E-3 Australian Visa

The E-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa available exclusively to Australian nationals who wish to work in the United States in specialty occupations. Modeled after the H-1B visa, the E-3 allows qualified individuals to live and work in the U.S. temporarily, provided their employment requires specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

Who Qualifies for the E-3 Visa

To be eligible for an E-3 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of Australia

• Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation

• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, or the equivalent through work experience and education

• Demonstrate that the position offered requires the degree held

• Secure a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor

Specialty occupations typically include fields such as engineering, IT, finance, health sciences, and education. If the applicant’s degree was obtained outside the U.S., it must be formally evaluated to confirm equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Visa Duration and Renewals

The E-3 visa is initially granted for up to two years and may be renewed indefinitely in two-year increments, as long as the individual continues to meet all eligibility criteria and maintains qualifying employment.

There is an annual limit of 10,500 E-3 visas available to Australian citizens, although this cap has not typically been reached in past years.

Application Process

Applying for an E-3 visa generally involves the following steps:

1. Obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer for a qualifying specialty occupation

2. The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor

3. Once approved, the applicant gathers supporting documents such as:

   • Job offer letter

   • Academic degrees and transcripts

   • Proof of Australian citizenship

   • Credentials evaluation (if applicable)

4. File the visa application at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or submit Form I-129 if changing status from within the U.S.

Premium processing is available through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), offering adjudication within 15 calendar days for an additional fee, unless further evidence is requested.

Family Members

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany or join the E-3 visa holder in the U.S. Spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization, regardless of their nationality, and may work for any U.S. employer. Children may attend school but are not permitted to work under this status.

Path to Permanent Residency

Although the E-3 visa is classified as a temporary, nonimmigrant visa, individuals may later pursue permanent residency through an employment-based green card category, such as the EB-3. A change of intent must be carefully managed, as the E-3 is not a dual intent visa.

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