Getting a U.S. Visa in Australia 2021

Very quick. If you get one of the earliest appointments of the day and arrive with plenty of time to line up in the security queue you can be in and out in less than an hour (once security opens)
- Edwina (about 5 years ago)

SLower turn-around times compared to other locations, but they are very familiar with the E-3, so the interviews are usually quick and straightforward.
- Edward (about 4 years ago)

Administrative Processing added 3 extra days to the process. This was my third Visa, so be prepared for this unless applying for your first or second Visa.
- Ed (about 3 years ago)

I was well prepared but officer only asked for LCA and passport. 1.5 hr wait, 1 min interview
- Sarah (about 2 years ago)

Super easy, didn't have to wait long for an appointment, took 7 days from date of interview to get passport back (sent to Sydney).
- Adriana (about 2 years ago)

You get in line for the 9:45 entry, doesn’t seem to matter if you’re end of the line / last let in
- Nick (about 2 years ago)

The wait time to get into the consulate was extremely long. I had a 9am appointment and didn’t get in until 10:30am. Be prepared to wait and block out a few hours of your day!
- Edwina (about 2 years ago)

Staff are warm and personable. It was a long wait in the first security line - I arrived at 9.20am for a 9.45am appointment and was through security at 11am. Queue 1 upstairs took 30 minutes and I was out the door after the interview by 12.15pm. It helped the consulate staff that I had taken a copy of my partner’s new E3 visa. It would have helped me if I had taken a book, though I enjoyed the camaraderie and the conversations with my fellow applicants while we waited and waited and waited. Even the security staff seemed to have a working knowledge of Dante’s Inferno and the seven circles of hell. This was a new visa (new employer) but also our third E3-D for me and our kids - my first time going through the process separately to my partner.
- Kate (about 2 years ago)

Melbourne consulate was a bit of a hellish experience although staff were all nice. Security wait times took about 90 minutes. Arrived at 9:15am and got in at around 10:45am. Although I was in the 9:45am appointment time this did not seem to matter. Once through security (they have lockers there for small handbags/bags) you take your paper and go upstairs. You get into another queue for another 1.5 hours. This seemed dumb as there were chairs were you could sit, not sure why you cannot take a number or they call you but whatever. I recommend bringing a book to read. Questions asked included my previous green card lottery applications and a few questions about my role. Interviewer was not too stern either which was nice.
- Caroline (about 2 years ago)

Visa appt was 9am Monday and my passport was back to me in Adelaide by Thursday afternoon
- Kirsten (about 2 years ago)

Even if you book an appointment for 10, get there before it opens.. they don't seem to care about appointment time, I waited for 2.5 hours in line.
- Dani (about 2 years ago)

Bit of a wait to book here, but on the actual day was fine. Didn’t get too many questions, got the visa the next day.
- Lana (about 4 years ago)

Wear comfortable shoes and have all your docs ready, even things you don't think you need. I brought my expired passport that had my current visa. The consulate official stamped it to cancel it. I also brought things like Aus bank statements and my most recent ATO tax filing to prove I haven't cut off ties. There's no seating in the Melb consulate so we had to stand in line the whole time we were waiting. The staff were quick and professional.
- Nicole (about 2 years ago)

Book one of the first appointments for the day (around 9 am) to avoid hours of waiting. Grab a takeout coffee from the lobby cafe and get in line around 8 am. If you do this, you should be in and out of the consulate in under an hour. I had short waits between interviews once inside (under 10 minutes). Longest part was lining up to get inside.
- Amy (about 3 years ago)

Grab a snack/drink in the coffee shop in the lobby of the building before you get in the line.
- Ivan (about 2 years ago)

9:30am appointment but due to short lines I was through security at 9:10! In and out in 1.5 hours with my passport and visa back in hand 3 days later. Friendly staff, would recommend
- Natalie (about 2 years ago)

Easy interview, consulate was very bust so wait times at the interview were a little long. Interview was three easy questions and only took a minute or two.
- Gemma (about 2 years ago)

I live in Sydney but scheduled my appointment for Melbourne due to appointment wait times. I received my passport back within 4 days and am very impressed! This was faster than my first E3 (old employer) in Sydney which took 5 days within the same city.
- Sarah (about 2 years ago)

