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.

• 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

U.S. Travel for Australians (ESTA vs B-1/B-2)

Australian citizens can travel to the United States under two main options, depending on the length and purpose of their stay:

• Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): For short-term visits of up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or transit. ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that must be obtained before departure. It is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple entries during its validity.
• B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: Required when your stay will be longer than 90 days, when you are not eligible for ESTA, or if your ESTA application is refused. The B-1 category is for short-term business, while B-2 covers tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. For Australians, this visa is generally issued with a five-year validity and allows multiple entries.

Both pathways require compliance with U.S. entry rules, and final admission is always determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.

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.

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

USA visit visa processing charges

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

ESTA vs B-1/B-2: Costs and Validity for Australians

When planning travel to the United States, Australians should understand the differences in government fees, validity, and permitted stay under ESTA and the B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

Option	Application Fee (USD)	Validity	Permitted Stay
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	$21	Valid for 2 years, or until passport expiry (whichever comes first)	Up to 90 days per visit
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa	$185 MRV fee	For Australians, generally issued for 5 years (reciprocity period between 1–10 years depending on nationality)	Typically up to 6 months per visit, as determined at port of entry

Note: ESTA is suitable for short-term travel under the Visa Waiver Program, while a B-1/B-2 visa is required for longer stays or if ESTA is not approved. Fees are set by the U.S. Department of State and DHS, and are subject to change.

Processing Times for ESTA and B-1/B-2 Visas

The time it takes to receive travel authorization or a visa depends on the option you choose. ESTA decisions are typically automated and fast, while B-1/B-2 visas require scheduling and attending an interview at a U.S. Consulate in Australia.

Option	Typical Processing Time	Notes
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Instant to 72 hours after submission	Most approvals are immediate, but travelers are advised to apply at least 3 days before departure to allow for manual review if needed.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa	2–6 weeks including interview scheduling and visa issuance	Timeframes vary by location and season. Applicants must complete Form DS-160, pay the MRV fee, and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. Always check the official Visa Appointment Wait Times tool for the latest estimates.

Tip: Apply early. ESTA should be requested several days before travel, while B-1/B-2 visa interviews should be booked months in advance during peak travel seasons.

How to Apply for an ESTA?

The application process differs depending on whether you are travelling under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or applying for a U.S. visitor visa (B-1/B-2). You can follow the below steps to apply for an ESTA:

Step 1: Complete the ESTA application online with your passport and travel details.
Step 2: Pay the government fee of USD $21 through the secure system.
Step 3: Receive a decision — usually instant, but it may take up to 72 hours.
Step 4: Travel to the U.S. with the same passport linked to your approved ESTA.

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

Avoiding Delays: Practical Tips for Australians

While many applications are processed smoothly, delays can occur if steps are left too late or documents are incomplete. To avoid last-minute issues, follow these official recommendations:

• Apply for ESTA at least 3 days before travel
  Although many ESTA approvals are instant, the Department of Homeland Security advises submitting applications a minimum of 72 hours before departure to allow for manual review if required.
• Book visa interviews well in advance
  The U.S. Department of State highlights that wait times for B-1/B-2 visa appointments vary by location and season. Scheduling should be done months ahead, particularly during peak travel periods.
• Prepare a complete DS-160 and supporting documents
  Ensure your DS-160 application form is fully completed and accurate. Bring your DS-160 confirmation page, passport, visa fee receipt, and required supporting documents to the interview. Incomplete applications may result in rescheduling or delays.

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.