--- title: United States visa for citizens of Australia description: "Citizens of Australia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $160. Processing: 1–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/australia lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Australia 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.* Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-category-classifications.html ## 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 - **Valid Australian passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Online nonimmigrant visa application form - **Photo complying with US visa requirements** (Identity): 2x2 inches, white background, taken within last 6 months - **Appointment confirmation letter** (Supporting): Proof of scheduled interview at US embassy/consulate - **Fee receipt** (Supporting): Proof of payment of the MRV fee - **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip flight bookings or planned dates - **Purpose of visit documents** (Supporting, optional): Invitation letter from US host or conference details - **Bank statements or pay slips** (Financial): Evidence of sufficient funds for travel and stay - **Employment letter or proof of business** (Employment, optional): Showing ties to home country and intent to return - **Accommodation details** (Travel, optional): Hotel reservations or host address - **Previous US visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Copies of any prior US visas expired or cancelled - **Additional supporting documents for business** (Employment, optional): Company letter, trade show badges, or contracts - **Return or onward ticket** (Travel): Proof of departure from the US within authorized stay ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-category-classifications.html) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Australia passport holders](/visa/passport/australia)