Melbourne August 2019 was busier than the previous times I have interviewed there (Xmas 2017 being the most recent). This was reflected in the wait time on the day (1.5 hour wait for a 1 minute interview) and passport return (6 days whereas previous experiences have been ~3 days). Good online tracking of passport return with TOLL.
- E (about 2 years ago)

Very good experience at the Melbourne Consulate. Interview wait time was 20 calendar days which could not be avoided. My interview was at 9am for a new E3 and I arrived just before 8 in an attempt to expedite the wait. I was perhaps in line for 25 minutes prior to being called through, then another 15 minutes before the interview itself (which lasted less than 2 minutes). Questions asked were brief and in relation to whether you have applied before, what your degree is and where you are going to work. Be sure to have a letter of offer or petition letter form your prospective employer.
- Tom (about 2 years ago)

Small consulate but very friendly. Got an appointment at 9.45; arrived at 8.30 and good thing as the line took over an hour (they're flexible with appointment times, it's not like you'll be dined entry for being late). Presented documents downstairs and went through security (please don't take laptops or ipads), waited upstairs for maybe ten minutes for a documents check, then another ten minutes for the interview. Had a few questions asked (what do I do, where is my org, visa history etc), and was approved on the spot. Passport return was delayed: had appointment Thu morning, didn't receive tracking number until Monday and only after calling the Travel Docs phone number, then had to harass Toll Couriers to get my passport back for a Wed flight. My fault for booking a tight turnaround, but Toll are useless.
- Sam (about 2 years ago)

If you're interstate, book a hotel close by the night before for ease. Book the earliest slot to avoid excessive waiting.
- Catherine (about 2 years ago)

I had my appointment in Melbourne and my passport was sent back to Sydney 3 days later - also got email notifications from Toll so I knew when it was coming. I had a 9am appointment, lined up at 8.30 and was out by 9.20, everyone was very friendly.
- Rosie (about 2 years ago)

E3 renewal, fourth visa. Wait time was 30 days which was understandable. Consulate appointment was at 9:00 a.m. arrived at 8:45 a.m. and was seen early, left by 9:05 a.m., this was probably the hardest i have been pressed regarding my visa, the consulate officer asked for pretty much everything and then some... which i was well prepared for. What i was not prepared for was the 7 day wait to receive my visa! Overall besides the wait time and the not so friendly bloke behind the desk...7/10
- Cameron (about 2 years ago)

Third E-3 overall, but a new one due to change of employer. Turned up at 8:30am for a 9:00am appointment (admitted in at around 8:50am by consulate security). Interview conducted promptly and was out the door at 9:15am. Questions asked were standard; "Who are you working for? What is your role? How long have you been in roles similar to this?". Documents requested by consulate officer were DS-160, certified LCA, and letter of offer by new employer. Interview was held on Friday 6th of March. Passport with visa included received back on Wednesday 11th March. I got it shipped to Tasmania, so perhaps you could expect it even faster if you had it returned to Melbourne or Sydney. Original wait times for appointments in Melbourne were about 29 days, however cancellations did pop up frequently. I was able to reschedule the appointment to be approximately 12 days out instead. It's definitely worth checking regularly on the consulate website if you're looking to expedite the process.
- Josh (about 2 years ago)

Asked for letter of offer and LCA only. Still processing visas without issue due to COVID19. Just letting less people up every time.
- DC (about 2 years ago)

questions asked. What is the purpose of your trip to the United States? How did you find out about this company? Do you have any property in Australia ?
- veeru (about 9 months ago)

Approved on the spot. Aside from DS-160, LCA, and passport, they only asked for my job offer letter. 2-Q interview — "How did you find this job?" and "What will you be doing?" They sent out the passport/visa the next day. Tips: Be prepared, look prepared.
- Andy (about 6 months ago)

Appointment wait time was about 12 days as my husband (E3D) also attended. I did not make an appointment for my 5 year old but she was able to come in to the embassy with us. We turned up at 7:45 for an 8am appointment but was told to come back at 8. We were the first appointment of the day and we were out of the building by 8:30. Questions asked were “how did I hear about the company “ and “what will be main difference in my job in the US, compared to Australia “. They asked to see my LCA document and the letter of support from my employer and then my marriage certificate. Our appointment reminder stated no electronic equipment was to be brought in but it seemed every other person we saw had their mobiles with them and they were left with security. Appointment was Wednesday and we received the passports back in the post (Melbourne post office pickup) on Friday.
- Helene (about 5 months ago)

