Important Information for Queensland Residents

We anticipate that our next consular visit to Brisbane will be in early 2009. 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 may consider a visit to Cairns in our schedule should there be enough interest. If you would prefer a consular visit in Cairns, please indicate this in your email.

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

Pacific Air Force Band Plays at the Amberley Air Show

The Pacific Air Force Band from Hawaii was in Australia recently at the invitation of the American Legion Brisbane and the RAAF Base Amberley for the 2008 Air Show. The group was transported to Australia in a USAF C-17 which participated in the Air Show program. Prior to the Air Show, the PACAF Band visited the Ipswich General Hospital as part of their Community relations activities. They spent three hours performing in the children's, maternity and repatriation wards, receiving a great response from both patients and staff.

The Band followed up the visit with a free public concert at the Ipswich Riverlink Shopping Mall. The band performed three concerts daily to the 40,000 plus visitors to the Air Show.

Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship

The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. Visits by a U.S. Navy ship this August and September are helping to commemorate the endurance of that partnership.

Ambassador Reaches Out to Queensland

In early June, Ambassador McCallum and Mrs. McCallum traveled to the state of Queensland for a week of outreach activities. While in Brisbane, they ventured to the Australia Zoo to deliver anti-wildlife trafficking public service announcements, featuring Harrison Ford, and to thank the Zoo staff for their efforts in wildlife conservation. They also were interviewed by ABC Radio Brisbane, met with the editorial board of the Courier Mail, toured the Port of Brisbane, spoke to students and professors at Griffith University, and visited Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.

U.S. Announces Electronic Authorization System for Visa Waiver Travel

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that beginning on a voluntary basis in August 2008, travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may provide certain information electronically before traveling to the United States. The system does not affect those travelers who have obtained a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.

U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program announced by President Bush and Prime Minister Howard in September went into effect October 31, 2007.

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.