Latest news 
Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship
20 August 2008
The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. Visits by a U.S. Navy ship this August and September are helping to commemorate the endurance of that partnership.
Visa Chat: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) & the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
The chat room is now closed. A transcript of the session is now available.
U.S. Announces Electronic Authorization System for Visa Waiver Travel
3 June 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that, beginning on a voluntary basis in August 2008, travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may provide certain information electronically before traveling to the United States. The system does not affect those travelers who have obtained a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.
Currently, citizens of VWP countries complete a written form providing basic biographic, travel, and eligibility information while en route to the U.S. Under the electronic system, VWP travelers would provide this information online prior to their departure for the United States.
Once the electronic system becomes mandatory, likely in January 2009, all travelers entering the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.
The Government of Australia has a similar program, called the Electronic Travel Authority.
More information
Prime Minister Rudd Makes First Official Visit to Washington
28 March 2008 — Washington D.C.
On Friday, President Bush welcomed Prime Minister Rudd to the White House as part of the Prime Minister’s first official visit to the United States. The two leaders met on Friday morning and then held a joint press availability where both reiterated how strong our alliance is, and their confidence that our “alliance has a strong, robust future” and how our “friendship will strengthen and endure under the leadership of Kevin Rudd.” The pair also discussed the global economy and the Doha Round, the environment, and helping developing nations, as well as Iraq, to which the President expressed his appreciation of the Prime Minister as “somebody who does what he says he’s going to do.”
More information
U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program
The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program announced by President Bush and Prime Minister Howard in September went into effect October 31, 2007.
The program, which allows American and Australian post-secondary students and recent graduates to work and travel in Australia or the U.S. for up to one year, further strengthens the cultural and personal ties between our two nations. Although Australia has similar arrangements with other countries, this is the first program of its kind for the United States.
Interested Australian participants must first secure sponsorship from an approved exchange organization. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has initially approved the following sponsoring organizations:
- American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- Camp Counselors USA/Work Experience USA
- Core Consulting Solutions, LLC.
- Council on International Educational Exchange
- Cultural Homestay International
- InterExchange, Inc.
- International Cultural Exchange Organization, Inc.
- International Exchange of North America, Inc.
- Life Adventures, Inc.
- Walt Disney World Co.
Further information on program sponsorship for the Student Work and Travel Pilot and other exchange visitor programs is available on the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Website.
Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.
See more Consulate highlights…
Consulate highlights
Ambassador McCallum Visits Adelaide
Adelaide — February-March 2008
During their five day visit to South Australia, Ambassador Robert Jr. and Mimi McCallum met with a number of South Australia's political, academic and community leaders. Some of their activities included a meeting with Governor Kevin Scarce, discussion with members of the American Chamber of Commerce the economic relationship between the United States and Australia, talk on the American political system to a packed room of Public Policy students at the Carnegie Mellon Australia University campus, and a number of rural outreach events.
The McCallums were also special guests of the Adelaide Festival for their opening night celebrations, which drew more than 10,000 people to watch a unique performance by Australian acrobats to the music of DBR and DJ with a light show and fireworks that dazzled the crowd.
Outreach in the Outback
South Australia — February-March 2008
With a grant from the U.S. Mission and in partnership with the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Country Arts SA, American artists Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) and Elan Vytal (aka DJ Scientific) conducted some outreach activities in Australia's Outback.
DCM Clune Visits South Australia
South Australia — November 2007
Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Clune undertook a regional tour of South Australia and a visit to the state’s capital Adelaide.
In Adelaide, the DCM participated in a live-to-air radio interview with South Australia’s highest rating breakfast radio program.
Updates from the U.S. Embassy
Embassy News and Notices
- The U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne will be closed on Monday, 29 September 2008, to observe Queen’s Birthday.
Consular News
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The U.S. Consulate General, Melbourne is pleased to offer an online appointment system for those seeking services provided by the American Citizens Services Section.
As of Monday, November 5, 2007, you must make an appointment via our website (melbourne.usconsulate.gov) to be allowed entry into the consular section for routine non emergency services. Please use the U.S. Department of State website to make an appointment in Melbourne.
You will need to bring evidence of an existing appointment in order to be permitted access to the Consulate.
Please follow the instructions for the particular service you require. You will also find the link to making an appointment in the instructions.
If the particular service you need does not require a personal appearance at the Consulate, you will be instructed to submit your application by mail.
- Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution (16 July 2008)
- China Travel Alert (3 July 2008)
- Travel Warning: East Timor (15 February 2008)
- Avian Influenza information
- U.S. Consular Services in Australia - Find the Consulate for your region
Last update Monday, 11 August 2008