E3 Renewal - Perth - in Monday 8:30am, returned Tuesday noon. Did give us a bit of a grilling on our questions but the turn around has to be one of the fastest I’ve ever heard of (literally less than a day)
- Michael (about 3 years ago)

Great. Quick and easy. Passport posted back to Sydney quickly. Approved on the spot after two basic questions. Was denied with the same paperwork in Barbados one week earlier
- Ed (about 5 years ago)

All round I’m so happy I went to Perth! However, I had free flights I needed to use and a hotel voucher…so keep in mind it can be super expensive if you’re from out of state. If you have enough time to go to Melbourne, they were great with my B1/B2.
- Georgia (about 3 years ago)

Be sure to check your passport photo - even if it's approved by the online checker, they may ask for a new one (mine was 1+ years old and they wanted another). Also if you need a quick turnaround you should opt to pick up the passport. I didn't even wait for the email to say it's ready, I just called the location (Pack & Send on St Georges Tce) and asked if my passport was there. Turns out it was!
- Catherine (about 3 years ago)

Interview was Tuesday morning, received the passport in Sydney 3pm Friday. Questions were very simple. What’s your job title? What did you study at uni? (Degrees + majors) What is the name of the company? Where is their office (NYC was sufficient) What does the company do? Approved on the spot. Whole process at the consulate took about 2 hours. They had lockers for my valuables could have brought my laptop or headphones without an issue.
- Bryce (about 3 years ago)

Asked for a new passport photo. Was interviewed 2 hours after my interview appointment scheduled time. My interview time was 9am, received my passport back 36 hours later in Sydney. Asked for the D-160, LCA, Resume, Letter of Support and Payment Receipt. Asked what the role is, location, what the company does, qualifications and how I got the job.
- Chloe (about 3 years ago)

Super quick. One other person there
- Simon (about 3 years ago)

Very smooth process. My appointment was at 9am and was out the door by 9.20. My passport with the approved visa arrived at my house in Brisbane the following day!
- Carol (about 2 years ago)

Very polite staff. Whole process took 2 hours, mostly waiting. Actual interview was 3 mins, some simple questions. Could only take in papers relevant to the Visa (weren't allowed books or anything else even though they were non-electronic).
- JMc (about 2 years ago)

Guy who interviewed me asked quite a few questions including what do you do, what degree did you do and is it relevant to your work, what does your company do, is this your first visa, who are you traveling with....all really easy to answer but more scrutiny then other locations. Overall, would recommend as appointments wait times were low and got my passport back within 2 days (sent to Melbourne). Stayed at the Duxton hotel which was right across road from office so super convenient.
- Kat (about 2 years ago)

We had our interview for new E3 and E3-D in Perth. We were notified we were approved after a few questions about the role and employer and received passports back two days later.
- (about 2 years ago)

Have all the correct information and the process is easy and straightforward
- Nicole (about 2 years ago)

Three questions: (1) What was your degree (2) What does your company do (3) What is your role
- Melissa (about 2 years ago)

Very efficient and quick return of passport
- Sarah (about 2 years ago)

Very quick process, short lead time for the appointment, 12 days. Arrived at 8;40am for a 9am appointment, was out of there at 9.05am. Got asked quite a few questions, How I got the job? What my role was? A bit about the company, also asked a little about my degree equivalency. But it was very quick and a successful e3. Highly recommend. Passport was back less than 30 hours after the interview.
- Megan (about 2 years ago)

Fast and efficient. Was in and out from embassy within 25 mins. So much better than my past experiences in Melb where it took 2-3 hours!
- Jane (about 2 years ago)

I arrived at 8am for an 8.20am appointment (first of the day). I was first in line. The security staff were friendly and welcoming. The process consisted of two parts once through the security check: 1. The first window asked for my LCA, DS-160, Job Continuation Letter and a COPY of my Degree. After scanning in the DS-160 she asked if I had a better photo with me as mine was dark (I did. It's always good to have a proper passport photo just in case to save the hassle of having to leave the building and come back). 2. The Consulate Officer called me up to the window. The questions he asked me were: a) What does the company do? b) Describe what your role is? c) What is your degree in? d) What was the name of the University you studied at? e) Is this the same company you worked at on your previous E3? APPROVED!
- Rob (about 2 years ago)

