Getting a U.S. Visa in Australia 2025

Mail in renewal for E3 & E3D - picked up by AusPost on Monday 24 March and we picked up the passports/visas from VFS Global the following Monday!
- Caitlin (about 2 months ago)

This was a mail-in replacement L2 visa to the Sydney Embassy, over the Christmas Period. I lost my old passport with my original L2 visa inside just before I left for my trip to Australia, and so needed to apply for a replacement to be able to return to New York in January. I was constantly reminded that this wasn't considered a "replacement" and that I needed to completely re-do the application process as I would if it were a new visa. I found the whole process really difficult and stressful (why do they make every step so hard) but I was ultimately happy and surprised when I received the email to pick my L2 visa in my passport 18 days later. My specific case was over the Christmas and New Year period and maybe why it took longer. I posted in the application on the 19th of December, and received the emailed to pick it up in Kent Street on the 6th of January. We return to the US on the 10th, so it's possible they took into consideration my departure date. Tips on some things I found difficult: -The DS-160 needs to be saved on every page, and you need to keep your resilience high. Just push through, you will get it done! Firefox worked better for me than Safari browser. -Once I was directed to mail-in, there was no option to select 'Interview' (as I heard interview would be faster.) I was really hoping to be able to do an appointment, but in the end, mail-in worked. -My passport number was of my old passport on my mail-in application file and I couldn't find a way to change it. My lawyer said that could mean I would ultimately have to go in for a in-person appointment, but it was approved mail-in regardless. I included a photocopy of old passport and a letter (written by chat gpt) to explain the situation. -I found it so difficult to figure out the instructions on how to include payment in the FED-EX bag. There are two payments you need to make - one is online, and the other included with all your other documents. You need to physically go into the bank and get a money order for the exact amount required for your visa. There is no specific numbers you need, its just the name of the Embassy that the bank teller will write on the money order. -Police report can be done online (if the passport was lost or misplaced) I included the police report and reference number. -Get photos done at a passport photo place, as I heard of people's mail-in being rejected due to photo size. -I had some errors on my DS-160 (for example the date my original visa was issued) and while the lawyers said it would most likely need to be redone, in the end the visa was issued regardless of the errors with an explanation note. -It was very hard to get on the phone with someone at the Embassy. I finally found a way through the Sydney line, and in the end his answers were quite generic and not that helpful. -The most helpful email address to check the status of your application is Sydneyvisas@state.gov You need to make the subject of the email VISA STATUS AND PASSPORT RETURN - YOUR FULL NAME and then start your email with --Your Full Name (and next line) --body message. Try to make it a specific/special case, because if they perceive it as generic, or being answered on the website, they don't reply) -You will receive an email if any additional documentation is required, and when your passport is ready for collection. If anyone has specific questions feel free to email me at matildarubymb@gmail.com - this community helped me so much and I'd love to give back!
- Matilda (about 4 months ago)

New E3 Visa - extremely straightforward once you have job offer & consequently LCA, highly recommend E3 over H1B! There are quite a few interview appointment spots in the Sydney embassy in 14+ days time. Interview @ 16 Dec - there are 2 'steps/queue' Step1: checked LCA, offer letter, passport photo, fingerprint (3 minutes) Step2: few questions with regards to job & education background (2 minutes). Got told E3 was approved immediately in the interview, then they took away my passport for visa stamping. The queue was quite long so the process took 55 minutes, but the actual interview part was < 5 minutes. Was informed passport is ready to pick up in VFS Syd within 48 hours, all I did was to print the email and show ID to collect the passport.
- Jen (about 5 months ago)

Mail-in renewal. I was a bit nervous about trying this during a short trip home over Christmas. The system forces you to use mail-in if you meet the eligibility criteria. In the end it worked out fine, but I still wish there was an option to make an appointment to allow more certainty about the processing time. Here is my full timeline. Thursday December 12: landed in SYD, sent application packet via Express Post. Friday Dec 13: package delivered by Australia Post in late afternoon. Wednesday Dec 18: CEAC status changes to 'Application Received'. Monday Dec 23: status changes to 'Issued' (I checked after 5pm so didn't see it go through 'Approved', but this must have happened earlier on Monday). Tuesday Dec 24: received pickup email first thing in the morning. Total processing time: 8 business days or 12 calendar days from Australia Post dropoff to pickup email.
- Max (about 5 months ago)

Mail-in application changing from E3 to H1B with the same employer. Timeline was: 8-Nov: Sent docs 11-Nov: Consulate closed 12-Nov: Docs arrive at consulate 18-Nov: Application Received per CEAC 25-Nov: Application Received update 27-Nov: Approved 28-Nov: Consulate closed 29-Nov: Issued 2-Dec (9am): Email saying ready for pickup So all up took 14 business days from sending to picking up again
- John (about 6 months ago)

I booked our family's appointment in July for October. Process was easy enough. We arrived a few days before and stayed on the same street as the consulate. Easy walking distance. My son's photo wasn't accepted but we were sent to the newsagent just down stairs. 15 minutes we had another. All up an 8:15 appointmentand we were finished by 9:30. I just got the email 9 am today the day after a public holiday that the passports are ready to collect.
- Karissa (about 7 months ago)

