Australia has updated its travel advice for its citizens visiting the U.S., warning of changes to the application process for non-immigrant visas.
Why It Matters
A new U.S. policy mandates travelers apply for non-immigrant visas in their country of nationality or residence. It comes as the Donald Trump administration makes various changes to visa application policies.
What To Know
Australia’s travel advice level for the U.S. is still at a level 1, the lowest, which advises travelers to exercise normal safety precautions.
However, the advice was updated on October 1 to include information about the application process for non-immigrant visas, which allow temporary entry to the U.S. for things like tourism, business or study.
It notes that from September 2025, the U.S. government has started requiring visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
Previously, applicants had more flexibility in booking appointments in third-party countries. This change also applies to those seeking to renew their U.S. non-immigrant visas.
Australian citizens planning to visit the U.S. for less than 90 days can still apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The changes to the U.S. visa application process come as the Trump administration continues to introduces stricter rules regarding visa application.
The government previously narrowed the categories of people eligible for a visa waiver, meaning that several groups of people who previously could have obtained or renewed a visa without an in-person interview will now have to attend one.
The changes come as appointment wait times for U.S. visitor and tourist visas jumped by 69 percent between January and August, according to data from the country’s Department of State.
These wait times vary widely across U.S. consulates and embassies around the world.
In Sydney, wait times range from less than half a month to four months depending on the type of visa. In Melbourne, these range from less than half a month to up to seven months.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. State Department said: “Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.”
What Happens Next
The changed U.S. rules came into force on September 6. It could impact Australians living abroad, who would now need to travel back to Australia for their interviews for U.S. non-immigrant visas.