Very small but very chill consulate. Everyone was lovely. I arrived at 9:15am for a 10:00am appointment and they just let me in and took me up. It was about 30-45 mins, most of which was waiting. I couldn’t bring a book but they had magazines and everything. The guy asked me a few questions about my job, my degree, etc and then gave me the approved slip. My fam is in Sydney and I took a 4:25pm flight the next day home to find my visa and passport had beaten me home and was waiting for me on my bed in Sydney.
- Ella (about 2 years ago)

Booked my appointment on 1 October and attended on 9 October. Arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment at 8:40am and waited for approximately 10 minutes. The interview itself lasted less than 5 minutes. I was asked for my DS-160, Labor Condition Application, supporting letter from my employer, and a (scanned) copy of my university degree. Extremely easy and efficient process, staff and security were very friendly. I received my passport by courier (Toll) at my home address in Perth at 10:30am the next day! Couldn't recommend the Perth consulate highly enough.
- Matt (about 33 years ago)

Could have been a better experience. Was asked a couple of questions very casually "what did I study, where did I study and tell me about the role" then it was approved. It was like they'd already decided they were going to approve it before I even answered! 🙂 All done, in and out in under 15 minutes. Passport arrived back in Melbourne 24 hours later.
- Sophie (about 2 years ago)

I had a 8:45am appointment, I arrived 8:30am. You do security screen on one level, then they take you up to another level. Only 3 people in front of me. First time I was called up a friendly guy took all my paperwork. Didn't want original degree, just a copy, as wanted passport, job offer letter, LCA, DS160 Receipt and visa payment receipt. We had a chat about music (as thats my degree). Sat back down, and a different guy examined my docs, called me up to a window and asked 4 questions. 1. Is this a new visa or renewal. 2. What does the company do. 3. how did I get the job. 4. Where did I do my degree (what city/college). He was typing away throughout all this. Then he unceremoniously said "approved" handed me a piece of paper and that was it! Whole "interview" took about 3 mins. I was way more prepared and had all sorts of supporting documentation with me. That was on Thursday morning, I had my passport back in Sydney by 11am Monday morning. My passport did not show up on the tracking system till Sunday evening which had me worried, but there must be a delay in the system.
- Tom (about 2 years ago)

Perth is a great option if the wait times in Sydney or Melbourne are long and your employer will pay to fly you over there to expedite your start date. My appointment was at 9am. I got there 15 mins before as instructed and they took me right through. The appointment was finished by 9am!! Read the other perth reviews for more about the questions asked and what you can/can’t bring to the consulate. My suggestion, if you’re not from perth, would be to stay at all suites studio apartments which are two minutes walk from the consulate as you’re travelling to the consulate without your phone for directions. Once I completed the visa process, I got on a plane the same day as my appointment at 10.3pm and arrived home to Brisbane at 6am the following day. My passport then arrived at 9am that day and although I was home I was sound asleep as I didn’t expect it to arrive the next day!! My passport was taken to the toll depot. I had to call toll (don’t follow their online instructions as I did that at first and then called to double check and nothing had been lodged from the online form) and then I confirmed that i would pick up the next day. They sent me a text message the following morning letting me know it was ready for pick up and then I had to drive to the toll depot at Brisbane airport the following day which wasn’t a huge hassle as my house is only 25 mins away. However, I’d just be aware that perth turnaround can be as fast as one day even if the consulate workers tell you 3-5 business days.
- Michelle (about 2 years ago)

Extremely fast process. I was in and out in 5 minutes. They asked me 'what the company does', 'what my degree is' and 'where I studied'. He approved it instantly and the passport arrived less than 24 hours later at my door.
- Rory (about 2 years ago)

Even though the website says the consulate doesn't open until 8.30am, you can come earlier to line up in the security line.
- Karen (about 2 years ago)

