The E3 visa gives Australian nationals “special occupation” status in the United States. Qualifications to get the visa include being a citizen or national of Australia, having employment that requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and, if the job requires, holding a professional license.
Length of validity
The E3 visa remains valid for up to two years, with the option for indefinite renewal by the holder. This makes it a great option for someone who is looking to remain in the United States for a long time. Dependent spouses or children of E3 visa holders are granted E3D status. Annually, authorities allocate 10,500 of these visas, and as of this date, the numerical limitation has never been met.
Benefits of an E3 visa
E3 visas are exclusively for Australian nationals, with thousands available yearly and a more cost-effective application process than the H1B visa. For Australian residents interested in business immigration, the E3 serves as a more accessible and convenient option, allowing the dependent spouse and children to accompany the individual applying for the visa. Additionally, children can attend school in the United States.
The spouse of an individual applying for an E3 visa can apply for an employment authorization document (EAD), enabling them to work lawfully. This distinguishes the E3 visa for business immigration from the H1B, which, with some exceptions, does not permit the spouse to work.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this visa, a person has to be a citizen of Australia and show they have a legitimate offer for employment in the United States. They will also need to show that they will fill the position that qualifies them as a specialty occupation.
The E3 visa provides a unique opportunity for Australians who have a unique set of skills and education to work for a company in the United States. The limited number of people applying for this visa makes it worth investigating.
