E-3
E-3 is a nonimmigrant category for Australian citizens with a US job offer in a specialty occupation. The role and the academic or equivalent qualifications must meet the category’s requirements.
Preparing an E-3 application
Preparation considers the offer, job description, professional credentials and applicable labor documentation. Professional licenses may be needed depending on the occupation. The stay is temporary and renewals depend on meeting the required conditions.
Specialty occupation and LCA
E-3 requires Australian citizenship, a legitimate job offer and a position requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree in the specialty or its equivalent. The applicant must demonstrate the necessary credentials. The employer obtains a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor, committing to wage and working condition requirements.
E-3: stay and extensions
Admission or a grant of E-3 status may be for up to two years, with extensions of up to two years at a time and generally no numerical limit on renewals. Each request must meet the requirements, including applicable labor documentation and the intent to depart the United States when the authorized period ends. Visa validity in the passport must not be confused with the authorized stay on Form I-94.
Family members of an E-3 holder
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal as dependents, subject to the applicable requirements. Spouses in valid E-3S status are employment authorized incident to status; an appropriate I-94 documents this condition, and an EAD may be requested as an alternative document. Dependent children do not receive work authorization through this status.
How the E-3 application works
With a job offer and certified LCA, the applicant may apply for an E-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, following that post’s instructions. Someone already in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status may consider a change to E-3 if eligible. A change of status and visa issuance are different procedures; documentation and strategy depend on the individual’s circumstances.
Annual cap and professional planning
The category has an annual cap of 10,500 new principal beneficiaries. Spouses and children do not count toward this cap, and eligible extensions follow their own rules. E-3 permits authorized temporary work; it does not automatically grant permanent residence. Planning should consider the job offer, professional documentation and continued compliance with status conditions.
How we can help
01 · Understand
Your history and goals guide the initial assessment and identification of relevant issues.
02 · Organize
The team identifies the information and evidence needed and explains the scope of the proposed work.
03 · Follow through
You receive guidance on the stages of our services and next steps, according to the agreed scope.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for an E-3 visa?
Australian citizens with a U.S. job offer in a specialty occupation and matching qualifications. Living in Australia or holding Australian permanent residence without citizenship does not meet the nationality requirement.
Can Brazilians with Australian citizenship apply?
Yes. Dual citizenship does not prevent an application. Australian citizenship must be demonstrated, together with the job offer, specialty occupation, qualifications and other E-3 conditions.
Do I need a job offer before applying for E-3?
Yes. The application depends on a legitimate offer for a specialty occupation and a certified LCA for the employment. It is not open authorization to arrive in the United States and work freely for any company.
Is a university degree required?
The occupation must require a bachelor’s degree in the specialty or its equivalent, and the applicant must demonstrate corresponding qualifications. Equivalency based on education and experience may be considered under the rules, but experience alone or an unrelated degree does not guarantee eligibility. Professional licenses may be required.
How long can I stay in E-3 status?
A stay may be granted for up to two years, with extensions of up to two years at a time. Generally, there is no fixed limit on renewals, but each application must meet the requirements. The I-94 period and the validity of the visa in the passport are not the same.
Does my family need Australian citizenship?
No. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible dependents even if they hold another nationality. The family relationship and the conditions of the dependent classification must be established.
Can my spouse work in the United States?
Spouses in valid E-3S status have employment authorization incident to status, evidenced by appropriate documentation such as the corresponding I-94. Dependent children do not receive employment authorization through this classification.
Does E-3 automatically grant a Green Card?
No. E-3 is temporary and requires the intention to leave the United States at the end of the authorized period. Any permanent residence requires a separate immigration basis and assessment; it does not follow automatically from employment or E-3 renewals.
Do I need to send documents when I first get in touch?
The team will explain which information is needed and the appropriate channel for sending private documents.
Can approval or a timeline be guaranteed?
No. Government decisions and processing times depend on the authorities and the circumstances of each case.
Information in context
Informational content. Eligibility, documentation and strategy depend on individual assessment and the rules applicable to the case.
Official reference ↗Department of Labor — E-3 program ↗