Important Notice for Queensland Residents

Applications for our February outreach are now closed. We are tentatively scheduling our next consular visit to Brisbane for the April-May period. Should sufficient interest be expressed this visit may be extended to other regions of Queensland. If you would like to submit an application for a U.S. passport and/or Consular Report of Birth Abroad during the consular visit, please send an email toQueenslandACS@state.gov. Your email should include the names and date of birth of each applicant, as well as your address, telephone number, and a brief description of service(s) you are requesting.

Please note that we will only be accepting applications for U.S. passports and/or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, for applicants who are legally required to have an interview with a consular officer. Applications which can be submitted by mail will not be accepted. No visa services will be available.

Exploring the Future of Journalism

Award-winning American correspondent Lea Thompson talks to a group of aspiring journalists at the University of Canberra about what it takes to be an effective reporter in the new media market during her recent visit to Australia. The former NBC Dateline correspondent also talked to journalism students in Sydney and Brisbane.

Secretary Clinton Calls for Broad Operational Agreement on Climate Change

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today urged international negotiators in Copenhagen to reach a broad operational agreement to combat climate change. In an op-ed published by the International Herald Tribune, the Secretary laid out a way forward that will promote sustainable development by moving the world toward a low-carbon economy. NYT Article »

Interview with PEW Center’s Manik Roy, Part 1: Waxman-Markey bill

In the first of a two-part series on the politics of climate change in the United States, America.gov discusses the American Clean Energy and Security Act and how energy legislation is shaping up in the U.S. Senate. Transcript »

Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

English teacher Erin Gruwell discusses the background of the bestseller, the Freedom Writers Diary, written by a group of students from troubled neighborhoods. Transcript »

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.