This review is for a mail-in E-3 renewal. Avoid mail-in if you can - this took much longer than my previous experiences with in-person interviews and was a very stressful experience. I booked a 2.5 week trip to Australia and only received my passport with new visa 2 days before I planned to travel back to the US. I mailed in my passport and renewal documents on Friday September 6. On Monday September 9, I could see via AusPost tracking that the express post envelope had been delivered to the US Consulate in Sydney. The CEAC visa tracker was not updated to indicate my documents had been received until Thursday September 12 . On Thursday September 12, I received an email to say they did not accept the photo I submitted, and I should submit another (and electronic submission via email would not be accepted). I sent a new photo in by express post on the same day, and could see this was delivered to the consulate the following day (Friday September 13). The CEAC visa tracker updated to "approved" by Tuesday September 17 and "issued" by Wednesday September 18. I received notification by text and email on the afternoon of Wednesday September 18 that my visa would be available for pick up the following day, and I picked it up on Thursday September 19 from the GFS location in the Sydney CBD. So, all up this process took 13 days from posting passport and documents on 9/6/24 to picking up my passport on 9/19/24. This was a much longer turnaround than my last E-3 renewal at the Sydney Consulate when I attended an in-person appointment, and the visa was available for pickup two days later. While waiting for my application to be processed, it was not useful to call the helpline or email the consulate - when I called, I was told to wait 15 business days before they would provide an email address to submit an enquiry, and when I did send an email (sydneyvisas@state.gov), I did not receive a reply. I was still able to return to the US on my original schedule but it was a stressful several days wondering if I would have to change my plans. For peace of mind, I will always select an in-person appointment for future renewals.
- Lucy (about 8 months ago)

Appointment at 8:45am Monday. Interview took a total of two (yes, TWO) minutes, and email was received 28 hours later to advise passport with visa was available for collection.
- Mathew (about 9 months ago)

If anyone was nervous about this whole process, you better believe it was me. From the LCA to to the interview this whole process was on my mind 24/7... BUT let me tell you in hindsight how easy it ended up being. I completed the DS-160 form (note: head to officeworks to get a US Passport photo and they will send you a link for the electronic version for you to upload to complete your application. I did not need a physical copy for the interview, but bring one just in case). Once DS-160 form completed, I then went to USTravelDocs and created a profile, input all info, selected E-3 VISA, followed the prompts and selected and paid for my postage of VISA (which was $52AUD) - glad I got the postage option. I progressed to the page where you have to pay for the VISA ($504AUD) and then be able to select appointment times... while this screen loaded I held my breath. Boom -- So many appointment dates and times, with 15+ for the following two months. I was able to book my appointment ONE WEEK later on the 21st August. **APPOINTMENT** My appointment was at 11am on the Wednesday 21st August. I decided to stay in North Sydney the night before just in case, and glad I did as it was super easy (I'm from Newcastle). I arrived to the consulate at 10:30am and there was a line of 4 people before me to have documents verified (DS-160, Passport and LCA) before heading through metal detector/security. Once through, caught the lift up to the level (5 i think) and turned right to the non-US citizen line. First line took around 10 mins, and this line was only to verify the same documents as before once again .During this line I talked to someone in line who was going through the E-3 Visa process too, to calm my nerves. The set up is like a high security bank, with a window between you and the staff, and a sliver of daylight below to pass through documents. Once this process was done, went to a line right next to this line to wait for the INTERVIEW. This wait took about 3 minutes. I was called to the interview window and was ready. Before arriving I practiced every question I thought they may ask, and then some. Embarrassingly, I even did a couple of mock interviews with Chat-GPT... but I digress. The bloke waived me over, and he seemed pretty young and super casual. I walked up to the counter and he half smiled, I full smiled and the process began. He asked how I was, I returned the favour and then he collected the documents that the other people already checked - DS-160, LCA and passport. He asked if I ever had an E-3 Visa before, I said no. He then asked what's the job, I literally replied in three words (the job title) and was about to provide a full explanation until he pretty much then asked what I studied at uni immediately before I could continue. I responded "Bachelor of x, with a major in x". He then quickly flicked through the LCA ONLY and then advised "Visa Approved, your passport will be ready in a week". Just like that. The visa interview went less than 1 minute and I walked out of the consulate and called my partner at 11:01am to let her know it was approved. Couldn't believe that it took me half an hour from arriving to having it approved. Crazy fast. Almost immediately I checked on the CEAC website about status, and stated 'Approved'. Two days later on 23rd of August the status updated to 'Issued', and that same day I was advised my passport was on the way via DHL Shipping. I received my passport with the Visa on Sunday 25th August. Again, crazy quick. All in all the process was so easy, and it seemed they only cared about the LCA. They checked none of the other thousand documents a brought with me in my pack -- glad I had them just in case. Also, don't be nervous about the interview -- I read so many testimonials and they all were pretty similar to my experience, sometimes slightly more in depth but not any where near enough to be as nervous as I was. Trust the AmericaJosh article about the interview -- It couldn't be more spot on. In Summary, I really went in depth here as this is the level of detail I wanted. 10/10 would Visa again.
- Guy (about 9 months ago)

