Why apply for a USA visit 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.

Why Apply for a US Visitor Visa?

• 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
• High demand expected for US tourist visas due to increased global travel and eased processing times

 

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.
 

What is the difference between B1 and B2 visit visas?

Here’s a comparison between the B1 and B2 visit visas:

Visa Type	B1 Visa (Business)	B2 Visa (Tourism)
Purpose	For individuals visiting the U.S. for business-related activities like meetings, conferences, and consultations.	For individuals visiting the U.S. for tourism, recreation, or medical treatment.
Eligibility	Business professionals, employees, and entrepreneurs attending meetings, negotiations, or consultations.	Tourists, people seeking medical treatment, or those visiting friends and relatives.
Activities Allowed	Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, short-term work-related activities.	Vacation, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, tourism, attending social events.
Maximum Stay	Generally allowed a stay of up to 6 months.	Generally allowed a stay of up to 6 months.
Visa Fee	$160 (standard application fee)	$160 (standard application fee)
Processing Time	Similar to B2, usually 3-5 business days.	Similar to B1, usually 3-5 business days.
Extension	Extensions may be possible if business activity continues.	Extensions may be possible if tourism or medical treatment needs more time.

 

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 USA visitor visas

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
 

Eligibility to Apply for a US Visit Visa from Australia

To apply for a US visit visa (B-1/B-2) from Australia, applicants must meet the following key criteria:

• Purpose of Visit: For tourism, business, or medical purposes.
• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
• Proof of Ties to Australia: Must demonstrate strong ties (e.g., family, employment, or property) to ensure return after the visit.
• Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the stay.
• Clean Legal Record: No criminal history or immigration violations.
• Application: Complete the DS-160 form and pay the visa fee.

 

USA Visit Visa Requirements From Australia

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.
 

How to Check the Status of Your US Visitor Visa?

To check the status of your US visitor visa, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the CEAC Website: Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website

Step 2: Enter Your Details: Use the DS-160 confirmation number and other required details, such as the visa application number.

Step 3: Select Visa Type: Choose the type of visa you applied for (e.g., B1/B2 for visitors) and enter the information.

Step 4: Track Application: The status will indicate whether your visa is in "Administrative Processing," "Issued," or if further action is required.

Step 5: Check Your Email: You will receive updates regarding your visa application, including any necessary steps or the final decision.

Make sure to check the status periodically, and contact the embassy if there are issues or delays.

USA Visit Visa Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for a USA visit visa:

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

• Visit the U.S. Department of State website and complete the DS-160 form.
• Upload your recent passport-sized photo as per the guidelines.
• After completing the form, print the confirmation page with the barcode.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

• Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (usually $160 for B1/B2 visa).
• Keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.

Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Interview

• Visit the U.S. visa appointment website to schedule your interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• You will need your DS-160 confirmation number and payment receipt.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

• Your passport (valid for at least six months).
• DS-160 confirmation page.

• Visa fee payment receipt.
• A passport-sized photo (if not uploaded online).
• Additional documents like financial proof, itinerary, and invitation letter (if applicable).

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview

Arrive on time for your scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Provide biometrics (fingerprints) and answer any questions the visa officer asks.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing

• After the interview, your application will undergo processing.
• Processing time varies, but it usually takes 3-5 business days.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you, typically by courier or you may need to pick it up at the consulate.

USA visit visa processing charges

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.