E-3 Visa for Australian Professionals

The E-3 classification is specifically for qualifying Australian nationals coming to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation.

It can be a valuable alternative for Australian professionals when the position and applicant satisfy the statutory requirements.

The Position Must Be a Specialty Occupation

The job must require highly specialized knowledge and the appropriate bachelor’s degree or higher in a directly related specialty, or its equivalent, under the applicable specialty-occupation framework.

The applicant must also possess the qualifications required for the position.

The Employer Has Obligations Too

The process includes a certified Labor Condition Application from the Department of Labor.

The employer must therefore consider the position, wage, worksite and related compliance obligations—not merely the worker’s credentials.

Applying From Abroad or From the United States

An Australian professional outside the United States can generally pursue the E-3 visa process through a U.S. consulate after the required LCA steps.

USCIS can also adjudicate qualifying change or extension of status requests from within the United States.

The Department of State identifies E-3 as the treaty-based specialty-occupation classification for Australian nationals.