E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa for Australian

E-3 Visa The E-3 visa allows for the admission of a national of the Commonwealth of Australia and who is entering the UNITED STATES to perform services in a “specialty occupation.” Please note, Permanent Residents of Australia do not qualify for the E-3 visa.

The definition of “specialty occupation” is one that requires:

  • A theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge; and
  • The attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

Although there is no definitive list of occupations eligible for the E-3 visa, a useful general guide for applicants to check if their occupation might be considered a graduate specialty profession and thus might be eligible for an E-3 visa, is the Occupational Information Network website O*NET Online.

E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa holders may be admitted initially for a period not to exceed the validity period of the accompanying E-3 labor attestation (i.e., for a maximum of two years), and extensions of stay may be granted indefinitely in increments not to exceed the validity period of the accompanying E-3 labor attestation (i.e., for increments of up to two years each).

E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa holders may enter the United States up to 10 days prior to the commencement of their employment.

Certain family members may also accompany the E-3 visa holder as dependents. An E-3 visa holder may be accompanied or followed by spouses and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age.  Notably, their nationalities do not need to be the same as that of the E-3 visa holder. Spouses of E-3 visa holders can apply for work authorization.

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