Employment-Based Immigration: E-3 Status

The E-3 visa allows Australian nationals to work for United States employers in professional occupations.

The E-3 visa hold similar requirements to the H-1B Specialty Occupation program.  Below you will find more information regarding E-3 status.  If you have questions regarding E-3 status, contact The Chander Law Firm today.

E-3 Basics – Similar to the H-1B

Like the H-1B program, E-3 status may be grated to Australian nationals who will be working in a specialty occupation for a United States employer.  A Specialty Occupation is one requiring theoretical and practical application of body of specialized knowledge demonstrated by the attainment of a bachelors degree or higher in the specialty as a minimum for entry into the occupation.  Like the H-1B program, E-3 employers are subject to labor condition attestation requirements. 

An annual quota exists on E-3 visas.  Only 10,500 are issued each year.  The quota is rarely consumed.

Important Differences Between E-3 & H-1B Status

There are important differences between E-3 and H-1B status.  One significant difference is the duration of stay allowed under each visa.  While the H-1B visa is issued for three years with a maximum of six years, the E-3 is issued in two year increments.  The E-3 can then be extended indefinitely.

Another important difference between the E-3 and H-1B programs is with regard to portability.  While H-1B allows worker to move between employers upon filing of the change of employer petition, E-3 status requires workers to wait for approval of any pending petition to change employers before undertaking new employment.

Questions Regarding E-3 Status - Contact The Chander Law Firm

If you any questions regarding E-3 status, do not hesitate to contact The Chander Law Firm.