If you are an Australian who makes travel arrangements to the US, you probably have this question on your mind whether you need a visa for the USA. You must obtain a US ESTA if you’re an Australian citizen.
You don’t require a special visa for Australians travelling to the USA; nevertheless, you must obtain a US ESTA if you intend to travel there for business, tourism, or even medical care, and you expect to stay there for less than 90 days Per Entry.
Visa waiver program
The scheme allows Australian nationals to visit the United States without a visa. The following are some of the critical things you must know:
- To participate in the VWP, Australian citizens must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- Before boarding a flight to the US, the ESTA application must be submitted online and approved.
- Before permitting travellers to enter the United States, the ESTA is an online tool that gathers their basic information and checks them for security issues.
- Australian citizens need an updated passport, an active email account, and an active credit card to apply for an ESTA.
- It merely takes a few minutes of your time to apply for a visa on the website.
- An ESTA is valid for two years and costs $14.
- It is important to remember that the VWP does not ensure entry into the US.
- Entry may be refused to anyone that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials believe is ineligible, including individuals with a criminal record or a history of breaking immigration laws.
- It is also crucial to understand that some Australians might not be qualified for the VWP or a visa because of a criminal record or a prior immigration infraction.
Types of visas for the USA
Immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, or permanent and temporary, are the two main categories of visas for the US.
Non-immigrant visas
The ideal nonimmigrant visas are for visitors who want to stay for more than 90 days, students, and temporary employment. The many categories of nonimmigrant visas are listed below:
Visitor Visa 600 B1/B2
Although the B-1 Business Visa and B-2 Tourist Visa 600 are legally apparent documents, they are frequently issued together. That is because there isn’t any distinction between them; both operate for the same duration and charge the same prices. While the B-2 visa is utilised for travel, tourism, and medical treatments, the B-1 visa subclass 600 is for business-related activities such as lengthy consultations or negotiations with associates.
E3 Professional Specialty Visa for Australia
Australians now have a special visa made by America! All you want is expertise in a niche field of work. Although, there is no official list of speciality occupations, most call for applying a body of professional knowledge and a bachelor’s degree (or above) in the relevant discipline.
Student visas M1 and F1
It’s hardly surprising that many overseas students want to join the fun because the United States is home to many of the world’s best universities. The world of elite education, fraternity parties, and disposable red cups in America is unmatched. The Student Visa is divided into two categories: the M1 is for non-academic or vocational studies, and the F1 is for academic studies at private secondary schools, colleges, and universities. The F1 visa may also be used for public education, but only for a single academic year and exclusively for students in grades 9 through 12. Additionally, you must pay for your education.
Immigrant visas
The immigrant visa is the other prime type. Since this is permanent, you won’t need to worry about visa restrictions or when you must depart the United States. The term “green card” is a little more entertaining and colourful and is more commonly used to refer to an immigrant visa.
A green card allows you to live permanently in the United States, making it a highly desired possession among foreigners. Don’t expect to get one if you’re applying from outside of America; most people get one after working in the US for several years on a temporary visa. Although there are several kinds of immigrant visas, family- and employment-based visas are the most common.
Employment-based visas
Even if your application for an immigrant visa is accepted, you will still have to wait until the following year or even longer to move up the list. Most immigrant visa applications require that you have an employment offer from an American business. The employer must demonstrate to the US Department of Labour (DOL) two things before they can offer you a job: first, that there are no qualified and willing US workers available for the post and second, that the hiring of a foreign person won’t harm the pay of US workers in related positions. You can become a legitimate Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of America if you secure the work offer and obtain the visa!
Family-based visa
If you’re fortunate enough to have family in the United States, they may be able to petition for you to move there as well. A spouse or kid may join a lawful permanent resident in the US, and a parent or sibling may do the same for a genuine US citizen.
Also Read: Skilled Immigration Visa Types of Canada
Conclusion
Since Australians require a visa to enter the USA. As an Australian, you must obtain a visa subclass 600 if you are an Australian citizen to enter the United States. However, getting a visa is an easy process so that you may visit the US without any problems.
It is crucial to know that you must apply for a different kind of visa if you intend to stay in the United States for a prolonged period. If you require assistance with any of the visas listed above or to obtain successful approval, contact a professional immigration agent Perth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is an ESTA, and how valid is it?
To determine who is eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an electronic system. Travellers can use this programme to enter the US without a visa. Travellers may travel to the US for up to 90 days for each entry with this document, which is acceptable for multiple entries and has a two-year validity period.
2. What is a visa waiver programme?
Australian citizens don’t need a visa to go to the USA for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). You can engage in as much travel and business as you like when you clear out before the 90-day window closes. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) must permit you before you may use the VWP, and you must be an Australian citizen. The fees for the VWP are low, with a $4 (USD) processing fee and an additional $10 (USD) authorisation fee. Ensure you have an e-passport before applying for an ESTA online at least 72 hours before your flight to the United States.
