FORMS: Form I-129 (in U.S.) or DS-160 (consular)
The E-3 visa is exclusive to Australian citizens for specialty occupation employment — analogous to the H-1B but with separate quota of 10,500 visas annually that has never been exhausted. The E-3 offers significant advantages over H-1B: no lottery, lower fees, faster consular processing, and spouse work authorization for E-3D dependents.
Applicant must be Australian citizen (not just resident); position must be specialty occupation requiring bachelor's degree in specific field; applicant must possess required degree or equivalent; certified LCA from DOL required; and applicant must intend to depart at end of stay (no formal dual intent, but renewable indefinitely).
Most common path: file directly at U.S. consulate (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) with DS-160, certified LCA, and supporting documents. Alternative: file Form I-129 in U.S. for change of status or extension.
Required: Australian citizenship; certified LCA; offer letter establishing specialty occupation; bachelor's degree credentials; and proof of intent to depart at end of stay.
Visa application fee; LCA filing free; Reciprocity fee per Australian schedule; Not subject to H-1B Proclamation $100,000 fee or H-1B registration fee.
Australian consular processing typically 1–4 weeks; Initial admission up to 2 years; Extensions in 2-year increments indefinitely.
We represent Australian professionals across technology, finance, healthcare, engineering, and academia. Our E-3 services include LCA preparation, specialty occupation analysis, spouse E-3D filings (with EAD), and transitions to H-1B or employment-based green cards.
If you're Australian and looking for U.S. specialty occupation employment, the E-3 is dramatically more accessible than the H-1B. Contact us for a streamlined E-3 strategy.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available | GreenCardMaker.com
