E-3 Australians in a Specialty Occupation

The E-3 is a new visa category only for Australians going to the U.S. to work temporarily in a specialty occupation.  The reason only Australians are eligible for this type of visa is that the legislation limited the E-3 to nationals of Australia.

The new E-3 visa classification currently applies only to nationals of Australia as well as their spouses and children. To qualify for an E-3 visa you must demonstrate that:

• You have a legitimate offer of employment in the U.S.
• The position you are coming to fill qualifies as specialty occupation employment
• Are an Australian citizen
• You have the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials
• Your stay will be temporary
• If required before you may commence employment in the specialty occupation, that you have the necessary license or other official permission to practice in the specialty occupation
• An approved Labor Condition Application is required and no more than 10,500 E-3 visas can be issued per year

Note: E-3 principal applicants must be going to the U.S. solely to work in a specialty occupation. The spouse and children need not be Australian citizens.