US Consulate Sydney NSW, Australia Reviews 2023

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 1 year 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 1 year 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 1 year 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 [email protected] 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 1 year 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 11 months 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 7 months 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 7 months 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 7 months 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 7 months 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 5 months ago)

I was getting a new E3 as my employer changed but it was my 2nd E3
- Holly (about 7 months 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 4 months 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 1 month ago)

Wait time for booking appointment was only 3 weeks.
- JM (about 3 months 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 1 month ago)

Don’t bring a laptop! But if you do, the post office will hold it for $10.
- Amit (about 14 days 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 14 days ago)