Why apply for a US Tourist Visa?

The US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) permits eligible travelers to enter the United States for short-term purposes such as tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or business activities like attending meetings or conferences. This visa is particularly beneficial for Australian residents who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or who require a visa with longer validity for multiple entries.
 

The US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) is your gateway to exploring everything the United States has to offer—whether it’s experiencing world-renowned cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, visiting family and friends, attending business events, or receiving short-term medical treatment. For non-Australian passport holders residing in Australia, this visa provides legal and flexible entry into the U.S. for short-term stays.
 

• 72M+ visitors entered the U.S. in 2024
• B1/B2 visa covers tourism & short business trips
• Valid up to 10 years, with 6-month stay per visit
• Required for non-ESTA eligible residents in Australia
• Requires DS-160 form & in-person interview at U.S. consulates
   

What is a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the United States temporarily.
 

• B1 Visa – For short business visits (conferences, meetings, training)
• B2 Visa – For tourism, leisure, visiting family, or medical care
   

Most applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa, valid for up to 10 years with multiple-entry privileges. Each visit allows you to stay for up to 6 months. The visa is issued based on the consular officer’s discretion, and duration of stay is confirmed at the port of entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It’s not valid for employment, permanent relocation, or long-term education.
 

Most applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa, valid for multiple entries, often for up to 10 years (depending on the applicant’s nationality and travel history). While each visit typically allows a stay of up to 6 months, the final length is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the point of entry.
 

*Want to visit overseas? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
 

Tourist Visa for USA from Australia

Australian citizens can generally travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). However, some are not allowed who:
 

• Have been denied ESTA,
• Have dual nationals from restricted countries,
• Need to stay longer than 90 days, or
• Intend to make multiple frequent visits
• Must apply for a B1/B2 visa through the U.S. Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth
   

Types of US Visit Visa

The U.S. offers several non-immigrants visit visa options:
 

• B1 Visa – For business-related travel
• B2 Visa– For tourism, leisure, or family visits
   

*Note: B1/B2 Combined Visa – Most commonly issued for maximum flexibility
 

Requirements for a US Tourist Visa

To apply for a B1/B2 visa, you must:
 

• Hold a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
• Complete the DS-160 application online
• Pay the non-refundable visa fee
• Schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Consulate
• Provide documents proving purpose of travel, financial capacity, and ties to Australia
• Show proof of return plans, like job commitments, family, or property
   

Benefits of a US Visit Visa

• Valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries
• Stay up to 6 months per visit
• Applicable for both tourism and short-term business
• Can be used to visit all U.S. states and territories
• Ideal for people travelling frequently or staying longer than 90 days
   

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from Australia?

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

Begin by filling out the DS-160—the official U.S. non-immigrant visa application—on the U.S. Department of State website
 

You’ll need to enter your personal information, travel plans, employment history, and upload a digital photo that meets U.S. visa specifications. Once complete, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which you must bring to your visa interview.
 

Step 2: Create a Profile & Pay the Visa Fee

After creating your profile, pay the non-refundable USD 185 visa fee online. You’ll receive a payment receipt which is required for booking your biometrics and interview.
 

Step 3: Book Biometrics and Interview

Use your profile to schedule an appointment at a U.S. Consulate in Australia—available in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. You’ll also provide fingerprints and a digital photo as part of the biometric process.
 

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

On your appointment date, bring:

• Your DS-160 confirmation page
• Valid passport
• Supporting documents (travel itinerary, proof of funds, ties to Australia)
• Answer questions about your travel purpose, funding, and return plans. Consular officers assess eligibility on the spot.
   

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

After the interview, your application undergoes processing. Most B1/B2 visas are approved and stamped within 7–15 working days. Processing times may vary slightly.
 

Step 6: Collect Your Passport with Visa

Once approved, your passport will be returned with the B1/B2 visa stamp. You’ll receive tracking updates via email or SMS.
 

US Visa Cost for Australians

US Visa Cost for Australians
Visa Type	Fee (USD)	Approx. AUD
B1/B2 Tourist Visa	$185	~$280–$300

 

Validity of Different Types of US Visas for Australia

• B1/B2 Visa: Typically valid for up to 10 years
• Length of stay: Max 6 months per visit, determined by CBP at entry
• Multiple entries allowed, no need to reapply for each trip
• ESTA allows only 90-day stays and is valid for 2 years
   

DS-160 Form

The DS-160 is the U.S. Department of State’s online application form for non-immigrant visas.

You’ll need to:

• Upload a recent passport-style photo
• Enter travel plans, contact details, and employment history
• Save the confirmation page for your visa appointment
   

DS-160 Application

When filling out the DS-160:

• Use accurate, up-to-date details
• Ensure all answers match your supporting documents
• You’ll receive a confirmation number, required to schedule your interview
• Keep a copy of your submitted form for reference
   

How can Y-Axis help you?

At Y-Axis Australia, we support you throughout your U.S. Tourist Visa journey with:

• Form completion and review
• Personalized document checklist
• Help with appointment booking and interview prep
• Guidance on how to show strong ties to Australia
• Application tracking and support until visa stamping
• Sign up with Y-Axis for complete guidance
   

Whether it’s your first trip or a repeat visit, Y-Axis ensures a hassle-free process tailored to your profile.