How to Apply for a Visa to the USA From Australia
Australian citizens are not required to obtain a visa for business or pleasure travel to the United States for stays up to 90 days, or 180 days if an extension is filed. Australians are, however, required to have a valid Australian passport and to submit an application for travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Once the application is made, it is valid for travel to the U.S. any time for a period of two years. Foreign nationals living in Australia may be required to obtain a B1/B2 visa in order to enter the U.S. The ESTA does not cover Australians traveling to the U.S. for long-term study or residency.
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Instructions
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Access the website of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least three days before your departure for the United States. Only Australian passport holders or nationals from other countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program are authorized to use ESTA to get clearance to travel to the U.S.
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Complete the online application. You need to have your valid passport at hand while completing the form. When finished, press "submit."
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Print or note on paper the application number that appears on the screen. Following the application, you will be prompted to make an immediate payment for the service. As of 2011, the fee is $14. Only credit or debit cards are accepted. If an immediate payment cannot be made, you can save the application and return to it later to make the payment. Your application will not be approved until you make the payment, however. The ESTA approval will be electronically linked with your passport number.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are not an Australian citizen or if you intend to obtain a work, student or residence visa, you must apply for an U.S. visa in person at a consulate. To apply for a visa in person, schedule an appointment online with the U.S. consulate that holds jurisdiction over your region of residence. You will be required to submit the online nonimmigrant application form DS-160 as well as additional application forms, supporting documents concerning your type of visa, a medical examination and digital fingerprinting. There are specific visa types, such as the E-3 Australian work visa, that apply only to Australians. Consult an U.S. Consulate or Embassy website for specific details concerning your type of visa or call the visa information hotline in Sydney at 1902-941-641. Call fees apply.
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- Photo Credit passport image by isatori from Fotolia.com
