Non-Immigrant Visa
Applicants for non-immigrant visas must initially schedule an appointment
for an interview either via the online appointment system or
by calling a user-pays information system accessible only with Australia
at 1902-941-641. A separate appointment must be made for each person or
family member age 14 and older. Children under age 14 are not required to
appear in person for an interview. E visa applicants are not required to
schedule an appointment.
All NIV applicants must submit the
following documents when applying for a non-immigrant visa:
-
Passport valid
(preferable machine-readable) for at least six months,
-
Completed and signed
Form DS-156,
-
Completed and signed
Form DS-157 (for men ages 16-45),
-
Receipt showing
payment of the USD$100.00 visa application fee,
-
One recent color or
black/white photograph, 2 x 2 inches,
-
Self-addressed,
pre-paid envelope or courier satchel,
- Issuance fees for
specific visa tape if applicable.
If the application is approved, the
passport will be returned endorsed with the new visa via the pre-paid self
address envelope typically within two-three days.
All Australia citizens requesting E, F,
H, I, J, L, M, O, and P visas should include a reciprocity fee of
USD$105.00, which may be paid by bank check or postal money order.
Applicants whose NIV applications are
refused may re-apply at any time, but will have to pay the USD$100.00
application fee each time.
The current visa issuance rate is not
available, but in 2000, the post received over 25,500 NIV visa
applications with approximately 2,200 refusals that resulted in denials.
The largest denials have traditionally come from third-country nationals
with short-term limited ties to Australia.
Immigrant Visa
The U.S. Consulate in Sydney processes all IV applications for Australia.
Interviews are by appointment only and are scheduled Monday through
Wednesday, 8:00am -10:00am. Applicants should plan on spending three
hours at the post on the day of the interview to avoid schedule
conflicts. IV visas are generally issued the same day of interview if the
documentation is complete. If the visa can’t be issued same day because
of a request for additional evidence, applicants should appear at the
interview with a pre-paid self-addressed envelope.
Attorney Representation
The participation of attorneys would be considered on case-by-case basis,
and a G-28 would generally be required. However, the post does not
encourage attorneys to discuss the cases with a consular officer after the
interview. Most NIV applicants must make a personal appearance as part of
their application.
Contact Information
U.S. Consulate General Sydney
MLC Center, Level 59
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Main phone number: (+61)(2) 9373-9200
After hour emergencies: (+61)(2) 4422-2201
NIV Section fax number: (+61)(2) 9373-9184
IV Section fax number: (+61)(2) 9373-9185
Visa Information Line (user pays; available in Australia only):
1902-941-641
American Citizen Service Section: (+61)(2) 9373-9184
http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/sydney/index.html
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