Upcoming Events in Queensland
Visa Chat: Student Visas
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Log on here to participate between 3-4pm eastern standard time.
World Youth Day Notice
Due to the events of World Youth Day, the consular section at the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney will need to substantially reduce routine passport and notarial services from July 14 until July 28, 2008. In addition, visa services will be reduced from July 14 until July 21, 2008.
Should you wish to apply for any of these consular services, we encourage you to do so well in advance of these dates.
Important Information for Queensland Residents
We anticipate that our next consular visit to Brisbane will be in October 2008. During our periodic visits, we accept applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and U.S. passports. If you would like to be contacted when we have confirmed the date and begin preparing for our next consular visit, please send an email to queenslandacs@state.gov. In your email, please include the applicant’s name, date of birth, contact name, address, telephone number, and the type of service requested.
Note: We will only be accepting applications for U.S. passports and/or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. No visa services will be available.
Latest news 
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
Commemoration of the 66th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea
Brisbane — May 2008
Queensland's commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea spanned several days and included memorial services and wreath layings, band concerts, the running of the Coral Sea cup, receptions, and teas. The Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Doug Crowder, and U.S. Consul General Judith Fergin joined representatives of the Governor and the state and federal governments to honor those who fell in the Battle of the Coral Sea and to express our thanks to the survivors. The USS Cleveland visited Brisbane so that her commanding officer and crew could participate in the commemoration. Members of the Seventh Fleet Band joined Australian counterparts at the several services as part of their concert series in southeast Queensland. U.S. President Bush sent the following greetings to mark the anniversary:
The White House, Washington, May 2, 2008
I send greetings to those observing the 66th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The Battle of the Coral Sea is an important milestone in the history of freedom and signifies the enduring friendship between the American and Australian people. In May 1942, the armed forces of both countries fought to prevent an invasion of Port Moresby, to protect Australia, and ultimately to defeat the power of tyranny in World War II. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate all those who fought with valor in the face of great danger to protect freedom and democracy.
I appreciate the service members from the Battle of the Coral Sea for their heroic accomplishments and all those working to advance peace and liberty.
Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion.
Signed, George W. Bush
Visa Chat: Non-Immigrant Visas
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
The chat on Non-Immigrant Visas is now concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we hope that the session was helpful and informative to all! The full transcript of the session is now available.
Visit to Griffith Asia Institute by State Department Officials
Brisbane — 25 February 2008
Griffith Asia Institute Director Michael Wesley and Griffith University colleagues welcomed Glyn Davies, the U.S. Department of State's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to the university on February 25 for a lively luncheon discussion of U.S. policies in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Davies, accompanied by Consul General Judith Fergin and State Department colleague Aleisha Woodward, focused on U.S. policy throughout the region as well as the bilateral relationship. Having just participated in the annual AUSMIN meetings in Canberra, Mr. Davies commented on the strength and vitality of the bilateral relationship and the importance of continuing to work together on the regional and global challenges that our two countries face.
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.
See more Consulate highlights…
Updates from the U.S. Embassy
Embassy News and Notices
- The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney will be closed on Friday, 4 July 2008, to observe Independence Day.
Consular News
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As of Monday, September 24, 2007, you must make an appointment via our website to be allowed entry into the consular section for routine (non emergency) services. 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 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.
Please note: If you are collecting your passport you are not required to make an appointment. Instead, please come on or after the day listed on your collection slip and present the collection slip and a photo ID.
- Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution (17 January 2008)
- China Travel Alert (15 May 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, 30 June 2008
