The E-3 Visa: What is it? Everything You Need to Know

E-3 Visa for Australians in a Specialty Occupation

The E-3 visa is a specialized, nonimmigrant U.S. work visa exclusively for Australian citizens. Created under the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, it allows professionals to work in a specialty occupation—a role requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field.

Crucially, E-3 spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization upon arrival. All applications require a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. employer.

 U.S. nonimmigrant work visa reserved for Australian nationals employed in a specialty occupation — that is, a position that typically requires a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field. The E-3 provides a flexible way for Australian professionals to work in the U.S. for an employer sponsor, usually in two-year increments that can be renewed. Therefore, it’s an attractive option for Australians who meet the specialty-occupation and credential requirements but want a non-H-1B pathway.

Key features & eligibility

• Nationality: only Australian citizens are eligible.
• Specialty occupation: job must require a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and the beneficiary must have the required credential.
• Cap: E-3 is subject to an annual numerical cap.
• Duration & renewals: typically issued in two-year increments and renewable while employment and eligibility continue.
• Dependents: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the beneficiary; spouses may seek work authorization.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA): the employer generally files an ETA-9035 LCA with DOL before visa application.

Practical steps to apply

1. Employer prepares the LCA and posts required notices.
2. Collect evidence: job offer, degrees/transcripts, experience letters, credential evaluations if needed.
3. Consular processing: apply at a U.S. consulate or seek change of status through USCIS if eligible.
4. Entry & status: upon approval, enter the U.S. and begin work; renewals follow similar steps.

FAQs (short)

Q: Can an E-3 holder change employers?
A: Yes — a new employer must complete the LCA and the worker must obtain authorization for employment with the new sponsor.

Q: Can E-3 lead to a green card?
A: E-3 is nonimmigrant, but beneficiaries can pursue immigrant filings (PERM/I-140) where appropriate; discuss strategy with counsel.

How we help

We evaluate specialty-occupation risk, prepare LCA and visa documentation, assist with consular packets or change-of-status filings, and advise on dependent work-authority and immigrant-pathway options. Request an E-3 checklist or a consular cover letter .