I booked my appointment a week out. Appointment was on a Thursday at 8:40am, I got there around 8:15am and was let straight through - everyone at the consulate was lovely and cheery. I was asked to hand over my DS-160 confirmation, LCA (which I realised later was actually a copy), graduation certificates (copy), letter of offer/support and passport. Officer asked me where I studied, what I studied, how my role related to my degree and then asked me briefly about my previous visa (O-1). He told me I had been approved, I walked out of the door at 8:40am and my passport was delivered to me in Melbourne on Monday at 4pm.
- Emma (about 2 years ago)

~10am appointment, served straight away, was out within 10 minutes and had my passport in my hand the next morning
- Kev (about 2 years ago)

Fastest turnaround I'd ever experienced. I've done about half a dozen e3's and this was the quickest. No problem with security, guy asked me "how would you describe your job to a 3yr old", checked my lca, asked me where I went to college, and then approved me. I flew home to Sydney that day, and the following day got my passport at 4pm. Definitely recommend.
- Tim (about 2 years ago)

Arrived at 8.30am for a 9am appointment and got let through right away. Waiting time was about 15 minutes as others in front of me and issues with their documents. Documents asked LCA, 160, offer letter, transcript. Questions asked were 1)which uni did you go to? 2)what did you study. Visa was approved right after. Received passport next day at 11am! To note: make sure you have every single page of your LCA with you - dude ahead of me missed out a page and didn't have his visa approved. another note - a new E3 applicant was denied even though he had a great offer from Google because the officer couldn't determine his intentions to live Australia.
- Padma (about 2 years ago)

Perth was the best location I've been to so far for a visa application. I've also been to Barbados and Paris, both of those experiences were simple and quick but their consulates were much less friendly. I was in and out of the Perth consulate in an hour, having several chats with the staff on the way. My appointment was at 10:40, but tried to go at around 9:30 and was allowed in early. I received my passport Friday morning, 2 business days after my appointment (Wed).
- Kylie (about 2 years ago)

Consulate gave me the option to return the next day and collect my passport. I opted for the postal option. 7 business days was therefore due to Australia Post, not consulate. Two simple questions about what I do for a living and where I went to get my degrees. In and out within 20 mins.
- Claire (about 2 years ago)

Interview went for 2 minutes. Questions asked: company name, what they do, what I’ll be doing there. Biggest delay was with the postage. Perth staff were super friendly.
- Alex (about 2 years ago)

My appointment was at 8:30am, got there just after 8am and was asked to wait until 8:20. They came outside to the hallway and grabbed me at 8:25, went through security (who are super lovely), they took my phone and popped it into a locker for me, took me and two others up the lift to another floor for the actual interview. The first guy asked me for my plastic express post envelope (another lady was sent away to go get one as she only had a paper one, she also was asked for her photos but they were over 12 months old so she was sent to get new photos also - I wasn't asked for my photos, but had them just incase. I was also very prepared with a folder and everything tagged and ready), my ds 2019 and my fee receipt. I was asked to sit back down and wait for the interview. Called back up after 1 min and asked: you're going over for work and travel? [yup] have you locked in a job yet [nope], you've been there before and had no issues right [yup], did you read the info email we sent? [the one about human trafficking, yup]. That was it! They are professional but super lovely people
- A (about 4 months ago)

Very smooth process - In and out in less than 30 minutes. Got called to the first window for officer to fingerprint and collect the certified LCA, DS-160, job offer letter and Auspost satchel. Then called to the next window for visa interview: 1. Have you applied for the E3 visa before? (No) 2. Have you worked for this company before (No) 3. When did you become an AU citizen (18 months ago) 4. Have you worked in this type of a job before (Yes) Thank you, your visa is approved. Interview on Monday morning, passport received back on Thursday morning.
- Nik (about 3 months ago)

it's obviously hard to get here at the moment, but after the expense and stress of flight caps, hotel quarantine, state border closures etc, the perth consulate experience was almost worth the several years of life that I lost getting this damn visa (second e3, new employer). the staff are friendly and professional. interview was simple, no interrogation tactics. have your documents in order and you'll be fine. offer letter, LCA, degree, fee confirmation, express post envelope, that's all I was asked for - although worth noting that my degree and occupation align pretty clearly.
- (about 1 month ago)

I got granted a B1/2 visa in Sydney in Feb no issues at all very straightforward
- Sarah (about 4 years ago)

