USA Visa Requirements For Australians

Without adhering to the United States entry requirements, you can easily find yourself being refused entry into the country.  With this in mind, it’s crucial to research the different US visa options and go through the appropriate application steps well before you board your plane. This way, you can ensure that all the steps are in place to successfully enter the US, whether you’re travelling for study, business or travel purposes.

What is a USA travel visa?

At its core a travel document, a US visa essentially allows citizens of foreign countries to enter the United States of America. While a visa will allow you to board a US bound means of transport such as a plane to get to a US port-of-entry, it is the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors who may or may not allow you entry into the US. 

A visa is important as it indicates to the CBP inspector that you are eligible to seek entry for the specific purpose stated - be that study, travel or business- and for the exact time period outlined. 

How to apply for an ESTA

Those eligible for the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) will still need to receive travel authorisation in the form of ESTA. Valid for two years and for multiple entries, ESTA approvals can take up to 72 hours. The cost, which includes processing fees, is around $33. 

To complete the online form, Australian citizens will need access to their passport number, a payment method, and active email address. With this information, the application form can be filled out and upon approval, the authorisation is sent to your nominated email address. 

While you cannot hold any form of employment when entering the US through the VWP and ESTA, there are many benefits to consider. Namely, the fact that, when entering the US for less than 90 days, you can complete the online form rather than having to go through the various steps associated with the US visitor visa.

How to apply for US visitor visa

One type of US visa is the visitor visa (non-immigrant visa). Also known as a tourist visa, everyone from backpackers and young families to those over the age of 70 can travel to the US with a visitor visa for activities ranging from business to tourism. 

The application process for a visitor visa encompasses a few key steps:

• It is worth noting that there are instances where an interview is not required. For example, those aged 13 and younger, or 80 and over are generally not required to sit for the interview. However, those in the age bracket between 14-79 must attend the interview. 
• During the interview, additional documentation may be requested to highlight the purpose of the trip. Importantly, you may also need to show that you intend to depart the US after your trip by providing return flight documents. 
• As part of the visa interview, you will also need to show that you have the ability to cover all costs associated with the trip. If you alone cannot cover the costs, you will need to show evidence that another person can. 

While a visa may be granted after the interview process, it is important to remember that a visa only allows you to travel to a US port of entry. It is the CBP officials who have the authority to grant entry by providing you with an admission stamp or an I-91 form that is your Arrival/Departure Record. 

The visitor visa is intended to be issued to individuals for a temporary stay. However, you can request to extend your stay via the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or Form I-94. You will need to instigate this process before your departure date or risk your visa being voided.

What are the entry requirements for Australians visiting the US?

Along with obtaining the appropriate visa or ESTA, there are other entry requirements that Australians need to consider before visiting the US. In particular, vaccination requirements for COVID-19. At the moment, there are no longer requirements surrounding covid tests or vaccinations. This means that you will not have to take a test before boarding a flight, nor will you have to show proof of vaccination records.

However, it is worth noting that US authorities may deny boarding to passengers showing signs of illness. As requirements are subject to change, it’s best to consult the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention before travelling. Another requirement for entering the US is completing a Customs Declaration form. This form provides basic information to customs officials surrounding a passenger’s journey and what they may be bringing with them into the US. One form per family is typical practice.

Your visa application checklist

For those needing a visa to travel to the US, there are a list of steps that need to be completed. In order to make sure that you have all the required documentation to be afforded entry into the US, it’s important to start the process early and be prepared.

Steps involved with obtaining a US visa: 

1. Check what type of US visa you need eg. immigrant or non-immigrant 
2. Check where you need to apply for a US Visa in Australia, for example, the closest US Embassy or Consulate
3. Complete the online US visa application form and attach a photo that meets the requirements
4. Pay the machine-readable (MRV) fee
5. Collect the required documents for a US visa from Australia
6. Schedule a US visa appointment in Australia, wait times may vary so be proactive
7. Attend the American visa interview