E-3 Visa Services

The E-3 visa is a unique nonimmigrant visa available exclusively to Australian citizens seeking to work in the United States in a specialty occupation. Created specifically for Australian professionals, the E-3 visa offers a valuable pathway to live and work in the U.S. while pursuing career opportunities with U.S. employers.

At PSBP Law, our experienced immigration attorneys help Australian professionals, employers, and families navigate every stage of the E-3 visa application process. Whether you are applying for an initial E-3 visa, renewing your status, changing employers, or bringing your spouse and children to the United States, our legal team can provide the guidance you need.

The E-3 visa is a temporary work visa available only to Australian citizens who will be employed in a specialty occupation in the United States. Similar to the H-1B visa, the E-3 visa requires the position to typically require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field.

Unlike many other employment-based visas, the E-3 visa offers several advantages, including:

• Exclusive availability to Australian citizens
• Renewable two-year periods of stay
• No annual lottery system
• Ability for spouses to work without having to apply for a separate work authorization
• Relatively streamlined application process

For many Australian professionals, the E-3 visa provides one of the most accessible pathways to work legally in the United States.

To qualify for an E-3 visa, applicants generally must:

• Be a citizen of Australia
• Have a legitimate job offer from a U.S. employer
• Work in a specialty occupation position
• Possess the necessary educational qualifications or equivalent experience
• Meet all applicable licensing requirements for the profession
• Intend to work only for the sponsoring employer

Because eligibility requirements can vary based on the specific occupation and employer, consulting with an experienced E-3 visa lawyer can help ensure your application is properly prepared.

The E-3 visa application process typically includes several important steps:

Step 1: Secure a Qualifying Job Offer

The U.S. employer must offer a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation.

Step 2: Obtain a Certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)

The employer must submit a Labor Condition Application to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Applicants must gather evidence demonstrating eligibility, including educational credentials, employment documentation, and other supporting materials.

Step 4: Apply for the E-3 Visa

Eligible applicants may apply through a U.S. consulate abroad or, in some situations, seek a change of status within the United States.

Our E-3 visa attorneys assist clients throughout the entire application process to help avoid delays and unnecessary complications.

E-3 visa processing times vary depending on factors such as:

• Consular appointment availability
• Government processing workloads
• Application completeness
• Requests for additional evidence

Many applicants can benefit from careful preparation and legal review before filing to minimize avoidable delays.

If you have questions regarding current E-3 visa processing times, our immigration team can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.

U.S. employers seeking to hire Australian professionals through the E-3 visa program must satisfy specific sponsorship requirements.

Employers generally must:

• Offer a qualifying specialty occupation position
• Pay the required prevailing wage
• File and maintain a compliant Labor Condition Application
• Follow applicable federal employment regulations

Our attorneys assist both employers and employees in meeting E-3 visa sponsorship requirements and maintaining compliance throughout the employment relationship.

Certain family members may accompany an E-3 visa holder to the United States.

Eligible dependents generally include:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children under 21 years of age

One of the most attractive benefits of the E-3 category is that eligible spouses may obtain work authorization, allowing them to pursue employment opportunities while residing in the United States.

If you have questions regarding an E-3 spouse visa or E-3 dependent visa benefits, our team can help.

The E-3 visa is typically granted in two-year increments and may be renewed as long as eligibility requirements continue to be met.

Renewals often require careful planning to avoid interruptions in employment authorization and immigration status.

Our E-3 visa lawyers assist clients with:

• E-3 visa renewals
• Extensions of stay
• Employer changes
• Change of status requests
• Family-related immigration matters

Navigating U.S. immigration laws can be complex. At PSBP Law, we provide personalized legal guidance tailored to the needs of Australian professionals and their employers.

When you work with our firm, you receive:

• Experienced immigration representation
• Strategic case evaluation
• Comprehensive application support
• Ongoing communication throughout your case
• Dedicated assistance for employers and employees

Whether you are applying for an E-3 visa for the first time or seeking to renew your status, our team is ready to help.

If you are an Australian citizen interested in working in the United States, or an employer seeking to hire Australian talent, PSBP Law can help.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced E-3 visa attorney Chris Prescott at cprescott@psbplaw.com and learn more about your options under the E-3 visa program.