United States • Immigration Consulting
The E-3 visa is a non-immigrant work visa exclusively available to Australian nationals. It allows Australians to work in the United States in specialty occupation positions, roles that require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field.
The E-3 was created under a bilateral agreement between Australia and the United States and offers significant advantages over the H-1B visa, including a dedicated annual allocation of 10,500 visas that is historically undersubscribed, no lottery requirement, and the ability to apply directly at a US consulate without a prior USCIS petition.
New World Immigration, with offices and expertise spanning both Australia and the United States, is uniquely positioned to guide Australian professionals through the E-3 application process from initial assessment through to consular interview and arrival.
The E-3 visa is designed exclusively for Australian citizens who have a specialty occupation job offer from a US employer.
We assess your qualifications and the job offer to confirm that the position qualifies as a specialty occupation and that your credentials meet the minimum requirements.
Your US employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor, attesting to prevailing wage compliance and working conditions.
We prepare all required documentation including the approved LCA, degree certificates, credential evaluations, employment offer letter, and supporting evidence.
Unlike the H-1B, the E-3 can be applied for directly at a US consulate or embassy in Australia, no prior USCIS petition is required. We prepare you for the consular interview.
You attend a visa interview at a US consulate. E-3 interviews are typically straightforward when documentation is properly prepared.
Upon approval, your E-3 visa is stamped and you may enter the United States to begin employment.
E-3 visas are issued in two-year increments with no limit on renewals. We assist with renewal applications to ensure continued compliance.
The E-3 is one of the most cost-effective US work visa options. Since it can be processed directly at a consulate, USCIS petition fees are typically not required.
The E-3 consular application fee is significantly lower than H-1B total fees. Employer pays LCA-related costs. Credential evaluation may be needed for non-US degrees.
The E-3 process is typically faster than the H-1B because it bypasses the USCIS petition stage and can be applied for directly at a consulate.
A job offer from a US employer is required for the E-3 visa. The employer must obtain an approved LCA and provide an offer letter confirming the specialty occupation role and compensation.
The employer does not need to file a USCIS petition, the E-3 is unique in allowing direct consular processing, which significantly simplifies the process for employers.
New World Immigration assists both Australian professionals and US employers in navigating the E-3 process, ensuring LCA compliance and proper documentation for a successful consular application.
The E-3 is exclusively for Australians, has a dedicated allocation of 10,500 visas (never fully used), can be applied for directly at a consulate without a USCIS petition, is issued in two-year increments with unlimited renewals, and is generally faster and less expensive to obtain.
No. The E-3 is available only to Australian citizens. Permanent residents of Australia who hold a different nationality are not eligible for the E-3 and would need to explore other visa categories such as the H-1B.
Yes. E-3D spouses may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and work for any US employer without restriction.
The E-3 is technically a non-immigrant visa. While pursuing a green card is possible, it requires careful planning as the E-3 has a non-immigrant intent requirement for consular renewal purposes. Many Australians successfully transition to green cards while on E-3 status.
No. The 10,500 annual E-3 allocation has never been fully utilised, so there is no lottery. Australians can apply at any time during the year without competing for limited slots.
Yes. Changing employers requires a new LCA from the new employer and a new E-3 visa stamp or change of status. The process is relatively straightforward compared to changing employers on an H-1B.
If you are an Australian professional with a specialty occupation job offer in the United States, the E-3 visa provides a fast, cost-effective, and largely uncapped pathway to work in the US.
Contact New World Immigration for expert guidance on your E-3 application, from LCA preparation through to consular interview coaching.