This guide is based on the official pages listed at the end, checked on 2026-10-09. The tables and worksheets are VisaPilot preparation tools, not a government mandatory checklist.
Applying from a third country: foreign passport holders living in Australia
The official notice asks nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. The Australian service states that any person legally resident in Australia may apply there, and tourists are not eligible.
- Have evidence of lawful residence ready. The mail-in instructions for Australia require non-Australian citizens to include a VEVO visa details check printed within the previous week.
- Your passport nationality sets the rules that apply: Visa Waiver Program membership, the six-month passport validity exception and any issuance fee.
- Use the income, tax and employment records that actually exist in your country of residence.
Example: a Brazilian citizen living in Sydney needs a B1/B2 visa, may apply in Australia and should be able to show lawful residence there.
Self-employed applicants, business owners and freelancers
Business people and company directors are advised to bring evidence of their position in the company and remuneration. The general financial records named are proof of income, tax payments, business ownership and assets.
No official list is written for freelancers. Organise the facts: what the business does, who pays, how income arrives and which funds pay for this trip. Do not invent an employer or an employment letter to look employed.
Students, applicants without a job and retirees
| Situation | What to explain | Official basis |
|---|---|---|
| Student | Enrolment and funding: transcripts, diplomas, monthly bank statements, fixed deposit slips | The suggested items for students |
| Not working | Real source of funds, family situation and long-range plans in the country of residence | Officers may look at intentions, family situation and long-range plans |
| Retired | Pension or other income, assets, family and home | The general advice on income and assets |
No dedicated official list exists for applicants without a job or in retirement. The last two rows are suggestions drawn from the general official principles.
Applying with children
- Each child needs their own DS-160 and their own application fee.
- Applicants under 14, or aged 80 and over, are not fingerprinted.
- A child who is a US citizen is not eligible for a US visa and must enter and leave on a US passport, even if the citizenship has not yet been documented.
- In Australia, tell the consulate at least three business days ahead if someone will accompany a minor.
Whether a child must attend an interview is decided by the eligibility questions in the scheduling system and by the appointment letter.
Dual nationality, affected nationalities and criminal records
- Dual nationals (neither nationality being US) may apply with either passport but must disclose all nationalities on the form.
- Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. Those affected may still apply and attend interviews but may be ineligible for issuance.
- Nationals of certain countries must attend an in-person interview even when renewing and cannot use interview waiver. The list is in the official notices.
- Holders of 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas in passports issued by the People's Republic of China need a valid EVUS enrollment before travel.
- Any arrest or conviction must be disclosed, with the police certificate and court documents ready.
These lists change often. Check the current version on the official notices page before applying.
Common questions
I am visiting Australia as a tourist. Can I apply for a US visa there?
No. A person legally resident in Australia may apply there, but tourists are not eligible. Apply in your country of nationality or residence.
Do freelancers need an employment letter?
Without an employer you neither need nor should invent one. Use income, tax or trading records that reflect how you actually work.
Do children need their own DS-160 and fee?
Yes. Each applicant, including children, needs their own DS-160 and pays their own application fee.
I have two passports. Which one do I apply with?
If neither nationality is US, you may choose, but you must disclose all nationalities on the application form.
Official sources and check dates
- USTravelDocs Australia: Frequently asked questions · 2026-10-09
- USTravelDocs Australia: Nonimmigrant visa important notices · 2026-10-09
- USTravelDocs Australia: Business/Tourist visa · 2026-10-09
- USTravelDocs Australia: Complete your application · 2026-10-09
- USTravelDocs Australia: Schedule your appointment · 2026-10-09
- USTravelDocs Australia: Renew my visa / Waive my interview · 2026-10-09
Official instructions take priority. Local procedures quoted here come from the official visa information service for Australia; if you apply elsewhere, check the page for your own country. This guide does not assess eligibility or predict a decision.
Next step: check your own documents
List the documents you actually hold and the questions still open, then request a free human check.