Australia passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Australia

Embassy / VFSB-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of Australia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	3650 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	1–30 days
Government fee	$160
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Evidence of sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 form online
Fill the online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee of 160 USD and retain the receipt.
3
Schedule visa interview
Book an appointment at the US embassy or consulate in Australia using the appointment system.
4
Prepare required documents
Gather all supporting documents including passport, photo, itinerary, and financial proof.
5
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the ASC or embassy for fingerprinting and photograph (if required).
6
Attend visa interview
Appear in person for the interview at the scheduled time with all documents.
7
Wait for processing
Processing times vary; check status online using the CEAC tracker.
8
Receive passport with visa
If approved, passport will be returned via courier or pickup with visa affixed.
9
Check visa details
Verify visa class, validity dates, and entry type on the visa sticker.
10
Travel to the US
Present passport with valid visa at US port of entry.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Australian passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form
Photo complying with US visa requirements
2x2 inches, white background, taken within last 6 months

Travel

Travel itinerary
Round-trip flight bookings or planned dates
Accommodation details
Optional
Hotel reservations or host address
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from the US within authorized stay

Financial

Bank statements or pay slips
Evidence of sufficient funds for travel and stay

Employment

Employment letter or proof of business
Optional
Showing ties to home country and intent to return
Additional supporting documents for business
Optional
Company letter, trade show badges, or contracts

Supporting

Appointment confirmation letter
Proof of scheduled interview at US embassy/consulate
Fee receipt
Proof of payment of the MRV fee
Purpose of visit documents
Optional
Invitation letter from US host or conference details
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
Copies of any prior US visas expired or cancelled

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Not specified

bank statement
payslips
sponsorship letter
tax returns

Must show ability to cover all expenses during stay

Good to know

ESTA is for visa-free travelers, not for this visa category.
You must prove strong ties to Australia to avoid refusal.
Interview wait times can be several weeks; apply early.
Visa fees are non-refundable even if application is denied.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family in Australia.

Incomplete or incorrect DS-160

Double-check all entries and use the correct application form.

Lack of sufficient funds

Provide bank statements showing adequate funds for the trip.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Disclose any past issues and provide explanation.

FAQ

Do citizens of Australia need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Australia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Australia stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Australia?

Government fee: $160.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 1–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Australia need for the United States?

Valid Australian passport; DS-160 confirmation page; Photo complying with US visa requirements; Appointment confirmation letter; Fee receipt; Travel itinerary; and 7 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-category-classifications.html

Sources

travel.state.gov

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