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E-3 Visa - Australian Specialty Occupation Workers

Exclusively for Australian nationals seeking temporary employment in specialty occupations with indefinitely renewable two-year stays

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10,500

Annual E-3 Cap
(Rarely Reached)

Indefinite

Total Maximum
Duration

Australia

Only Eligible
Country

Work Authorized

Spouse Can
Work (E-3D)

E-3 Visa Overview

The E-3 visa is a non-immigrant classification created specifically for Australian citizens to work in the U.S. in specialty occupations. Unlike the H-1B, this visa is not subject to the annual lottery and is reliably available year-round.

E3 Visa Australian Professionals

No Lottery

Cap rarely reached

Key Advantages of the E-3 Visa

No Lottery System

Unlike H-1B, E-3 visas are available year-round without lottery uncertainty

Indefinite Renewals

Can be extended indefinitely in two-year increments

Spouse Work Authorization

E-3D spouses automatically authorized to work without separate EAD

Faster Processing

Direct consular processing without USCIS petition for initial applications

E-3 vs H-1B: Why E-3 is Better for Australians

Australian nationals have a significant advantage with the E-3 visa

Feature E-3 (Australians Only) H-1B (All Countries)
Annual Cap 10,500 (Rarely Reached) 85,000 (Always Exceeded)
Lottery Required No Lottery Yes, Competitive
Initial Processing Direct consular application USCIS petition required first
Spouse Work Authorization Automatic (E-3D) Limited (H-4 EAD)
Duration 2 years (renewable indefinitely) 3 years (max 6 years total)
Extensions Unlimited Up to 6 Years
Availability Year-round Once per year (April)

E-3 Visa Requirements

Applicant Requirements

  • Must be a national of Australia (citizenship required)
  • Position must qualify as a specialty occupation
  • Possess necessary bachelor's degree or higher in specific specialty
  • Have a legitimate job offer from U.S. employer
  • Demonstrate nonimmigrant intent to depart U.S. after temporary stay
  • Meet all educational/credential requirements for the position

Employer Requirements

  • Obtain approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from DOL
  • Pay at least the prevailing wage for the position
  • Provide detailed job description showing specialty occupation
  • Maintain working conditions that won't adversely affect U.S. workers
  • Provide employment letter with job details and duration
Specialty Occupation Definition:

Position requiring theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge and bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty (or equivalent).

E-3 Application Process

A streamlined process compared to H-1B

1

Labor Condition Application (LCA)

U.S. employer files Form ETA-9035 with Department of Labor:

  • Certifies intent to pay prevailing wage
  • Confirms working conditions won't adversely affect U.S. workers
  • Typically approved within 7 days
Timeline: 7 days

2

Visa Application (DS-160)

Australian applicant completes online application:

  • Complete Form DS-160 online
  • Pay visa application fee ($315)
  • Schedule interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate
  • Gather required documentation
No USCIS petition required!

3

Consular Interview

Attend interview with required documents:

  • Valid Australian passport
  • Approved LCA from employer
  • Employment letter with job details
  • Educational credentials and diplomas
  • Resume/CV

4

Visa Approval & Entry

Receive E-3 visa stamp in passport and travel to U.S. E-3 status granted for up to 2 years initially, renewable indefinitely. Can begin work immediately upon entry.

Family & Dependents (E-3D Status)

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the E-3 visa holder are eligible for E-3D dependent status. Dependents do not need to be Australian citizens.

Spouse Employment

Spouses are automatically employment authorized incident to status and can work anywhere in the U.S. without separate EAD application

Children's Education

Children may attend school in the U.S. but are not authorized to work under E-3D status

Same Duration

E-3D status granted for same period as principal E-3 holder

Any Nationality

Dependents don't need to be Australian citizens

Major Advantage Over H-1B:

Unlike H-4 dependents who need separate EAD applications with lengthy processing times, E-3D spouses can work immediately upon entry without additional paperwork!

Bring Your Family

E-3D status ensures your family can join you with excellent benefits

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Duration and Renewals

Initial Period

E-3 status is granted for an initial period of up to 2 years

Extensions

Can be extended indefinitely in 2-year increments with no maximum limit

Renewal Process

Can renew at consulate or through USCIS Form I-129 petition

No Maximum Duration!

Unlike H-1B which has a 6-year maximum (unless green card is in process), E-3 status can be maintained indefinitely as long as you continue to meet all requirements and maintain nonimmigrant intent.

Ready to Start Your E-3 Visa Application?

As an Australian citizen, you have access to one of the best work visas available for the United States. Our expert team can guide you through the LCA process and consular application to secure your E-3 visa quickly and efficiently.

No Lottery Uncertainty

Available year-round

Spouse Can Work

Automatic E-3D authorization

Indefinite Renewals

No maximum time limit

Fast Processing

Direct consular application

Get Your Free E-3 Assessment

  • Verify Australian citizenship eligibility
  • Assess specialty occupation qualification
  • Review educational credentials
  • Plan LCA and application strategy
Schedule Free Consultation

For Australian nationals only • No lottery • Fast processing

Explore Other Visa Options

H1B Visa

For specialty occupation workers in various fields (all nationalities)

Learn More

O1A Visa

For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field

Learn More

EB2-NIW

Green card for professionals in national interest (no employer needed)

Learn More

EB Filing Experts

Dallas-based immigration specialists focused on Employment-Based green cards and work visas.

info@ebfilingexperts.com +1 (214) 679-6818 Dallas, TX 75234

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