E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation Visa (USA)

The E-3 Visa is a non-immigrant work visa designed exclusively for citizens of Australia who wish to work in the United States in a specialty occupation. This visa closely mirrors the H-1B program but offers unique benefits such as renewable status, spouse work rights, and a streamlined process.

Key Features of the E-3 Visa:

• Eligibility: Available exclusively to Australian citizens who are entering the U.S. to perform work in a specialty occupation. The position must require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Employer Sponsorship: Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them. The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor and provide an approved Form ETA-9035 to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Qualifications: The applicant must hold the required educational degree or demonstrate equivalent professional experience relevant to the occupation.
• Duration: The E-3 visa is generally granted for an initial period of up to two years and can be renewed indefinitely in two-year increments, provided the individual continues to meet eligibility requirements.
• Spouse and Dependents: E-3 holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children (under 21) under the E-3D dependent visa. Notably, E-3D spouses are eligible to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), allowing them to work for any U.S. employer.
• Application Process: The applicant must attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Australia. Required documents include the job offer letter, LCA approval, degree transcripts, and proof of Australian citizenship.
• Wages and Working Conditions: Employers must pay at least the prevailing wage for the occupation and maintain compliance with U.S. labor standards as outlined by the Department of Labor.
• Occupational Mobility: E-3 visa holders may change employers, but the new employer must file a new LCA and obtain approval before employment begins.
• Transition to Permanent Residency: Although the E-3 is a non-immigrant visa, holders may pursue lawful permanent residency (Green Card) through other employment-based or family-sponsored immigration pathways.

The E-3 visa offers a faster and more flexible alternative to the H-1B for Australian professionals. At Visa2Migrate, we guide both employers and applicants through the process — from LCA filing and document preparation to consular interviews and renewals — ensuring complete compliance with U.S. immigration requirements.