In order to participate in this program, you must have a U.S. passport that is valid for six months longer than your intended stay.
In addition to your passport, you will also need a student visa to enter and study in your host country.
The visa application process involves collecting a number of documents including an original, state-issued, birth certificate with both parents' names and submitting them to the Australian Embassy along with support documentation (the AASES form), that AFS will provide, with details about your hostfamily and host school placement.
Visa application processing time is approximately 5 weeks.