Article
6 min read
E-3 Visa for Australians: How to Live and Work in the US
Immigration
Author
Jemima Owen-Jones
Published
September 16, 2024
Last Update
December 11, 2024
Table of Contents
What is the E-3 visa?
Benefits of the E-3 visa
Eligibility requirements for the E-3 visa
How to apply for the E-3 visa
Fast-track your E-3 visa with Deel
Key takeaways
- The E-3 visa offers Australian citizens a unique pathway to work in specialty occupations in the US, with benefits like family inclusion and unlimited renewals.
- Applicants must secure a job offer in a specialty occupation and obtain an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor.
- Deel Immigration is the leading US immigration provider, with an approval rate of over 90%. Our team of in-house immigration experts is ready to fast-track your E-3 visa application.
Australia is home to many ambitious professionals looking towards the United States to advance their careers. However, navigating the complexities of US immigration can be daunting.
Enter the E-3 visa: an exclusive opportunity for Australian citizens that provides a simplified, renewable pathway to work in specialty occupations in the US. With a 90%+ approval rate, Deel Immigration knows the ins and outs of this visa and can help you through the process.
This article outlines eligibility, application steps, and essential tips to ensure a smooth E-3 visa experience. With Deel’s support, you’ll embark on this journey with clarity and confidence, turning your career aspirations into reality.
What is the E-3 visa?
The E-3 visa is a unique nonimmigrant visa designed exclusively for Australian citizens to support their employment in specialty occupations within the United States. It requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge.
Introduced under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the E-3 visa aims to strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries, as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
E-3 visa holders are authorized to work in the US for the sponsoring employer. The visa is valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely, allowing extended US employment opportunities.
Is your employer unable to sponsor your visa? Deel’s EOR visa sponsorship service provides a simple and accelerated solution to visa sponsorship. Businesses can hire and sponsor your visa (even without a US entity) for a streamlined and hands-off visa procurement process.
Deel Immigration
Benefits of the E-3 visa
The key benefits of the E-3 visa include the following:
- Exclusive to Australians: This visa is available only to Australian citizens and their dependents, ensuring a unique pathway to the US job market
- Family inclusion: Spouses and children of E-3 visa holders can accompany them, with spouses eligible to work without obtaining separate work authorization
- Unlimited renewals: The E-3 visa can be renewed indefinitely, providing stability and long-term employment prospects
- No lottery: Unlike the H-1B visa, the E-3 does not require a lottery, simplifying the application process. There is, however, a cap of 10,500 visas per year but it’s rarely met
See also: Worldwide Visa Support for Dependents: A Guide for Businesses
Eligibility requirements for the E-3 visa
To be eligible for the E-3 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be Australian citizens. You must have evidence of valid Australian citizenship, such as an Australian passport
- Job offer: Applicants need a job offer from a US employer in a specialty occupation. There is no definitive list of specialty occupations that are eligible for the E-3 visa. The position should generally require a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. In general, three years of professional experience may be used as a substitute for one year of university-level education, which means 12 -years of working experience can serve as a substitute for a Bachelor’s degree. You would need to provide evidence of your work experience, which will then be evaluated through a credentials evaluation service for degree equivalency.
With Deel Immigration, preparing evidence is easy. Deel onboards applicants onto the user-friendly platform. You’ll be assigned a case manager and asked to provide your personal details and upload any supporting documentation to the platform.
- Labor condition application (LCA): The employer must file an LCA with the Department of Labor, which is considered equivalent to the process required for the H-1B visa
Not sure if you’re eligible? Reach out to our team. We’ll determine whether you qualify for an E-3 visa in the US. Once this check is complete, your employer will receive a breakdown of costs and timelines before the visa application process can begin.
How to apply for the E-3 visa
To apply for the E-3 visa, applicants and their employers must undertake the following steps:
- Step 1: Secure a job offer: The job must qualify as a specialty occupation, which typically requires advanced knowledge and a bachelor's degree
- Step 2: Employer Files LCA: The LCA must be approved by the Department of Labor, ensuring that employment terms meet regulatory standards
- Step 3: Gather necessary documents: Essential documents include a valid passport, academic or work experience evidence, the job offer letter, and the LCA
- Step 4: Schedule a visa interview: Applicants should book an interview at a US consulate or embassy in Australia
- Step 5: Attend the visa interview: The interview focuses on verifying the applicant's qualifications and intent to return to Australia
Note: If you are already in the US on another visa, your employer could submit an E-3 petition for you with USCIS. If you were admitted in ESTA, you cannot change to E-3 status from within the US. In addition, if you are admitted on B-1/B-2, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to change your status to E-3 while in the US. In both cases, you will need to leave the US and apply for E-3 at a US embassy or consulate.
Accelerate your visa application with Deel's fast-track support. Our immigration experts handle sponsorship, application, and compliance efficiently. Upload documents securely on our platform, reducing paperwork. Track your visa status in real-time and access on-demand assistance for a smooth, worry-free process.
The [Deel Immigration] team always responds quickly. I could get ahold of the team ASAP whenever I had any issues to discuss with them. Also, the team members are very kind while working on your case. I can tell that they put themselves in your shoes to prepare the best petition.
—Jason Wu,
DeFiner
Fast-track your E-3 visa with Deel
The E-3 visa offers a streamlined path for Australian professionals to live and work in the US, with benefits like family inclusion and unlimited renewals.
Deel Immigration is transforming the immigration process, offering candidates a premier experience that blends cutting-edge technology with human touch, ensuring a transparent and smooth immigration journey.
Deel’s user-friendly platform offers self-serve functionality, an application status timeline, real-time status updates, access to a dedicated case manager, and exclusive relocation services, keeping you well-informed and supported at every turn.
Connect with the Deel immigration team today to expedite your visa process and kickstart your US adventure.
FAQs
Can I change employers on an E-3 visa?
Yes, but a new LCA and visa application may be required.
How long does the E-3 visa process take?
Typically, a few months from application to approval.
Can I study in the US while on an E-3 visa?
Yes, part-time study is permissible.
What happens if I lose my job while on an E-3 visa?
You may need to find another employer or depart the United States to avoid violating visa conditions.
About the author
Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.
