How to Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa

Before beginning, please determine which type of visa you need or whether you may be able to travel without a visa.

Please read the six steps below carefully before beginning your visa application.

• Step 1: Prepare an appropriate Photo
• Step 2: Complete the online DS-160 application form and print the confirmation page
• Step 3: Book an appointment online
• Step 4: Pay the application fee
• Step 5: Gather additional required documents
• Step 6: Personally appear at the U.S. Consulate with: DS-160 Confirmation Page, Appointment Confirmation, Original Australia Post receipt, Pre-Paid Self-addressed Envelope, and other required documents

Step 1

To complete your online visa application, you need a digital photo. Please read carefully the requirements to upload your photo and the photo specifications before you begin completing your application. You must upload a photo in order to submit your application. If the photo you upload is not accepted as suitable, or is not a photo of yourself, you will be given the option to continue without a photo. In this instance only, where you have successfully submitted the application, you may bring a photo meeting the above requirements to your interview. Please see our list of photographers in Australia capable of making U.S. style passport/visa photographs.

Step 2

ALL visa applicants are required to fill in the online application form (DS-160). Once completed, the information in the DS-160 will be electronically transmitted. The applicant must then print the confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code confirmation number. Applicants must bring the DS-160 Confirmation Page to their interview.

NOTE - As you complete the visa application, save a copy on your hard drive and ‘save’ often. Fill out all required information completely and correctly, including selecting the appropriate visa type. Significant errors or information marked as “N/A”, “Nil”, etc. may result in your application being rejected at the time of your interview. This would require you to complete the entire application again and to reschedule your interview.

Frequently asked questions for the Online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application

Step 3

Schedule an appointment for a nonimmigrant visa interview at the Consulate you selected at the start of the DS-160 online visa application. Read more information regarding appointments and points of contact.

Step 4

Pay the non-refundable application fee (see our fees page for fees in Australian dollars). This fee can only be paid at an Australia Post outlet. Please advise the counter assistant that you would like to pay the U.S. non-immigration visa application fee, and ensure you state the correct visa type. Bring the original receipt for this payment to your interview. Please note:  U.S. Department of State policy requires that all Embassies and Consulates worldwide retain the original Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application fee receipt as part of the visa application record.  If you require a record of your transaction, please make a copy of your application fee receipt prior to your visa interview.

Step 5

Gather the documents you must bring with you on the day of your interview. Use the checklist below to ensure you have met all of the requirements:

Nonimmigrant Visa Checklist

• DS-160 application confirmation page
• Original application fee receipt from Australia Post
• Current valid passport
• Appointment confirmation page from VisaPoint
• A 500g self-addressed Express Post Platinum envelope, or prepaid courier satchel
• Other required documents – these vary based on your visa category and individual circumstances

Step 6

Submit the above documents in person on your designated appointment date. Please read our instructions for entering the Consulate General for further information.

If approved, applicants receive their passport and visa by mail. This usually takes 3-4 business days, but can take longer, depending on individual circumstances. Arrival after mailing is dependent on the Australian postal system. As it is registered mail, an adult will have to be home to sign for receipt of the package.

The Consulate General cannot be held responsible for extra costs due to changing tickets or rebooking flights if delivery is delayed. We therefore strongly urge you not to purchase tickets until you have received your visa and passport in the mail. When you have received your visa it is important to check it. See our page on how to check your visa.

Please take some time to read our frequently asked questions page.