Everything to Know About E3 Visa Requirements
Are you an Australian dreaming of working and living in the United States? If so, you're in luck because there's a visa tailored just for you: the E3 visa. Designed exclusively for Australians, the E3 visa offers an opportunity to live and work in the United States by utilising your specific skill set. Trust me - I know how daunting the USA visa process can be as you try and wade through the requirements and application. Fear not! In this blog, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the E3 visa, ensuring a smooth journey toward your American dream!
What is the E3 Visa?
The E3 visa is a non-immigrant visa available exclusively to citizens of Australia who wish to work in a specialty occupation in the United States. It was established in 2005 as part of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, providing Australians with a unique pathway to pursue employment opportunities in the USA.
E3 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an E3 visa, applicants must meet the following E3 visa requirements:
Australian Citizenship: Only citizens of Australia are eligible for the E3 visa.
Offer of Employment: Applicants must have a legitimate offer of employment from a US employer for a position that qualifies as a ’specialty occupation.’
Specialty Occupation: The job offered must require specialised knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
Labour Condition Application (LCA): Before applying for the E3 visa, the employer must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor, attesting to the terms and conditions of employment, including wage levels and working conditions.
Educational Qualification or Equivalent Experience: While a bachelor's degree is the standard requirement for most specialty occupations, equivalent work experience may be accepted in some cases.
Non-Immigrant Intent: Applicants must demonstrate their intent to return to Australia once their E3 status expires. This can be done by providing evidence of ties to Australia, such as bank accounts, property ownership, family relationships, or employment prospects.
E3 Visa Application Process
The process of obtaining an E3 visa involves several steps:
Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a US employer for a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation.
Labour Condition Application (LCA): The employer must file an LCA with the Department of Labor, certifying that the employment of the Australian worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of US workers.
Form DS-160: Complete the online non-immigrant visa application form (Form DS-160) and pay the visa application fee. As of May 2024, the visa fee is USD 315. You can find visa service fees here.
Interview: Schedule and attend a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate in Australia. During the interview, be prepared to provide documentation supporting your eligibility for the E3 visa, including the job offer letter, educational credentials, and evidence of ties to Australia.
Visa Approval: If approved, you will receive your E3 visa, allowing you to enter the United States and commence employment with your sponsoring employer.
Benefits of the E3 Visa
The E3 visa offers several advantages for Australians wanting to work in the USA:
Renewable: The E3 visa is renewable indefinitely in two-year increments, providing long-term opportunities for employment in the United States.
Spouses and Dependents: Spouses of E3 visa holders are eligible for work authorisation in the US, and dependent children can attend school without obtaining separate student visas.
Portability: E3 visa holders have the flexibility to change employers within the same specialty occupation without having to apply for a new visa, provided certain conditions are met.
The E3 visa presents a fantastic opportunity for Australians to live and work in the United States. By understanding the E3 visa requirements and following the application process diligently, you can explore the chance of acquiring this visa for your work in the USA. As someone who has been granted this visa several times, it truly is a unique and exciting opportunity for Australians to work in America. So, if you're ready to turn your American dream into reality, start preparing your application for the E3 visa today!
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