Important Notice for Queensland Residents

Expressions of interest for our July Outreach to Brisbane and Cairns are now closed. If you would like to express your interest for future outreaches please email QueenslandACS@State.gov. Your email should include your name(s), address, telephone number, and the type of service you are requesting (Passport, Report of Birth or both). You will be placed on a waiting list for our next outreach.

Our next outreach is tentatively scheduled for the end of 2009. If you would like to submit an application for a Passport and/of Report of Birth Abroad please email us on QueenslandACS@State.gov and you will be contacted in the future relating to the outreach service.

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

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

Understanding the U.S.-Australian Relationship

Consul General Judith Fergin addressed the opening class of interdisciplinary Master of U.S. Studies program at the University of Sydney. CG Fergin talked about the importance and longstanding nature of the US-Australia relationship. The U.S. Studies Centre provides students with a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. from an international perspective.

Visiting Norfolk Island

A talk to the Norfolk Island Rotary Club was just one of the stops for Consul General Judith Fergin during her recent visit to Norfolk Island, an externally administered territory of Australia. The Consul General also talked to the Women’s Forum, met with children and teachers at the Island Central School and talked with the media.

Condolences from the Chief of Mission

I would like to convey my condolences, and those of all of us at the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates across Australia, to the victims of the terrible bushfires in Victoria. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those who have lost their homes.

U.S. officials, including wildfire experts, have been in close consultation with Emergency Management Australia and Victorian firefighting authorities. We stand ready to assist our Australian friends at this terrible time.

I would also like to express our concern for those suffering in the Queensland floods. The ongoing devastation to the lives of those in northern Queensland is heartbreaking.

Americans have great affection and empathy for Australians and so I know I can speak for all Americans in sending our best wishes to you in this challenging time.

Daniel Clune

Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of the United States, Canberra

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.