1. E3 Visa Overview:
The E3 visa is designed for Australian citizens engaged in a "specialty occupation" in the United States. To qualify, applicants must be Australian citizens, have a job offer requiring at least a bachelor's degree, possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and, if necessary, hold a professional license. E3 status is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Dependents (spouses and children) of E3 visa holders can obtain E3D status. The annual limit for this visa is 10,500, a quota that has never been reached.
2. Benefits of E3 Visa:
- Exclusively available to Australian nationals.
- Annual quota of 10,500 visas.
- More cost-effective and less competitive than the H1B visa.
- Accessible and convenient for Australian citizens.
- Dependents (spouse and children) can accompany the visa holder.
- Spouses can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work.
- Visa is renewable every 2 years.
3. E3 Visa Requirements:
- Assignment in a "specialty occupation" requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
- Possession of appropriate qualifications for the job.
- Australian citizenship.
- Certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor (DOL).
- Intent to depart the U.S. upon termination of status.
4. E3 Visa Process:
- Two options: apply at a U.S. consulate abroad or file a change of status if already in the U.S.
- Regardless of the process, complete a Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- Satisfy all E3 Visa requirements listed earlier.
- Prepare necessary documents and submit them accordingly.
a. Applying for E3 Visa Abroad:- Submit Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). - Schedule a meeting with a U.S. consular officer. - Attend the interview with relevant documents.
b. Applying for E3 Inside the U.S.:- File a "change of status" petition. - Submit Form G-28, Form I-129, a copy of the biographic page(s) of the Australian passport, a copy of I-94, and pay the required fees.
5. E3 Visa Processing Time:
- Processing times vary based on whether a change of status or a visa application is filed.
- Change of status petitions typically take 4 to 8 months.
- Visa application processing times depend on the consulate's availability and can range from days to weeks.
6. Documents Required for E3 Visa:
- Labor Condition Application.
- U.S. Company Statement of Support.
- Copies of educational degrees, including transcripts and education evaluation.
- Resume.
- Official job offer.
- Professional licenses (if applicable).
- Experience letters.
- Passports for the applicant and any dependents.
- Documents demonstrating family relationships.
- Prior U.S. visa paperwork (if applicable).
7. E3 Visa Forms:
- DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Form I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
- Form G-28: Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.
8. E3 Visa Fees:
- Immigration lawyer legal fee (varies).
- E3 Visa Fee: $205.
- EAD Fee: $410.
- I-129 Fee: $460.
- Visa Processing (E3 Visa) Fee: $205.
- Change or Extension Status (I-129) Fee: $460.
9. E3 Visa Interview Questions:
- Qualifications.
- Role with the U.S. company.
- Ties to both Australia and the United States.
10. After Getting E3 Visa:
- Enter the U.S. with passport, E3 visa, and approved LCA copy.
- 10-day entry window before and after approved stay with no work permitted.
- Visa is valid for up to two years with unlimited renewals.
- Maintain legal E3 status through updates for worksite or employer changes.
- If employment ends before expected date, stay until status ends or 60 days, whichever is shorter, without working.
The E3 visa is an advantageous option for Australian citizens, offering various benefits. Understanding its requirements, application process, and post-approval considerations is essential. For further queries, contact US
