Consulate General of the U.S. Melbourne

Reaching Out to the Region of Rodney

The historic Port of Echuca receives more than 75,000 visitors per year. The Consul General undertook a tour of the port with local historian, Eleanor Auditori. This tour gave the Consul General an opportunity to develop an historical context of the region, including the important pastoral and trade history of the region.
CG Thurston Steps Into the Barmah Forest

During his tour in Northern Victoria, Consul General visited the historic Barmah forest, and during the visit, met with timber industry representatives and local cattlemen from the Barmah forest region. The meeting was an opportunity to get a firsthand experience of the unique Australian environment, but also to gain an understanding of the concerns and challenges facing the Barmah community, gaining a balance between industry and environmental concerns.
EducationUSA Advisers Recognized For Their Outstanding Service

The volunteer EducationUSA advisers in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane recently received the Unsung Hero Award for 20 years of volunteer advising to Australians interested in studying in the United States. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the Association of International Educators conference in Los Angeles and was one of only 5 awards presented worldwide to EducationUSA advisers.

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Fulbright

Educational and cultural exchanges

USA Study

Meet with an educational adviser

U.S.–Australia

The history of the bilateral relationship

More News from the Consulate

Dr. Mann at 666 ABC in Canberra on Wednesday, May 13th. Photo credit: U.S. Embassy/Travis Longmore.

Connecting with Political Experts Coast to Coast

Thomas Mann, political scientist and fellow at the Brookings Institute, shared his views on the new Obama administration and its relationship with Congress during a wide-ranging series of talks and interviews in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in the past month. His visit was arranged by the Grattan Institute in cooperation with the American Embassy.

Consul General Thurston speaks about Obama’s first 100 days to an audience at Swinburne University.

Speaking About 100 Days

Consul General Thurston addressed large crowd of Swinburne University contacts, speaking at the Chancellor’s Lecture Series. Addressing the topic of President Obama's first 100 days in office, the Consul General covered many areas of interest including economic and foreign policy initiatives, and the relationship between Australian and the United States. Consul General Thurston’s address was followed by a thoughtful question and answer session with audience members.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, and Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon at the State Department. State Department photo by Michael Gross.

Secretaries and Ministers Meet for AUSMIN

Secretary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates along with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, and Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon talk about their discussions at the annual AUSMIN meeting in Washington. The leaders reaffirmed the shared values and common approaches both countries take on many issues.

Victoria Premier John Brumby recognizes American firefighters on stage at Sound Relief.

Vic. Premier Recognizes U.S. Firefighters

In front of a packed house of 90,000 people attending the nationally televised Sound Relief concert, Victoria’s Premier John Brumby expressed Australia’s appreciation to the United States for assisting with the bushfire relief effort. Representing the American Wildfire Fighters were Doug Alexander, Dave Curry and Jim Raudenbush.

U.S. Air Force Delivers Aid

On Saturday March 7th, the U.S. Air Force helped fulfill President Obama’s offer to support Victorians affected by the recent bushfire crisis: the Air Force’s largest military transport aircraft, the Lockheed-Martin C-5 Galaxy delivered 48 tons of Phos-Chek to assist in the state’s battle against bushfires.

ACS Newsletter

The latest Melbourne ACS Newsletter is now available.

Consular Visit to Adelaide and Hobart in Mid May 2009

There may be a US Consular Officer available for routine American Citizen Services in Adelaide and Hobart around the middle of May 2009. The Consular Officer is available to take US Consular Report of Birth Abroad applications, US passport applications and limited Social Security services.

Please email MelbourneACS@state.gov as soon as possible if you are interested in scheduling a meeting. In your email include the type of service requested, the age of each applicant, a contact number and if you are in Adelaide or Hobart. Please register your interest by March 31, 2009 to secure a place. We will be in contact with you once a date is confirmed.

Thank you, Melbourne ACS

ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorization U.S. Department of Homeland Security

ESTA Requirements Now in Effect

All nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Australia, are required to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This requirement commenced January 12, 2009. Authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

There is no charge to complete the ESTA application. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government.

VWP visitors should apply now for the travel authorization.

For more information, start by reading our page on the Visa Waiver Program.

U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program allows Australian citizens to combine work and travel in the United States for up to 12 months. For more information, visit our page on the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.

Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.