<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="E-3"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>E-3</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>Australians only</span><span>Annual cap</span><span>Spouse can work</span></div> <h1><span>E-3</span> Australian Specialty Occupation Worker</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For Australian citizens coming to work in a specialty occupation. Renewable in two-year periods, with no lottery, and spouses may work without a separate permit.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · DOL · U.S. Code</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/e-3">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Who can apply</dt><dd>Australian nationals</dd></div><div><dt>Annual cap</dt><dd>10,500 visas</dd></div><div><dt>Initial period of stay</dt><dd>Up to 2 years</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>Up to 2 years each, no set maximum</dd></div><div><dt>Spouse employment</dt><dd>Authorized incident to status</dd></div><div><dt>Visa fee</dt><dd>$315 (E category MRV)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Spouses can work without an EAD.</strong> USCIS treats spouses in valid E-3 status as <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">employment authorized incident to status</a>. An unexpired Form I-94 showing “E-3S” is acceptable evidence for Form I-9. Children in E-3 status may not work.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The E-3 classification lets U.S. employers hire Australian nationals for jobs in a specialty occupation — work that requires at least a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, in a specific field. It works much like the H-1B but has its own annual limit and no registration lottery.</p> <p class="b">By statute, up to <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1184.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10,500 E-3 visas</a> may be issued to principal workers each fiscal year; spouses and children do not count against the limit. The employer must first obtain a certified <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Labor Condition Application</a> from the Department of Labor.</p> <p class="b">E-3 is not one of the dual-intent classifications named in <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1184.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA §214(h)</a>, so workers need to show they intend to leave the United States when their status ends.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The worker must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Be a national of Australia.</li><li>Have a legitimate offer of U.S. employment in a specialty occupation.</li><li>Hold a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree, or a foreign equivalent, in the required specialty (or equivalent education and experience).</li><li>Intend to depart when E-3 status ends.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The employer must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (Form ETA-9035/9035E).</li><li>Pay at least the wage required by the LCA.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial period</th><td>Up to <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2 years</a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>Up to 2 years per extension; <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no maximum number of extensions</a>, with some exceptions</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">After job loss</th><td>USCIS may treat the worker as maintaining status for <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to 60 days</a> after employment ends (within the authorized period); DHS <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18631/eliminating-the-discretionary-60-day-grace-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed removing</a> this grace period on Sept. 11, 2026 (not final)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Dependents</th><td>Same period as the principal worker</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Workers applying abroad pay the State Department visa fee. Extensions and changes of status inside the U.S. use Form I-129. USCIS amounts are from the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fee schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26)</a>.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$315</a></td><td>Worker</td><td>E category fee, per applicant including family members.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-129 filing fee (in the U.S.)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,015</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>$510 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees) and nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee (with I-129)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>$300 small employers; $0 nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Employer</td><td>Optional for I-129 E-3 petitions; only the petitioner can request it. USCIS acts within 15 business days.</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-539 (dependents in the U.S.)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$470</a></td><td>Family member</td><td>$420 online; used by E-3 dependents extending or changing status.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">No ACWIA, fraud prevention or $100,000 H-1B payment applies to E-3. <a href="https://www.congress.gov/119/plaws/publ21/PLAW-119publ21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Public Law 119-21</a> created a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 on nonimmigrant visa issuance, but as of Oct. 1, 2026 it does not appear on the State Department’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visa fees page</a>.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">For in-U.S. Form I-129 E-3 filings, <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a>.</dd></div><div><dt>LCA review (DOL)</dt><dd>7 working days</dd><dd class="n"><a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOL reviews</a> LCAs for completeness and obvious errors.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">There is no fixed filing season. Consular wait times vary by post; regular USCIS times are on the <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">processing times page</a>.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Job offer</div><div class="tx">A U.S. employer offers an Australian national a job in a specialty occupation.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">LCA certification</div><div class="tx">The employer files the LCA with the Department of Labor, designating E-3, no more than 6 months before the start date.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Visa application abroad</div><div class="tx">The worker applies for the E-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate with the certified LCA, job offer and degree evidence.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Or change of status in the U.S.</div><div class="tx">An Australian already in the U.S. in another status can have the employer file Form I-129 with USCIS.