E3 renewal by mail in service. Passport sent first day I arrived in Sydney Sunday 18 August…delivered by Australia Post on Tuesday 20 August (2 business days)… confirmed delivery via Australia Post… no status updates after checking every day with numerous emails until Wednesday 28 August (8 business days) when status finally changed to application received… Cancelled return flight back to USA… weekend and labor federal holiday 31/8, 1/9, 2/9… High demand generic email received as response to no updates Thursday 5 September (13 business days)… Status changed to application approved Friday 6 September (14 business days)… Visa was issued late Monday 9 September (15 business days) and received text and email to pick up the passport on the same day…however it was after 3pm so had to pick it up on Tuesday 10 September (16 business days)… So I didn’t miss out on extra PTO vacation days I continued to work weird late night hours in Sydney and flew back to USA 15 September (19 business days - 4 weeks in Sydney) So over all from drop of to Australia post to pick passport from vfs was, total of 24 calendar days and 16 business days… this is was my first renewal and seemed an ok process, but definitely takes more then 10 business days. My advice is to plan for a minimum of 3-4 weeks leave from job (I ended up working remotely for 2 weeks doing a 11pm to 7am shift from Sydney to work on EST time) and would’ve booked a flexible return flight so could change it until I have the visa and passport in hand.
- B (about 9 months ago)

My recent mail-in renewal took a total 29 calendar days / 20 business days - no issues with my paperwork, with 1 US holiday in the middle. Option to schedule an interview on the US Visa Scheduling website was unavailable as I was eligible for mail-in when I was visiting family (BIG mistake, try to schedule an appointment). I've had previous working visas processed within 11 calendar days (SYD), and 8 calendar days (MEL) of my interviews. Another friend renewing an E3 sent theirs a week after mine, and got theirs returned a week before mine, which made this experience quite frustrating. For your own sanity, I recommend having lower expectations about their processing times closer to the holiday season. Timeline: Aug 9 - Delivered, Aug 22 - Application Received, Sep 3 - Approved, Sep 6 - Issued. Follow-up: Contacted the US Visa Scheduling hotline (support-australia@usvisascheduling.com) with the response that they had no relationship to the Consulate and that the only way to contact them directly was through email (sydneyvisas@state.gov) because it has gone beyond the standard processing time of 10 business days. If you do manage to get a response from the Consulate apart from the standard "please continue waiting" - count yourself lucky.
- Anna (about 9 months ago)

E3 renewal by mail in service…passport sent in Monday 15th July…delivered by Australia Post on 16th July….took 2 days for security clearance…status on ceac changed to application received on 19th July……20th and 21st was weekend…status changed to approved on 22nd July….visa was issued on 23rd July and received and email to pick up the passport on the same day…however it was after 3pm so had to pick it up on 24th July…so over all from drop of to australia post to pick passport from vfs was, total of 10 calendar days and 8 business days…just make sure to have all required documents such as signed LCA n offer letter n should be ok…this is was my second renewal and as always, had pleasant experience.
- Sam (about 10 months ago)

Change of Employer, I guess it could be considered as a new E3. Visa was approved at 12pm Thursday and the collection notification was provided on Monday at 10am. The turn around time was excellent. From entry to exit was 1.5 hrs, which in my opinion was not bad at all. Plan ahead because parking in North Sydney is a nightmare, there's several underground parking spots nearby. I opted to collect from VFS, the pickup instructions were straight forward. All up it took 5 minutes to walk up and get it.
- Jason (about 11 months ago)

Mail In (Interview Waiver Program) E3 renewal for the same employer. Colleagues at this employer advised that they had previously had a turnaround of about 3-4 business days. My experience was quite different; Posted Passport May 18th Delivered (according to Auspost) May 21st “Received” according to CEAC May 24th “Approved” according to CEAC May 31st “Issued” according to CEAC June 7th Email from VFS advised ready to be collected on June 11th. Just over 3 weeks from submission to having the passport back in hand. There was Memorial Day and the King’s Birthday in the mix to deal with - but the whole process still took 15 business days accounting for those public holidays. Would recommend going elsewhere for your renewal if you are taking time off from work, it seems this location might be swamped!!
- Tom (about 12 months ago)

Changing jobs. Trying to do the I-129 to avoid travel. However it was taking too long even with premium process. Flight land on 4/18/2024 Thursday. Went to North Sydney AusPost since that's the closest one to the consulate. Been informed there is no way for same day delivery. Tracking show delivered on 4/19/2024 Friday 1:20PM. no progress for a week. CEAC shows application received on 4/26/2024 Friday. suspect the Visa officer take the school holiday break with their kid. on 4/29/2024 Monday at 2:20PM, CEAC shows refused. immediately panic, emailed sydneyvisas@state.gov asking why and what's next step. Received reply on 4/30/2024 Tuesday 2:20PM says missing a employer signature on page 5 of LCA. This is my 6 visa renewal, never been asked this before and never signed before. Read thoroughly the LCA and realize it should always be signed. Emailed employer asking for signature then forward to sydneyvisas@state.gov on 5/1/2024 Wednesday 7:20AM. Got a reply on 7:50AM says could take up to 15 days, and CEAC shows AP. Same day at 2:00PM, CEAC shows approved. on 5/2/2024 10AM, CEAC shows issued. received text message and email at 3:27PM says documentation ready for pick up. run to the VFS at 3:40PM, the staff at UK office says only pick up between 10:00AM-2:00PM. My suggestion is, although its normally take a week, but don't count on it.
- Alex (about 1 year ago)

