Consulate General of the U.S. Perth

Honorary Murdoch grad

Consul General Ken Chern was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by Murdoch University at its March 3 graduation ceremony. In his citation for the award, Vice Chancellor John Yovich spotlighted the Consul General's extraordinary contribution to the community, his work to expand U.S. ties with Murdoch University, and his overall contributions to U.S.-Western Australia relations in cultural diplomacy, science, outreach to youth and minorities, and support for business.
Consul Neal Vermilion speaks at Curtin University.

Consul Neal Vermilion speaks at a graduation function for 35 graduates and their families at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University. The graduates are part of an innovative program that brings people from all over Australia to Curtin for up to 8 weeks throughout each year, allowing the students to continue working in their communities while earning their degrees. Following graduation, the students return to their jobs better equipped to take leadership roles.
Haiti Earthquake Relief

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.
Kim Beazley to Washington

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

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More News from the Consulate

U.S. Consul General Ken Chern with Graeme Lloyd (left) and Dave Nilsson (right)

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.

Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich (center) with the West Australian Premier Colin Barnett (left) and the Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson (right) at Chevron’s Gorgon project site on Barrow Island. (Photo courtesy Chevron)

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.

Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich speaks at The West Australian Events Program in Perth. (Official U.S. Consulate photo)

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 »

Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich with Consul General Ken Chern with sailors at HMAS Stirling. (Photo courtesy Royal Australian Navy/Dove Smithett)

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.

Consul General Ken Chern took a five day visit to the Northwest Kimberly region, to discuss Indigenous issues.

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: Electronic System for Travel Authorization U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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.