E-3 Visas (Australian Professionals)

The E-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa specifically designed for Australian professionals who wish to work in the United States. It is a dual-intent visa, meaning that the holder can both work in the US and also have the intention of eventually becoming a permanent resident.

To be eligible for an E-3 visa, an applicant must have a job offer from a US employer in a specialty occupation, which is defined as a profession that requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. The applicant must also have the necessary education and/or work experience to qualify for the position.

The E-3 visa allows the holder to work in the US for up to two years, and it can be renewed indefinitely in two-year increments as long as the individual continues to work in their specialty occupation. Spouses and children of E-3 visa holders are also eligible to come to the US on E-3 dependent visas.

One of the benefits of the E-3 visa is that it is relatively easy to obtain compared to other work visas, such as the H-1B. There is no annual cap on the number of E-3 visas that can be issued, and the application process is generally less cumbersome than other work visas.

Overall, the E-3 visa is a useful option for Australian professionals who want to work in the US, especially if they are in a specialty occupation that requires a bachelor's degree or higher. It allows the holder to work in the US for an extended period of time and also gives them the option to eventually apply for permanent residency.