Great experience - over the years had 3 visas done at Sydney and always the same experience (done elsewhere and just a bit longer). Appointment was Friday 8AM, approved on the spot (6th E3 - change of employer). Only question I was asked was why was I changing jobs — “better offer / better company”. Officer laughed. I had all my supporting documents with me just in case but was not asked for them. CEAC showed ‘issued’ by Monday. I used premium delivery rather than pick up — DHL tracking number received by Tuesday AM. Passport delivered Wednesday PM to the Gold Coast. *Appointment booked without my approved LCA, and just swapped my DS160 at the appointment (made a new one with the correct LCA) - no issue, and was able to get the LCA approved, visa appointment and passport back all under 3 weeks
- Marnie (about 1 year ago)

I did my renewal by mail from Queensland. I know I'm always looking up processing times, so in case it's useful to anyone the complete turn around (from dropping my passport at the Post Office for express delivery) to having my passport delivered back to me was 7 calendar days. Consulate had the passport on Thursday and the visa was issued by Monday morning, and then delivered back to Queensland by Wednesday afternoon.
- Kelsey (about 1 year ago)

Remember to print the email if you're collecting in person
- Tiff (about 1 year ago)

My Visa appointment was Monday morning and I got the email for pickup by Tuesday afternoon.
- Harrison (about 1 year ago)

Initial appointment got rescheduled during Christmas break had me come back 4wks later. Total time of security, pre-check in, wait time for actual interview, interview questions, about 10mins. Consulate Agent very nice and not as intimidating as previous agents at this location. Security staff nice too. Visa Approved Wednesday 10am, email confirmation passport ready Thursday 4pm. Too late for pick up as Pick up time is 10am-2pm only (Kent St). On street parking limited, week day I believe it was 30mins. If you have someone who can wait for you or add time to meter, that’s good. Else there is the Greenwood Plaza parking. Recommend all paperwork printed ready and in passport. Any original docs like AU citizenship cert, previous passports (expired), marriage certs, birth certs etc bring with you to avoid any delays. Don’t think they won’t ask for it, they ask for one of the documents. Some agents will, others won’t. Best to be prepared. I’m still married to the same dependant that has been on every renewal but I get asked every single time. Also, I noticed a lot of people who had been in line for an interview before me, downstairs using newsagent with a copier. Incase you need to make copies, there’s one. Good cafe next door. Overall a lot nicer than the old Martin Place location.
- Sam (about 1 year ago)

Booked appointment on 5th Dec 2023. First available date was 27th Dec. interviewer only checked LCA and job offer and approved the visa straight away. Had taken too much print outs unnecessarily. You never know what gets asked. The status changed to approved very same day on the visa status tracker portal. Status got updated to Issued on 29th and due to weekend and new year break, today Jan 2nd , collected the passports. Very easy and smooth process.
- Prag (about 1 year ago)

Unbelievably seamless. Was my first E3, booked on Nov 30 for Dec 21st 10:45am which was the earliest available appointment. Got in line at 10:20am and there were about 5 people in front of me. I'm incredibly impressed with how easy the whole thing was. They call out your time slot, let you in, lead you to the check-in desk, the lady was super lovely - she gets all your docs from you and takes out exactly what you need and puts it in order. Quick security check, then waited about 15mins upstairs for the interview. The interview was literally less than 30 seconds - guy was super nice, just wanted offer letter + LCA, and all he asked was "what did you study at uni" and "have you been to the US before". Got approved on the spot. My appointment was on a Thursday and got the email the next Wednesday morning that it was ready to pick up. Too easy!
- Jimmy (about 1 year ago)

My actual appointment was smooth and straight forward, my problem arose when it was ready to be issued back to me. I had selected and paid for the premium delivery option ($52) as I did not want to wait around in Sydney to pick up my passport. My actual passport was issued 2 days after my appt. A mistake was made and I was notified that my passport was ready for pickup, and I had to email to explain that I already paid for delivery and wasn’t in Sydney to do pick up. They replied to my email the next day and sent my passport that afternoon which took ~3 days to arrive.
- Alana (about 1 year ago)

Got interview appointment within a week. Interview process was much simpler then we thought. Officer just saw LCA , asked Job title, saw degree and high five:) Got passport email on Monday for collection. Question: Do we need to book return tickets on E3 visa as its for two years duration? Donot want to face any sort of dramas at airport.
- Eddie (about 2 years ago)

Overall, the process was fast and smooth. My appointment was on Friday 20th October and my passport was ready for collection from Tuesday 24th October. The interview itself lasted only two minutes. They asked the following questions: What's the name of the company; what they do; how many years of experience I have in my field; if I have a degree; is it related (mine isn't, but I had a work/education combo equivalency which was sufficient). The only document they asked to see was the LCA.
- Anthony (about 2 years ago)