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Extend every 2 years</div><div class="tx">Before status ends, file a new LCA and an I-129 extension, or obtain a new visa abroad.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the employer</h3><ul><li><span>Certified Labor Condition Application</span></li><li><span>Job offer letter describing duties, pay and duration</span></li><li><span>Form I-129 (for in-U.S. filings)</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the worker</h3><ul><li><span>Australian passport</span></li><li><span>Degree, transcripts or credential evaluation</span></li><li><span>Professional license, if the job legally requires one</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may receive <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dependent E-3 classification</a>. They <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visa-e.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">do not need to be Australian citizens</a>, but the U.S. does not recognize de facto relationships, so a spouse needs a marriage certificate.</p> <p class="b">Spouses in E-3 status are employment authorized incident to status and may present an unexpired I-94 annotated “E-3S” for Form I-9; they may also file Form I-765, with fee, if they want an EAD card. Children may not work.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">E-3 is not a dual-intent status, so a pending green card case can complicate E-3 extensions and visa applications.</p> <p class="b">Some Australian workers move to a dual-intent status such as H-1B or L-1 before starting a green card process, or apply through an immigrant category with timing in mind. Individual legal advice is the usual route.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/h-1b"><div class="c">H-1B</div><div class="n">Specialty occupation worker</div><div class="tx">Dual-intent alternative, but subject to the cap selection.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-1b1"><div class="c">H-1B1</div><div class="n">Chile and Singapore professionals</div><div class="tx">Similar treaty-based route for two other countries.</div></a><a href="/visa/e-2"><div class="c">E-2</div><div class="n">Treaty investor</div><div class="tx">For Australians investing in and running a U.S. business.</div></a><a href="/visa/l-1a"><div class="c">L-1A / L-1B</div><div class="n">Intracompany transferee</div><div class="tx">For Australians transferring within a multinational.</div></a><a href="/visa/o-1a"><div class="c">O-1A</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability</div><div class="tx">No annual cap or selection.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Is there a lottery for the E-3?</summary><p>No. There is an annual limit of 10,500 E-3 visas, but no registration or random selection.</p></details><details><summary>Can my spouse work?</summary><p>Yes. Spouses in E-3 status are employment authorized incident to status. An unexpired I-94 annotated “E-3S” works as evidence for an employer.</p></details><details><summary>How many times can I renew?</summary><p>Extensions are granted for up to two years at a time, and USCIS sets no maximum number of extensions, with some exceptions.</p></details><details><summary>Can I change employers on an E-3?</summary><p>Yes, but the new employer must get a certified LCA and file Form I-129, and <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the petition must be approved</a> before you can start working for the new employer. Unlike H-1B, there is no portability on filing.</p></details><details><summary>Do I need a USCIS petition?</summary><p>Not to apply for an E-3 visa abroad, where the certified LCA is presented at the consulate. Changes of status and extensions inside the U.S. use Form I-129.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · E-3 Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>DOL</strong> · H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 Specialty (Professional) Workers</span><span>dol.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1184.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>U.S. Code</strong> · 8 U.S.C. §1184 (INA §214)</span><span>govinfo.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Fee Schedule (Form G-1055)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Fees for Visa Services</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/treaty-trader-investor-visa-e.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor and Australians in Specialty Occupations</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 11, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposal to end the 60-day grace period.</strong> Proposed rule to remove 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), the up-to-60-day grace period after employment ends for E-3 and certain other workers. Comments close Nov. 10, 2026; not final. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18631/eliminating-the-discretionary-60-day-grace-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 9, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New Form I-129 edition.</strong> USCIS published the 09/09/26 edition of Form I-129; only this edition is accepted from Nov. 9, 2026. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 27, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed higher prevailing wage levels.</strong> Proposed rule to recompute the four OEWS wage levels used for LCAs, including E-3 LCAs. Comments closed May 26, 2026; not yet final. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/27/2026-06017/improving-wage-protections-for-the-temporary-and-permanent-employment-of-certain-foreign-nationals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing rises to $2,965.</strong> Inflation adjustment from $2,805 for Form I-129 E-3 petitions. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee enacted.</strong> Public Law 119-21 requires a fee of at least $250 at issuance of any nonimmigrant visa. <a href="https://www.congress.gov/119/plaws/publ21/PLAW-119publ21.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Apr 1, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>New USCIS fee schedule.</strong> Form I-129 E-3 fee set at $1,015 ($510 small employers and nonprofits) and the $600 Asylum Program Fee added. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-uscis-fee-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 17, 2023</span><div class="x"><strong>E visa application fee rises to $315.</strong> The MRV fee for E category visas increased from $205 to $315; the State Department delayed the rule’s effective date from May 30 to June 17, 2023. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/26/2023-11420/schedule-of-fees-for-consular-services-nonimmigrant-and-special-visa-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/e-3">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "E-3", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/e-3"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Is there a lottery for the E-3?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. There is an annual limit of 10,500 E-3 visas, but no registration or random selection."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can my spouse work?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. 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