An E3 visa is a U.S. work visa that is offered only to Australians. To obtain an E3 visa, an Australian must demonstrate Australian nationality, and that he or she has an offer to work in the U.S. in a “specialty occupation.” Generally, “specialty occupation” is understood to mean a job that requires a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent in education and/or experience) in a specific discipline. The visa applicant also must establish that his education and/or experience is equivalent to the minimum job requirements for the offered U.S. position.
After this eligibility has been established, the employer files a “Labor Condition Application” (“LCA”) with the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”), through which it informs the government of the salary it will pay the E3 visa holder relative to its similarly situated U.S. employees. DOL can take up to 7 business days to review an LCA, which will be valid for no more than two years. Once the LCA is approved, it can be sent to the employee along with a letter of introduction and any other supplementary materials deemed necessary, so that the prospective employee can complete the formal application for his or her visa (and “E3D” dependent visas for family, if applicable) at a U.S. consular section abroad.
At the consular section, the applicant and any relevant family members will present their documents, be fingerprinted, and undergo a brief interview. If the visa applications are approved, the fee for each E3 or E3D visa is currently U.S. $390. Each visa should be valid until the relevant Labor Condition Application expires. With an approved E3 visa, an Australian can enter the U.S. and begin working for his or her sponsoring U.S. employer. Spouses holding E3D visas are also eligible to apply for unrestricted work permits upon entering the U.S.