Don't use mail-in. Auspost delivered passport on 4th of Oct. Passport spent a couple of days in security screening before status was "received" on the 6th. Today, 16th of Oct and still stuck in received. Emailed consulate and got boilerplate wait 15 days message.
- Kev (about 2 years ago)

Sent in by mail on the Sep 26th, received at the US consulate on 29th. Approved on Oct 11 but am still waiting for my passport and it’s Oct 13. I don’t know if 2 public holidays (Aus Labour Day, US Columbus Day) played a factor.
- Reichelle (about 2 years ago)

Don’t bring a laptop! But if you do, the post office will hold it for $10.
- Amit (about 2 years ago)

I arrived at the Sydney Consulate at 7.45AM for an 8.15AM appointment on Monday. The interview was very basic, my visa was approved on the spot and I was out of the consulate at 8.45AM. Status showed as "Issued" on Tuesday and I was able to collect my Passport at 10am on Wednesday.
- Nina (about 2 years ago)

Appointment was on a Thursday at 9.45am, very straightforward (aside from not knowing you can't take laptops inside...my bad)... It was ready for collection the following day. I received the email saying it's ready for pickup at 12.05pm Friday. Unbelievably quick turnaround time. The man also told me that I should have just done mail-in as it would have been quicker and cheaper for me (instead of flying down from QLD for the appointment).... Hope this is helpful for anyone else contemplating in-person vs mail-in! I have also just decided to have my visa mailed to me so crossing my fingers it arrives this week (I had been planning to fly back down to Sydney to pick it up).
- Julia (about 2 years ago)

My appointment was on Monday morning. When I got to the consulate there was a long line. But they call you in order of time so no need to worry. Just have to try and hear what times they are calling! The process inside was quick, just have your docs ready to hand over. I was told that my visa was approved at the end of my interview. I kept checking the status of my visa online. It went from “Approved” to “Issued” a week later on the Tuesday. I didn’t get the email to collect it until the next day. I chose to collect my passport myself which was in the city. That was very quick. Can only pick your passport up between 10am and 12pm but all flows very quickly.
- Jo (about 2 years ago)

Wait time for booking appointment was only 3 weeks.
- JM (about 2 years ago)

Very quick and smooth. Was advised 10 days but ended up being 2 days. I had an appointment on Monday so didn't have to worry about the weekend. Was moving from f1 to e3
- Anthony (about 2 years ago)

My E3 visa got approved on May 3rd in Sydney. Thanks all for your support. Appointment Timeline: 1. April 10th 2023- scheduled an appointment for June 2nd which was the earliest available. 2. kept checking for an earlier appointment availability, first rescheduled to May 17th and then again found an earlier date for May 3rd. 3. May 3rd- E3 visa approved *Questions at consulate:* 1. US employer offer letter 2. LCA 3. Questions on past visits 4. City of work Although I have a job offer, I may not go as the salary on offer is low when compared with Aus salaries. Let me know if you need any clarifications regarding the E3 visa process.
- Raj (about 2 years ago)

10+ days still awaiting E-3 Visa after being told it was approved and will be ready within a week. Haven't had any contact from the Consulate... I'll update length of time once actually received...
- Josh (about 2 years ago)

Overall a smooth experience and fast turnaround. The person at the counter when I handed over my paperwork informed me that I could have applied via mail rather than making an appointment. Which is helpful info for next time. He also said it would be a 7-10 day turnaround but I received the collection email after 2 days
- Beau (about 2 years ago)

March 2023. Smooth. Got the email the next day after my appt. Ready for pickup the day after that. Most annoying part is the queue outside north syd loc. The guards are not announcing what interview time they are up to and if you’re lined up down the street you basically can’t hear at all. The pickup spot is also a bit of a mess so I don’t recommend flying out on same day as pickup
- Chazza (about 2 years ago)

It is okay to be a little late. There was a backlog. I was early but I still could not get in until everyone that was before my time (that arrived later) was called.
- Anonymous (about 2 years ago)

I was getting a new E3 as my employer changed but it was my 2nd E3
- Holly (about 2 years ago)

No more prepaid Express Post Satchel. You will be emailed with instructions on where/how to pick up your passport when it's ready. They provide a delivery option for an additional cost. Do not bring large electronics as they may not fit in the lockers provided and you can't take them in with you. At the interview provide what they ask for, no more, no less. The interviewer will get testy if you start giving them your story.
- Alex (about 3 years ago)

I had my appointment on Monday morning, by late Tuesday afternoon I received an email saying my passport was ready to collect. Collected it on the Wednesday morning. The interview itself went for less than five minutes. Very easy process overall.
- (about 3 years ago)

1) Note that the Embassy had recently moved and the some paperwork (and google maps) still refers to the Martin Place location. The new location is in North Sydney. 2) Also, a third party sent me the notification that my Visa was ready for collection (after 10 days) although I had selected mail as my option. The email came from an individual using email address xx@vfsglobal.com asking me to pay the delivery fee at a link (the link was incorrect the first time). Definitely felt scammy, but the passport did eventually arrive (albeit 4 days later).
- Kate (about 3 years ago)

The hardest part of the process was actually getting the visa appointment - otherwise the process was super simple, including a 2 minute interview (so fast)! Also I had an email 24 hours later that I could pick up my passport - if it wasn't a weekend, you'd have it back 2 days after your appointment. Highly recommend
- Holly (about 3 years ago)

