E-3
VS
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia
Profiles that typically qualify
Accountants, Computer analysts, Graphic designers, Pharmacists, Physical therapists, Engineers, Teachers, Lawyers, Environmental scientists
Requirements
You must be a citizen of Australia.
You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).
The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.
The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.
Pros
Easy renewal process with the option to extend stay.
Far less competitive than the H-1B visa, as it does not require an annual lottery.
Requires minimal applicant qualifications beyond a college degree or professional experience.
Cons
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
Sponsorship
Required
Validity period
2 years
Renewable
Indefinitely, 2-year increments
Without premium processing
2-3 months
With premium processing
No
Can spouse work
Yes
Disclaimers
-
Type
E-3
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
E-3
Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia
Profiles that typically qualify
E-3
Accountants, Computer analysts, Graphic designers, Pharmacists, Physical therapists, Engineers, Teachers, Lawyers, Environmental scientists
Requirements
E-3
You must be a citizen of Australia.
You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).
The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.
The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.
Pros
E-3
Easy renewal process with the option to extend stay.
Far less competitive than the H-1B visa, as it does not require an annual lottery.
Requires minimal applicant qualifications beyond a college degree or professional experience.
Cons
E-3
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
Sponsorship
E-3
Required
Validity period
E-3
2 years
Renewable
E-3
Indefinitely, 2-year increments
Without premium processing
E-3
2-3 months
With premium processing
E-3
No
Can spouse work
E-3
Yes
Disclaimers
E-3
-