I did my E3 in Sydney one and a half years ago and it was about an hour process. 59 mins to get in the door through the line and security. 1 min in the interview.
- Matthew (about 5 years ago)

It was a really easy turnaround
- Josh (about 5 years ago)

Booked the first available appointment for the day - was in and out within 20 minutes.
- Lucy (about 3 years ago)

Interview took 2 minutes. They asked only a few questions, including what my degree was, what the name of the company was, where I would be working/living and how many interviews I had. Took about 2 minutes.
- Brendan (about 6 years ago)

Because it was a renewal, I went to a different window than last time (also got my first E3 in Sydney). I think they asked like 2 questions. Was over in less than 2 minutes.
- Brendan (about 4 years ago)

There’s about 5 different lines that you have to line up in. They say not to get there too early because you can’t join the first line before your appointment time, but I would, just to be safe. I can’t stress enough not to take ANY electronics with you!
- Erin (about 3 years ago)

They didn’t ask to see any supporting documentation, just job title, description, previous job and degree title.
- Rosa (about 3 years ago)

Don’t try to do it in Bermuda
- Ross (about 4 years ago)

Just a few questions why I needed a B1/B2 visa instead of ESTA. Told them I'd been to one of their travel ban countries. They asked when, how long and why I visited. No issues. Passport shipped to BNE within a couple of days.
- Julian (about 4 years ago)

It’s a busy place to get your visa, but that makes it much easier as they’ve got the system down pat. Security is the longest part of the process. The interviewer asked 3 questions and didn’t need the supporting documentation (except the necessary visa forms).
- Dave (about 3 years ago)

I think it took us longer to get through the security check than we spent upstairs in the actual consulate! Appointment was on a Tuesday and we had our passports back on Friday.
- Leah (about 3 years ago)

Longest process was getting the interview - 1 month wait. On the day everything ran smoothly - asked 2/3 questions and then approved - easy process and they didn’t ask for too much background evidence, just letter of offer
- Dave (about 2 years ago)

Only 3 questions asked - needed my letter of employment, my education and where I’ll be living.
- Rachel (about 2 years ago)

We previously were in the US on a J-1 visa and returned to Australia (family reasons) to get our E3 visa. Longest wait time was to get through security. Visa interview was only three questions and only had to provide the LCA, our marriage certificate and our child’s birth Certificate. Appointment was on Tuesday and we had our passports back in Brisbane on Friday.
- Leah (about 2 years ago)

Three easy questions. In and out within 20min.
- Mitch (about 3 years ago)

This is a very busy location and lines can be long. I had 1 hour wait standing in a corridor (no seats available) just to join the security queue. Once joined the security line the rest of the process only took 30 mins. Any electronics other than a phone are not permitted so don’t bring your laptops, iPads, etc. I recommend just taking your documents if at all possible. While I was there people with infants were allowed to skip to the front of the security queue.
- Jennifer (about 2 years ago)

Super easy consulate! Had an appointment in the morning - went through papers check and security, then upstairs. When arriving upstairs, was separated into what seemed to be a "workers" line (vs students/tourists/others), which had no wait time. Was asked three basic questions about what I do and my new job, and was approved on the spot. Passport was returned by courier the following afternoon (was delivered even before I received the tracking number via email). Super easy, 10/10.
- Sam (about 4 years ago)

Would never go here again, went for an E3 renewal after getting my first E3 I’m Bridgetown. The selected me for a background check for no apparent reason, took 7 months for the background check to clear (and it was squeaky clean). The consulate was unresponsive and unhelpful throughout the entire process. Never again...
- Adam (about 3 years ago)

I scheduled my appointment without an approved LCA (just print out the certified one and bring on the day) as appointment times were filling up fast (1-2 month waiting period).
- Bianca (about 2 years ago)

The stated turnaround time for passport to be approved and returned was 7 working days. I got it back in my hands in 3! I arrived at the The Sydney Consulate at 845am. It was relatively busy, but most of the waiting was at the security checkpoint. Once I am in the main interview room, it took no time at all. The interviewer asked me 2 questions across the window pane and did not require any of the paperwork I painstakingly compiled for 1 month! The guy before me, however, got all the hard questions applying for an ESTA.
- B (about 2 years ago)

Mailed in Tuesday, received visa back the next Monday. Easy process!
- F (about 2 months ago)