Appointment was not cancelled, but when I turned up they told me they weren’t taking any appointments due to construction (which was visible behind the security door). They would not reschedule my appointment to the next available time but instead ask me to do it myself which meant a 5+ month wait if done in Australia. I’ve only been to the Sydney consulate twice and both times were terrible experiences.
- Adam (about 3 years ago)

Booked appointment two weeks out, lots of appointment slots available when I went online to book. Super smooth process, we were there for 8am appointment and out the door by 9am. Interview portion only went for a few minutes. Family of 3, child's E3D visa issued same day and passport back next day. E3 and E3S visa issued second day and email to collect came through morning of day 3. Super efficient at Melbourne right now.
- Jack (about 3 months ago)

Dec 17 appointment - used a DS-160 without the LCA number filled (bcos my LCA was obtained later) which was ok. Status changed to issued on Dec 20. But it took so long to get the pick up email - I had flights booked after Xmas and VFS is closed on public holidays so I went to VFS on Dec 23, they turned me away and say must have the email printed. Managed to receive email to pick up on Dec 23 evening, so got my passport on Xmas eve.
- Joe (about 5 months ago)

This website has been so helpful, providing our full timeline below in the hopes it helps someone else! Everything was incredibly seamless, other than the communication from VFS around pick up. We were getting an E3 (my husband) and an E3D/S (me). For context, my husband received the job offer on November 21 and the visa was in our hand on December 16 - so a 3 week turn around from offer to visa, including closures for Thanksgiving in that period! - Wednesday December 11 - Interview in Melbourne - Friday Dec 13 - Status changed to “issued”. We decided to go to VFS in the hopes our passport was there, but we were told it wasn't. - Monday Dec 16 - Still hadn't received an email from VFS, but we had our flight booked for the next day and really didn't want to miss it. We went back to VFS at 10am and our passports were there! At about 2pm that afternoon, my husband received a text message saying our documents had been picked up from the consulate and were on their way to VFS... so I'm glad we just went and checked up on it, we would have missed our flight if we had waited to receive the text. All in all, really seamless and fast.
- Ruby (about 5 months ago)

Successfully got a new O-1 visa approved after being on an E-3 for the last ~10 years. I was eligible for a mail-in application and was therefore required to do it via mail, so no appointment. Here's my timeline: Monday, Nov 4th: Mailed in application from Perth to the Melbourne consulate (as reviews here seem to show that Melbourne is faster than Sydney, also backed up by anecdotal evidence from friends on E-3s). Thursday, Nov 11th: Postal tracking showed that my application was delivered, and the CEAC visa status site also showed the application as received - I had to check all this myself, I did not get any email or text notifications that my application was received. Thursday, Nov 14th: Got an email and a text saying my visa was approved and passport was ready for pickup in Melbourne - so 5 business days from when it was marked as received. No other notifications in between. I flew to Melbourne to pick it up and flew out from there back to the US. Important tip when mailing in your application via express post: check that the postcode you send from and the receiving postcode are eligible for the next day delivery guarantee (which isn't really a guarantee). I mailed mine in from a postcode that wasn't eligible, which is why I think it took 3 days to deliver. Huge delay.
- David (about 6 months ago)

This was my first E3 with all of the documentation prepared by my employer. I was awaiting for an approved LCA but had read information that I could fill out the DS160 prior to gaining the approved LCA (I knew it was coming within the next few days but wanted to get my appointment booked in). I filled out the DS160 successfully without LCA on 13 August and was able to get an appointment for the following Tuesday 20 August - Melbourne was very open for appointments when I looked. Consulate interview was very straightforward, no detailed questions about my role except what my position was and my employer. I was in and out within 30 minutes. I was told the passport would be available to pick up (I chose pick up rather than delivery) within a week. Received and email on Wednesday August 21 that passport will be available to pick up the next day.
- Ellen (about 9 months ago)

My 7/8th E3 but had to do it in person due to some logistical issues. I had my LCA approved on June 24, and the earliest available appointment was July 22. Kept looking and was able to reschedule to July 9th. Standard affair, waited for an hour and the interview lasted less than 30 seconds - the visa officer noticed I had a bunch of previous E3s so didn't ask any questions, only wanted to see the LCA and offer letter. The status changed to 'Issued' on CEAC on July 10th but I didn't receive any email to pick up the passport from VFS. After a day of waiting, I rocked up to the VFS office on the afternoon of July 11th. The passport was already there, and I was able to pick it up with an ID even though I didn't have a confirmation email. It looks like they're a bit backlogged with returns, so I recommend going in once the status changes to 'Issued' if you're in a time crunch. Overall, super smooth and a very quick turnaround.
- Ryan (about 10 months ago)

