Australia vs USA Travel Visas: Application Guide and Fast Methods

Planning a trip abroad can be one of the most exciting yet time consuming tasks. If you're looking forward to visiting the great, vibrant cities and landscapes in south-east Australia has in store for you. On the west side, the various cultural experiences residing in the land of opportunity, the USA might be waiting for you. If your plans are to visit these places then you should definitely pay heed to how one ought to apply for their travel visa. This guide is going to cover the key points when applying for travel visas to both Australia and the USA. This will include the quickest and most efficient methods.

Understanding Visa Requirements

Australian Travel Visa Requirements

Most travelers come to this land in search of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experience. To visit Australia, travelers need to obtain a visa that varies according to the purpose of the visit and the period one wants to stay. The common visa options available for a tourist include the Electronic Travel Authority and the e-Visitor visa.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA):

Cost: Service charge of AUD20 (INR 1092.4*) to use the Australian ETA app.

It is available for the citizens of many countries and allows multiple entries to Australia, staying up to three months each time within a period of 12 months. Though you can Stay up to 3 months only each time you enter Australia. Applications are made online, so it is very convenient for many travelers (Dept. Of Home Affairs, Australia).

e-Visitor Visa:

Cost: Free

The e-Visitor visa does the same thing as the ETA. It provides for multiple visits of up to three months each within a period of 12 months and may be applied for online.

The ETA and e-Visitor visas are normally processed in a very short period; in minutes sometimes, or at most within a few days. This makes them quite ideal for you who often travels to Australia on impulse. Remember, however, that these are only short-term visa applications. If you would want to work or study or stay in Australia for longer than indicated, then you will have to apply for another type of visa (Dept. Of Home Affairs, Australia).

Student Visa:

Cost: From AUD1,600.00 (INR 87,392*), unless exempt.

With this visa you can participate in an eligible course of study in Australia, travel in and out of Australia as well as work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session (Dept. Of Home Affairs, Australia).

USA Travel Visa Requirements

The USA is such a vast and diverse country with great, lively cities alongside calm and beautiful national parks. However, most travelers need a visa to get to the USA, and one will require a different type of visa depending on the intention for visiting.

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa:

Cost: USD 185 (INR 15,486.35**)

The most common visitor visa is the B-1/B-2 visa, which comprises all those people who come to the USA as tourists or business persons. It enables the applicant to stay in the USA for a period of up to six months. The requirements include filling the DS-160 form, paying the fee for the visa, and appearing for a personal interview at an American Embassy or Consulate. (U.S. Department Of State).

Student Visa:

Cost: USD 185 (INR 15,486.35**)

Even for short duration study  leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is not permitted on a visitor (B) visa. For example, a student in a distance learning program that  requires a period of time on the institution’s U.S. campus must obtain a student (F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.

Students in the United States with F visas must depart the United States within 60 days after the program end date. (U.S. Department Of State). We've calculated the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate at Kolkata & New Delhi. You may visit the official website of the US Department of State to know more.

Note: Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

While quick, the VWP is only available to those citizens of participating countries, leaving the B-1/B-2 visa as the primary options for others, where the application and interview process provide for a more detailed application (U.S. Department Of State).

Fastest Ways to Apply for a Visa

Australian Travel Visa

In the past years, getting a visa for traveling to Australia has been simplified and sped up. However, here are some tips on how to hasten up your Australian travel visa application:

1. Online Application: Online application through the official website of the Australian Government is the speediest and most efficient way to have an ETA or e-Visitor type of visa.

2. Get ready with documents: Keep all the necessary documents, like a valid passport, proof of funds, and travel itinerary, in advance of commencing the application process.

3. Check eligibility: Make sure you are eligible for an ETA or e-Visitor visa before lodging your application to avoid any needless delays.

4. Seek help: Assist yourself with trustworthy visa application services if needed that can support you through the process.

Online applications are much faster compared to paper applications. Having all the documents you need, ready in advance and double-checking your eligibility can help you avoid certain common mistakes that will further delay your visa approval.

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USA Travel Visa

Obtaining a US travel visa is more challenging compared to others; however, there are ways to hasten it:

1. Online Form DS-160: The DS-160 form should be filled out online with due care and attention; the information provided therein must match your supporting documents. 

2. Pay the Visa Fee in Time: Immediately after filling in the form DS-160, pay the visa application fee. This would avoid problems due to payment delay while scheduling an interview.

3. Early Interview Appointment: Secure an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate as early as possible since the available slots get filled so fast.

4. Be Ready for the Interview: Collect all your original documents, which would be required at the interview, such as a valid passport, confirmation page of the DS-160, a receipt of the visa fee, and supporting documents showing the purpose of your visit. Be ready to answer questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.

Further, some embassies and consulates of the US do have expedited appointment slots for urgent travel. You can get information on applying for such an expedited appointment, in case of need, from that particular consulate's website.

Other Useful Tips to Get You Through the Visa Application Smoothly

1. Keep well informed on any changes in the visa requirements or the process of application both in Australia and USA.

2. Check information and make sure there should be no errors or incomplete information in your application. This may cost you time or even lead to outright rejection.

3. If you're still having doubts, seek professional advice from visa application experts or services that will guide and help you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inaccurate Information: The application consists of incomplete or contradictory information that can lead to denial or delay of the visa. Each and every point has to be checked and rechecked before submitting it.

2. Incomplete Documentation: In case all documents are not attached, this causes immense delay. Be sure that you attach all documents related to proof of funds, travel itineraries, or any other documents required by the consulate.

3. Last-Minute Applications: Submitting your application very close to the date of travel may not be adequate to overcome any problem that may arise in the application process. Apply as early as possible.

Supreme Forex 

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Conclusion

Trying to get travel visas to Australia and the USA need not be such a hard, boring experience. Familiarize yourself with requirements, get your documents in order, and apply with the fastest methods available for peace of mind while planning an exciting journey. From exploring urban life in the vibrant cities of Australia to discovering variety across the American landscapes in the USA, having a visa will mean an enjoyable holiday.

When one travels abroad, not only a visa but also the proper currency is required. In our forex exchange services, we strive to offer best rates and smooth transactions to ensure you have the required money for your trip. Be it Australia or the USA, rely on us for all your foreign exchange needs. Safe travels!

Make your travel plans more effective and hassle-free. Follow these tips and avail of a reliable forex exchange service provider. Apply now and experience the world with confidence.

Remarks:

* Based on Google Finance data, 1 Australian Dollar equals 54.62 Indian Rupee as of 25 Jul, 10:07 am UTC.

** Based on Google Finance data, 1 United States Dollar equals 83.71 Indian Rupee as of 25 Jul, 10:07 am UTC.

Sources:

• Dept. Of Home Affairs, Australiasome text
  • Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
  • eVisitor Visa
  • Student Visa
• U.S. Department Of Statesome text
  • Student Visa
  • B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa