Since the introduction of the E-3 visas, between 2,000-3,000 E-3 visas have been issued by US consulates to Australian professionals every year.
What is E-3 immigration status?
E-3 visa category: The E-3 visa allows citizens of Australia to work in the United States in specialty occupations (i.e. position must require at least a bachelor’s degree). Applying for the E-3 visa: The E-3 visa can be obtained inside the USA (through USCIS) or outside the USA (through a US consulate in Australia).
How long does it take to get a US visa in Australia?
When applying for a US visa from Australia, successful applications take no more than three to five workdays to get approved. Despite that, sometimes the application processing may take up to 6 months or even longer. Your passport will remain at the embassy while your application is being processed.
Can I study on an E-3 visa?
When you go to the US with an E3 visa, you are allowed to bring your dependents with you. Dependents of E3 visa holders are allowed to study in the US, and spouses are also allowed to work. Spouses can start employment by getting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Is there an E-3 visa for Australia?
An E-3 visa is a United States work visa exclusively for citizens of Australia. The E-3 visa came into being as an indirect, legislative offshoot of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) of 2005.
When did the E-3 visa come into effect?
The E-3 visa was enacted by section 501 of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief on May 11, 2005.
How to transfer an E-3 visa to the US?
If one is already in the US in the E-3 status and they want to transfer jobs in the US without making a trip abroad, they could file a petition in the US with a Service Center to transfer jobs.
Is there an annual quota for E-3 visas?
Australian citizens applying for an E-3 visa are also no longer subject to the 65,000 annual visa limit for H-1B visas; although there is a separate annual quota of 10,500 E-3 visas, this is believed to be much more generous to Australians than requiring them to compete with all other nations for H-1B visas.
