Overview

Some applicants do not require an interview to receive a visa. These applicants may create their profile online then submit their application documents through Australia Post. These applicants are not exempt from completing an application form or from paying the application fee.  

Qualifications For Visa Application by Mail

If you are applying for a visa type that you have previously been approved for, such as a work visa or tourist visa, you may qualify for an exemption to the interview requirement.

With limited exceptions, applicants for U.S. visas worldwide must have their fingerprints enrolled at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, certain applicants may now be eligible for U.S. visa issuance without being interviewed by a Consular officer. To see if you qualify, please complete the checklist below:

• Are you applying for the same type of visa within 12 months of the expiration of your previous visa?
• Have you previously provided a full set of 10 fingerprints at a Consulate during a visa interview?
• Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident?
• Are you a resident of the Consular district in which you are applying for your visa?
• Was your previous visa approved at the time of the interview without any correspondence from the Consulate indicating your application required further administrative processing?

If you answered "Yes" to all of the above questions, you may be exempt from appearing in person for a visa interview.

In addition, the following requirements must be met:

• Your previous visa was not lost, stolen, or revoked.
• You have not changed your name or nationality since the issuance of your last U.S. visa.
• You have not been previously refused a visa or entry into the United States.
• Your previous visa did not require a waiver of ineligibility (For example: criminal convictions).
• You have had no arrests or convictions (other than minor traffic violations) that have occurred since your previous visa was issued.
• You have no ineligibilities or reason to believe you have failed to comply with U.S. immigration law.

If after reading the above information you do not qualify for an interview exemption, click here to schedule an appointment and appear in person for a nonimmigrant visa interview at a U.S. Consulate.

If you meet all of the criteria but your previous visa was issued using only two fingerprints and you have not yet supplied all ten fingerprints, click here to schedule an appointment to appear at a Consulate to enroll your fingerprints.

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements above, follow the steps below to create a profile online. After you have created your profile, do not schedule an appointment. You will not require an appointment if you are exempt from an interview.

Step 1
Pay the visa application fee.

Step 2
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

Step 3
Click here to create a profile. Do not schedule an appointment.

Step 4
Gather your DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, passport, photo, and a letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary. Depending on the visa category, you may require additional documentation. Please refer to your specific visa category page for additional required documents.

Step 5
Mail the materials listed in “Step 4” to the Consulate which serves the area where you reside. If your application is successful, the consulate will issue your visa and return it by Express Platinum Post to the address indicated in your online profile.

Once you have posted your application, please allow a 7-10 business day processing time. This accounts for postage time either side, as well as the required processing time for Consular procedures.

The addresses for postage are listed below: