The E-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa specifically for Australian nationals who wish to work in the United States in a specialty occupation. This visa is similar to the H-1B visa but is available ex-clusively to Australian citizens. To qualify for the E-3 visa, applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field, and they must possess the necessary qualifications to fill the position. The E-3 visa is designed for indi-viduals in specialty occupations such as engineering, science, information technology, finance, and other skilled professions.
To apply for the E-3 visa, applicants must first obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. Once the LCA is approved, the applicant can proceed to complete Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmi-grant Visa Application, and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, applicants must provide a valid passport, evidence of their qualifications (including educational degrees and transcripts), proof of the job offer, and a copy of the approved LCA. Applicants may also need to provide other supporting documents, such as proof of prior em-ployment or any necessary professional licenses.
Upon approval, the E-3 visa is typically granted for a period of up to two years and can be ex-tended in two-year increments as long as the applicant continues to meet the visa requirements. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 can also accompany the E-3 visa holder to the U.S. under dependent status. The spouse of the E-3 visa holder is eligible to apply for work authorization. Given the detailed requirements and process for applying, it is recommended that applicants consult with an immigration attorney to ensure their application is accurate and com-plete.
