E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa Services

What is an E-3 Visa?

The E-3 visa is a specialized work visa category created exclusively for Australian citizens. Established in 2005 under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, the E-3 visa allows Australian professionals to work in the United States in "specialty occupations" that require theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

The E-3 visa is similar to the H-1B visa but offers several advantages for Australian citizens, including a separate annual quota, simplified application procedures, and more flexibility for renewals.

E-3 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an E-3 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of Australia
• Have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation
• Possess the necessary qualifications for the specialty occupation (typically at least a bachelor's degree in the specific field)
• The position must qualify as a "specialty occupation"
• The employer must pay the prevailing wage for the position in the geographic area of employment
• Maintain an intention to depart the U.S. upon termination of status (though this can be renewed)

What Qualifies as a "Specialty Occupation"?

A specialty occupation for E-3 purposes is defined as a position that:

• Requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge
• Requires at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific specialty
• The degree requirement is common in the industry for similar positions, or the job is so complex or unique that it can only be performed by someone with a degree

Common specialty occupations include but are not limited to:

• IT professionals and software engineers
• Financial analysts and economists
• Engineers (various disciplines)
• Scientists and researchers
• Management consultants
• Architects
• Healthcare professionals
• Lawyers and legal professionals
• Teachers and professors at higher education institutions

Advantages of the E-3 Visa

The E-3 visa offers several distinct advantages for Australian professionals:

• Separate annual quota of 10,500 visas exclusively for Australians (rarely reached)
• Lower application fees compared to H-1B visas
• Faster processing times
• Ability to apply directly at U.S. consulates without prior USCIS approval
• Two-year initial period of stay with unlimited two-year extensions
• Spouses of E-3 visa holders may apply for work authorization
• Children under 21 can attend school in the U.S.
• Premium processing not required due to generally faster regular processing

The E-3 Visa Application Process

The E-3 visa application process typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Labor Condition Application (LCA)

The U.S. employer must first file a Labor Condition Application (Form ETA-9035) with the Department of Labor. The LCA attests that:

• The employer will pay the prevailing wage for the position
• The working conditions will not adversely affect other similarly employed workers
• There is no strike or lockout in progress
• Notice of the LCA has been provided to other workers

Processing time for the LCA is typically 5 business days.

Step 2: E-3 Visa Application

Once the LCA is certified, you can apply for the E-3 visa directly at a U.S. consulate. This involves:

1. Completing the online visa application (Form DS-160)
2. Paying the visa application fee
3. Scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in Australia or another country
4. Attending the interview with required documentation

Required Documentation

For your E-3 visa application, you should prepare:

• Valid Australian passport
• Certified LCA from the Department of Labor
• Evidence of academic or professional qualifications
• Detailed job offer letter or employment contract
• Letter from the employer describing the position and how it qualifies as a specialty occupation
• Evidence of academic credentials (degree certificates, transcripts)
• Resume or CV
• Evidence of ties to Australia (to demonstrate intent to return)

Changing Status to E-3

If you're already legally in the United States in another status, you may apply to change your status to E-3 by filing Form I-129 with USCIS. However, this process typically takes longer than applying at a consulate abroad.

Our E-3 Visa Services

JZ Law Group provides comprehensive legal services for the E-3 visa process, including:

• Evaluating eligibility for E-3 classification
• Assisting employers with the Labor Condition Application process
• Preparing detailed support letters and application packages
• Advising on evidence to demonstrate the specialty occupation and your qualifications
• Providing guidance on consular processing procedures
• Assisting with change of status applications for those already in the U.S.
• Helping with E-3 extensions and renewals
• Advising on E-3D dependent visas and work authorization for spouses
• Counseling on long-term immigration options beyond the E-3 status

Why Choose JZ Law Group for Your E-3 Case

Our firm has extensive experience helping Australian professionals secure E-3 visas to work in the United States. We understand the unique requirements and advantages of this visa category and can guide you through the process efficiently.

We work closely with both Australian professionals and U.S. employers to develop strong applications that clearly demonstrate the specialty occupation nature of the position and your qualifications for it. Our goal is to make your transition to working in the United States as smooth as possible.