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: Create a profile online and pay the application fee
• Step 4: Book an appointment online
• Step 5: Gather additional required documents
• Step 6: Personally appear at the U.S. Consulate with: DS-160 Confirmation Page, Appointment Confirmation, application fee receipt, and other required documents

Step 1

Prepare an appropriate 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 must complete the online visa 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 – Please ensure you record the barcode number when you start the form.  This number is required in order to schedule an appointment, and will start with ‘AA’ followed by 8 numbers or digits. 

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

Step 3

Create a profile here and then pay the non-refundable application fee (see our fees page for fee amounts in Australian dollars).  This fee can be paid online through your profile or at Australia Post with a special deposit slip.  Further instructions are available at: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/au/au-niv-paymentinfo.asp. 

Please note: It is important to ensure that you pay the correct fee amount for your visa category.  If an error occurs or you accidentally pay the wrong amount, please contact out Visa Information Service desk for further instructions.  DO NOT pay a second fee unless instructed to by the U.S. Consulate.

Second MRV Fee Payment Process

Some applicants may require two different U.S. visas at the same time. For example, if you plan to study in the United States and then travel for an extended period after your program ends, you may need an F, M or J student visa AND a B1/B2 tourist visa, which requires the payment of a second application fee (called “MRV” fees).  However, if you are applying for a C1/D crew visa and also require a B1/B2 tourist visa, you do not need to pay the second application fee.  For additional information on whether you need a second visa, and if you need to pay a second fee, please see our FAQ page.

Applicants may only pay one application fee through their profile on ustraveldocs.com, so the second fee must be paid in person at a participating Australia Post outlet. To pay the second application fee you must download a deposit slip here, then pay the fee at one of the eligible locations.  Please bring both payment receipts to your visa interview. 

Step 4

Schedule an appointment for a nonimmigrant visa interview at the Consulate you selected at the start of the DS-160 online visa application.   

Step 5

Gather the documents you must bring with you on the day of your interview.  Use the Appointment Checklist to ensure you have met all of the requirements and have everything you will need for the interview. Other documents may be required based on your individual circumstances.

Step 6

Submit the above documents in person on your designated appointment date.  Please read our instructions on what to expect on the day of your interview for further information.

How will I get my passport back?

If the visa is approved, applicants receive their passport and visa by mail.  The passport is delivered in an e-parcel to the delivery address selected in the online profile.  This address can be reviewed and updated until midnight on the day of the interview.

Passport delivery usually takes about five business days following the interview, but can take longer, depending on individual circumstances.  The applicant will receive an email once the passport has been dispatched from our office, notifying them of the associated tracking number. 

Applicants may also send an email to passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com and in the subject and/or body enter a valid passport number exactly as it was entered at the time the appointment was scheduled. Do not add any additional text. You will receive an automatic response with the status. Please note that no information will be available until after the visa has been issued and posted out.

Arrival after mailing depends on the Australian postal system.  Please note, an adult will need to be home to sign for receipt of the e-parcel.  If no-one can sign for the e-parcel, it will be assigned to the local post office for collection there. 

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.