E-3
VS
TN Canadians
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia
NAFTA Professionals from Canada
Profiles that typically qualify
Accountants, Computer analysts, Graphic designers, Pharmacists, Physical therapists, Engineers, Teachers, Lawyers, Environmental scientists
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
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.
You must be a citizen of Canada.
You must meet the educational credentials or work experience required under NAFTA for your profession, with a job offer that matches those qualifications. Professions eligible for this status include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
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.
Streamlined application process; you can apply directly at the border with a job offer letter.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
Required
Required
Validity period
2 years
3 years
Renewable
Indefinitely, 2-year increments
Indefinitely, 3-year increments
Without premium processing
2-3 months
Same day
With premium processing
No
Not available
Can spouse work
Yes
No
Disclaimers
-
-
Type
E-3
Nonimmigrant visa
TN Canadians
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
E-3
Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia
TN Canadians
NAFTA Professionals from Canada
Profiles that typically qualify
E-3
Accountants, Computer analysts, Graphic designers, Pharmacists, Physical therapists, Engineers, Teachers, Lawyers, Environmental scientists
TN Canadians
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
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.
TN Canadians
You must be a citizen of Canada.
You must meet the educational credentials or work experience required under NAFTA for your profession, with a job offer that matches those qualifications. Professions eligible for this status include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
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.
TN Canadians
Streamlined application process; you can apply directly at the border with a job offer letter.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
E-3
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
TN Canadians
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
E-3
Required
TN Canadians
Required
Validity period
E-3
2 years
TN Canadians
3 years
Renewable
E-3
Indefinitely, 2-year increments
TN Canadians
Indefinitely, 3-year increments
Without premium processing
E-3
2-3 months
TN Canadians
Same day
With premium processing
E-3
No
TN Canadians
Not available
Can spouse work
E-3
Yes
TN Canadians
No
Disclaimers
E-3
-
TN Canadians
-