Information on Visas for the United States

Most Australians traveling on business or tourism for less than 90 days do not require a visa. For information regarding visa-free travel, see the details of the Visa Waiver Program.

If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, you will need a Non-Immigrant Visa.

To schedule an appointment to apply for a non-immigrant U.S. visa, please use the VisaPoint service and consult the VisaPoint FAQ.

There may be a wait time for a visa interview appointment. You can see current wait times on the U.S. Department of State website.

All visa applications require at least 2 business days after the interview has been completed for the visa to be processed. Some applicants may be subject to additional administrative processing. Applicants affected by these procedures will be informed at the time of their interview. Since the time needed for resolution of individual cases will be difficult to predict, individuals should allow ample time before their planned travel dates when seeking a U.S. visa. While most administrative processing is completed within 30 days of the application, during times of increased travel (especially the months of June, July, and August), this time may increase significantly. When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case and travel arrangements should never be made until after the visa is received.

Still have questions? Consult the Department of State’s website at travel.state.gov.

For further question on visa processing, please see our non-immigrant visas frequently asked questions

Please see our telephone information page for general advice on visas (charges apply).

This service is available in Australia only. The 24-hour information line contains the same information as this website.

Please read our customer service statement to visa applicants.

Immigrant Visas

If you are interested in permanent residency in the U.S., please see our immigrant visa page.

Additional visa information

• U.S. Visas photograph specifications
• What to do if refused a visa
• Visa information service
• Access to the Consulate General in Sydney
• Lost and Stole Passports, Visas and I-94s
• Safety and Security of U.S. Borders
• Website Fraud Warning

Related websites

• U.S. Visa information
• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Department of State: non-immigrant (temporary visitors) visas
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Travel Health Information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
• U.S. Customs information
• U.S. Transport Security - Know Before You Go
• U.S. VISIT Traveler Information
• DHS-TRIP Travel Redress Inquiry Program