E-3 Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia
Work in the United States with an E-3 visa for Australian citizens in specialty occupations.
Book a 30 min consultation and have an immigration lawyer advise you on your options based on your individual circumstances.
The E-3 Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia nonimmigrant visa category allows you to work in the United States for up to two years and extend your stay in two increments. You must be coming to the US solely to perform services in a specialty occupation that requires the “theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge” and the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the US. Your spouse and children under 21 can come with you on E-3 dependent visas. Plus, you’ll all be free to travel in and out of the country while your visa is valid.
E3 Visa Benefits
- The E-3 visa allows you to work in the United States for up to two years, with the option to extend your stay in two-year increments.
- Your spouse and children under 21 years of age can come with you to the United States on E-3 dependent visas.
- E-3 visa holders are permitted to travel in and out of the United States during the validity of their visa.
E3 Visa Basic Requirements
To sponsor an employee for an E-3 visa, an employer must:
- Offer a full-time position to the employee in a specialty occupation.
- Pay the employee the prevailing wage for the occupation.
- Meet all other requirements for employing foreign workers.
- Must file a Labour Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labour
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E3 Visa Requirements for Employees
To be eligible for an E-3 visa, you must:
- Be a citizen of Australia.
- Have a job offer from a US employer in a specialty occupation.
- Possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials for the position.
- Meet the English language requirement.
- Have a genuine intention to work in your specialty occupation in the United States.
E3 Visa Application Process
To apply for an E-3 Visa, you will need to follow the following steps:
- Obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer in a qualifying profession
- Have the employer file a petition with the USCIS
- If the petition is approved, apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country
E3 Visa Processing Times
The processing times for E-3 visas can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications being processed and the complexity of your application. It is a good idea to check the current processing times on the US Department of State website to get an idea of how long your application may take.
E3 Visa Processing Fees
For up-to-date fee information, please visit the US Department of State Website.
If you have any questions about the E3 Visa application process or are ready to start your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to complete the process successfully.
Questions? Answers.
Yes, you are allowed to change jobs while on an E-3 visa as long as the new job is in a specialty occupation and meets all other E-3 requirements.
The E-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means it is not a pathway to permanent residence (a green card). However, you may be able to apply for a green card through a different immigration process while you are in the United States on an E-3 visa.
Yes, you are allowed to work for multiple employers while on an E-3 visa as long as each employer meets the requirements for employing foreign workers and the job is in a specialty occupation.
Yes, you are allowed to study while on an E-3 visa as long as it does not interfere with your work in a specialty occupation. If you want to pursue a full-time course of study, you may need to apply for a student visa (F-1).
Yes, you are allowed to volunteer while on an E-3 visa as long as it does not interfere with your work in a specialty occupation and you are not receiving any compensation for your volunteer work.
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