Important Notice for Queensland Residents

Applications for our February outreach are now closed. We are tentatively scheduling our next consular visit to Brisbane for the April-May period. Should sufficient interest be expressed this visit may be extended to other regions of Queensland. If you would like to submit an application for a U.S. passport and/or Consular Report of Birth Abroad during the consular visit, please send an email toQueenslandACS@state.gov. Your email should include the names and date of birth of each applicant, as well as your address, telephone number, and a brief description of service(s) you are requesting.

Please note that we will only be accepting applications for U.S. passports and/or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, for applicants who are legally required to have an interview with a consular officer. Applications which can be submitted by mail will not be accepted. No visa services will be available.

Secretary Clinton Calls for Broad Operational Agreement on Climate Change

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today urged international negotiators in Copenhagen to reach a broad operational agreement to combat climate change. In an op-ed published by the International Herald Tribune, the Secretary laid out a way forward that will promote sustainable development by moving the world toward a low-carbon economy. NYT Article »

Interview with PEW Center’s Manik Roy, Part 2: Energy Politics in the U.S.

How are various interest groups and the public in the United States reacting to new energy and climate policies? Today, we'll discuss regional energy issues, public opinion and the role of interest groups as America moves to a clean energy future. Transcript »

Interview with PEW Center’s Manik Roy, Part 1: Waxman-Markey bill

In the first of a two-part series on the politics of climate change in the United States, America.gov discusses the American Clean Energy and Security Act and how energy legislation is shaping up in the U.S. Senate. Transcript »

Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

English teacher Erin Gruwell discusses the background of the bestseller, the Freedom Writers Diary, written by a group of students from troubled neighborhoods. Transcript »

Climate Change: One of Our Greatest Global Challenges

Statement from Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Clune:

President Obama will speak to world leaders on climate change during a special U.N. summit in New York on the eve of the 64th U.N. General Assembly. Climate change is one of our greatest global challenges.

Read the complete statement.

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.

Connecting with Political Experts Coast to Coast

Thomas Mann, political scientist and fellow at the Brookings Institute, shared his views on the new Obama administration and its relationship with Congress during a wide-ranging series of talks and interviews in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in the past month. His visit was arranged by the Grattan Institute in cooperation with the American Embassy.

Feeling unwell?

The U.S. Consulate requests that all persons who require non-emergency Consular services and who feel unwell or exhibit flu like symptoms postpone their business with the Consular section. In this situation appointments may be rescheduled free of charge by contacting the following:

• Non-immigrant Visa appointments: SydneyInterviews@state.gov
• Immigrant Visa appointments: SydneyIV@state.gov
• American Citizen Services: SydneyACS@state.gov

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.