I was getting a new O1 visa stamp (approved in the US way back in April). Did the DS160 for Melbourne early June to look at available interview dates and using the US Travel Docs site (for Australia consulates) was surprised when using the Visa wizard that I was eligible for a mail-in despite status change to first-time O1. I was nervous this may have been an automated thing so I wrote an email via the Travel Docs contact form and a human replied within 2 days that I was indeed eligible for a mail-in and that it may take up to 10 days to get my passport back, which is quicker as it would otherwise take 'up to a few weeks for interview'. I just needed to follow the mail-in instructions sent to me when my appointment was confirmed as a mail-in instead. The wizard pretty much determines you are eligible for mail in if you satisfy ALL the conditions: https://au.usembassy.gov/visas/ (scroll to the bottom and click on the Australian consulate you completed your DS160 for and it will take you to a new tab for the wizard). Arrived in Melbourne June 14 (Friday) so decided to wait till after the weekend to Express Post it. Sent it Monday 17th, CEAC (status tracker: https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx) confirmed receipt Tuesday 18th. Received email Monday 24th that the passport was ready for collection from the VFS collection point in the Melbourne CBD. Collection point is actually inside the India Visa office (it is confusing as there is no sign until you walk INTO the India visa office), and then you will see a sign for FRENCH visa collection and that is where you go in to collect your passport! All in all it was so straight forward and easy and no need to worry at all.
- Selene (about 11 months ago)

My E3R was approved on the spot on June 11th. Couldn’t do mail-in renewal according to their website but person who checks DS-160 etc said that I could have. There were so many people at the embassy in line waiting for their appointments. The VO only asked one question about my qualifications and said that Ill get my passport in a week. I got my passport back on 18th business day. In the past, it took them 2 days and 3 days to return my passport. They have also changed their pickup location its not in swanston street anymore even though it says on their website and the email that you will get when your passport is ready to be picked up. The new location is at level 5/332 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004. There is something going on at the embassies/consulates in Australia. They aren’t efficient these days.
- Mahi (about 11 months ago)

Mail in visa. I sent it on 5/11 (sat) via auspost express (do not advise, they do nothing on Saturday, i recommend just posting on monday). Delivered 5/15. It first goes to post office mail box, which they then pick it up. CEAC tracking noted application received 5/15. Accepted 5/20, issued 5/21. I originally had nominated for premium delivery, but i was able to contact VFS to change it last minute for pickup at the swanston st location since i have a tight flight schedule. Use email: usgss_mel@vfsglobal.com for the melbourne VFS location.
- D (about 12 months ago)

We flew in from our home overseas for the first E3 + E3D application. The company and immigration lawyer had already prepared LCA and supporting documents. Due to the travel I also didn't take the first available appointment (booked on April 22). Interview day was exactly as everyone else described, more time waiting than talking. We had recently married and so had only the ceremonial certificate (my home state's Births Deaths Marriages is heavily backlogged currently, plus an overly complicated process to validate foreign address which would have taken another month + money). They questioned but the interview was enough to validate to the consulate's satisfaction, but this could have been an issue. There was an unusual delay in processing at this time. My lawyer said another client had been told 10 days to get passport back the week before, we were told within the week. Watching the CEAC site, there was no action on the application until Day 6, then everything all at once - after Issued status, GTS emails received 2 hours later for pickup the next morning. Pickup was super easy using overseas driver's license as ID. We had to move our flights and extend accomodation which was annoying but that's life moving between overseas postings I guess.
- Josh (about 1 year ago)

This was a mail-in renewal; new job at a new company but I had most recently renewed in Ireland in October ‘23. Over all it took 2 weeks from posting to pick up. I actually forgot to include new physical photos but they used my digital photo from the DS160. Express posted Tues 23/4, aus post tracker said it was delivered Wed 24/4. The CEAC tracker said ‘No Status’ until Tuesday 30/4. Tracker changed to ‘Application Received’ 30/4, and ‘Approved’ 7/5. I got a text that my passport was ready for pick up later that day. Pick up is on Swanston St 10am-2pm, very fast and easy.
- Al (about 1 year ago)

E-3 renewal, and changing partner's status from E-3 to E-3D. Appointment went smoothly, although the consulate required copies of documents, not originals (previously they had made copies on the spot if required) - we had to submit a copy of one of our documents via email after the appointment.
- David (about 1 year ago)

Had an appt for 8:30, got there at 8 and the security line was already about 20 people deep. Security took about 30 mins all up - make sure you don't bring any electronics besides your phone (i.e. no laptops/ipads) - they were turning people away who had them. At security, they checked that I had physical US passport-size photos and my LCA. Post security, another 10 mins waiting upstairs for the first interview (where they review your docs again and take fingerprints). Then about 20 mins wait in the final queue for the final interview which took 2 minutes. I was asked the name of my company, the role, and then was approved. That was a Thursday and I got the email to pick up my passport on the Tuesday.
- Kim (about 2 years ago)

*Interview waiver/mail in application: Mailed in my application package from a regional post office box on a Thursday (Express/overnight) and it was marked as delivered on the Friday morning by Australia Post. US embassy internal tracking recorded as processing only on the Monday afternoon and at 5PM on the Tuesday I received notification it was ready to collect (NB: I selected this option vs. return to sender mail). I left a VERY tight travel window for my return flight (< 5 business days) and indicated this on the paperwork (not sure if this influenced the expedited processing time) but all told it was a three business day turnaround. I collected the passport in person to save a day and any potential issues receiving the passport back in the mail. This was my fourth E3 renewal and the most straightforward from this location.
- Heidi (about 2 years ago)

