Undergraduate Information Sessions

If you are interested in undergraduate study in the U.S., we have a couple of information sessions coming up:

• Columbia, Georgetown, Northwestern and Princeton Universities: Friday, September 11, 6:30-8:00pm at St. Joseph’s College, Mark Street, Hunters Hill
• University of Pennsylvania: Monday, September 14, 4:30-6:00pm at The Scots College, Coote Theatre, Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill

Important Notice for Queensland Residents

We anticipate that our next periodic consular visit to Brisbane will be during the first quarter of 2010 (date not determined). During our periodic visits, we accept applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and U.S. passports. If you would like to be contacted when we have confirmed the date and begin preparing for our next consular visit, please send an email to queenslandacs@state.gov. In your email, please include the applicant’s name, date of birth, contact name, address, telephone number, and the type of service requested.

We will only accept applications for U.S. passports and/or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. However, if the applicant is eligible to submit a passport application by mail, they must do so. Please refer to our page about making an application for a U.S. Passport by mail for further information.

Note: We will only be accepting applications for U.S. passports and/or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. No visa services will be available.

Improving Interoperability in Shoalwater

On Saturday, July 18, Chargé d’Affaires Dan Clune joined the Australian Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, in Shoalwater Bay to observe the Talisman Saber 2009 exercise. During their visit they had lunch with the soldiers and met with the officers commanding the forces participating in the exercise.

Students Express Interest in U.S. Policy

In June, Bond University hosted U.S. Consul General Judith Fergin during a visit to the Gold Coast. Ms. Fergin had the opportunity to meet American as well as Australian students, both graduate and undergraduate, and to tour the campus.

President Obama Issues Ramadan Message

As the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, President Obama extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. The president’s message is available in a number of languages as well as English.

• Video message

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.