is boosting the contribution of biofuels and clean coal to its strategy for increasing American energy independence and laying the foundation…
Breaking ground at Chevron’s Gorgon Project
Ambassador Bleich joined Australian Government representatives on Barrow Island in northern West Australia to break ground on Chevron’s Gorgon Project.
Introducing Ambassador Bleich to West Australia
Speaking at The West Australian Event Program in Perth, Ambassador Bleich introduced himself to West Australians, outlining how the U.S. plans to partner with Australia, both domestically and internationally. Remarks as prepared for delivery »
Going under the waves at HMAS Stirling
Ambassador Bleich took time to visit HMAS Stirling south of Perth. He met with sailors stationed there and took a tour of the HMAS Farncomb.
5 day visit to Kimberley region
Consul General Ken Chern, took a five-day visit to the Northwest Kimberley region from September 30 — October 2. The Consul General and his team had the opportunity to visit with a variety of Indigenous representatives and other leaders in this vast and remote area. In Broome, the visitors had meetings at the faculty at Notre Dame University’s Broome campus, to discuss Indigenous educational needs, plans for the Kimberley gas hub, and other issues of economic and social significance for the region.
ESTA Requirements Now in Effect
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 requirement commenced January 12, 2009. Authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
There is no charge to complete the ESTA application. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government.
VWP visitors should apply now for the travel authorization.
For more information, start by reading our page on the Visa Waiver Program.
U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program
The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program allows Australian citizens to combine work and travel in the United States for up to 12 months. For more information, visit our page on the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.
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.
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