New E3 Visa Melbourne Review June 9th - Interview June 14th - Received email that passport is ready to collect June 15th - Collected passport LCA - you can book an interview without your LCA, just put a placeholder ‘000’ in that section. When you get your LCA, update your DS-160 with the new LCA number and call +61 1300 139 399 to update your interview details with the new DS-160 number. Finding an appointment - keep refreshing as new appointments do open up. To find out earliest amongst Melb/Syd/Perth just call +61 1300 139 399 and ask them. This avoids needing to cancel one appointment at risk of losing it if a sooner one isn’t available at another consulate. Interview - make sure you bring a passport photo that is less than 6 months old, even if your DS-160 application photo was approved. Otherwise you have to go down the road for a new passport photo at Aus Post. Interview - they just asked to see my LCA, Job offer letter, passport photo and passport. Quick process less than 30 mins all up. They only asked what my job was and my highest level of education. Arrive at least 15mins before and review the security email to know what you can/can’t bring in. Visa status post interview - mine never updated on the CEAC website. I found this website helpful for some extra tracking steps you could look into. You can also email the Melbourne consulate. https://www.ustraveldocs.com/sk/sk-niv-passporttrack.asp#:~:text=Email%3A%20Send%20an%20email%20to,automatic%20response%20with%20the%20status. Passport collection - it’s on level 11 of the VFS Global building on Swanston Street. Collection is only between 10am - 12pm. Bring a proof of ID with you to collect. Pick up vs Post - I personally would recommend opting for pick up. Firstly you don’t need to pay. Secondly it seemed to be approx 1 day earlier than waiting for delivery. And lastly it reduces the stress of having to stay home waiting for it to show up.
- Kate (about 2 years ago)

Interview was very quick. A worker reviewed the requested documents & scanned in my passport photo. I then waited in a small queue for the actual interview which only lasted 1 minute at most. Only asked what my roll will entail and what the company does. Overall a quick and painless process!
- Thomas (about 2 years ago)

Visa wait times following COVID were astronomically long : 8+months.
- Gargi (about 2 years ago)

Getting the visa appointment took 6 months but the actual consulate process was extremely easy and quick. I originally had a Sydney appointment but that was cancelled 2 months before the date and then I had to reschedule (and get back in the queue) for Melbourne.
- Sam (about 3 years ago)

staff were mean 🙁
- (about 3 years ago)

It was a renewal by mail…passport and application sent on Jan-10th, received by consulate on Jan-11th…then waiting on CEAC status to be updated till Jan-24th, status changed to administrative processing on Jan-25th, then status updated issued on Jan-27th & passport sent back on the same day, delivered on Jan-28th…overall good experience but never received any reply from consulate for query…please note there were 2 public holidays and 4 days of 2 weekend.
- Sam (about 3 years ago)

I’ve been on administrative processing since lodging the application and still haven’t heard anything
- Alex (about 4 years ago)

It's been under AP for the last 7 months and I'm still awaiting the visa to be issued.
- Alex (about 4 years ago)

The process in Perth is very easy and convenient and the people are nice but the lead time is the issue. Over 4 months so you really do need to plan ahead. If you are ok with that though, then Perth is good.
- Lee (about 5 months ago)

Very efficient consulate. Standard security screening, but less onerous than some other posts I have been to. There are lockers for things you do not require at the interview window. You are allowed to keep your phone, but they ask for you to turn off Bluetooth for some reason. Had an interview for E3 on the Wednesday. CEAC status site showed issued by late Thursday. Passports ready to pickup at MBE Perth by Friday morning. Great experience overall.
- Tuscan (about 1 year ago)

Had to book perth due to Xmas being a popular time for booking appointments. I used Tara Grey as my lawyer. First window i was asked very bluntly for what documents he wanted. LCA, letter of offer, Degree equivalency. then sit back down and waited for 20mins 2nd window, as 3 questions. Whats your role, are they a new company, what does the company do. Visa Approved, 8 days after i recieved my passport in the mail. Anyone doing degree equivalency, do it as soon as you can. Mine dragged out. But lastly, just relax, it was really an easy process. I was stressing like everyone else, but aslong as you have all the require paper work in order then you will pass.
- Nick (about 2 years ago)

Had a 24 day wait for the interview. Checked in on the day 15 minutes early on floor 4 (8:30am interview), security put our phones in a locker, then too us up to a higher floor, and took a ticket and sat down waiting to get called to one of the counters. After 5 to 10 minutes we were called up, asked for the DS-160 forms (mine and my Wife's), Passports, LCA, letter of offer, Marriage Certificate, Express post satchel, and degree. I don't have a degree and offered the equivalency assessment but was told to hang on to it. We were both finger scanned and told to sit back down and wait to be called. We waited about 15 minutes and were called to another counter, re-scanned one hand, asked when I started in my career (21 years ago), who I was going to work for and what they did. After only a few minutes there they told me we were approved, handed back most of the documents and to expect our Passports in 5 to 10 days. Tracking showed the Passports were posted at 14:03 that same afternoon and have the Passports 5 days later which included the weekend, otherwise I would have had them in 3 days. All were great people to deal with.
- Michael (about 3 years ago)