The E-3 visa

Just like the E-3 visa, the united states has a variety of visas for people that wants to visit their country.

Most times, these visas might bear names unrelated to their functions.

Therefore, it is up to you to find out if there’s a visa meant for you before you take that trip to America.

Now, the E-3 visa is not for everyone that wants to visit the States. It is meant for particular nationality.

This brings us to the fact that some American visas are work-related, tourism-related, and study-related, to mention just a few.

so, say you plan to travel to the United States and you’re an Australian, this might interest you a lot.

What is the E-3 visa?

The E-3 visa is a United States visa made only for Australian nationals.

This visa came into being in 2005 as a result of a trade agreement between the United States government and the Australian government.

So, each year, at least 10,500 Australian citizens qualify to move to the United States to do some specialized work.

The Australian citizens that qualify through this competitive route travel to the United States to carry out specialty jobs.

Also, they are allowed to travel with their family if they wish but the children that can join the trip must be under 21 years of age.

Additionally, the applicant’s family members they wish to travel with may not necessarily be Australian citizens.

And family members only include the spouse or partner of the applicant and their children.

What are specialty jobs?

Specialty jobs require that you have a high qualification like a bachelor’s degree, and must have at least 10 years of experience in your field.

What kinds of jobs are among specialty jobs?

Different jobs make it to the list of specialized jobs. But as said, what qualifies you is the professionalism and the years of experience you have gathered in the field.

Among the jobs that qualify for the specialized visa include:

Medical profession
Computer science
Engineering
Scientists
Business analysts
Managing roles
Mathematics

Criteria for qualifying for the E-3 visa

Qualifying for this visa transcends being an Australian citizen. Other things will make you eligible for the E-3 visa if you meet them. In addition, meeting all these criteria will not be the only guarantee that you will successfully move to the United States but will boost your chance.

Australian citizenship not residency
Have a job offer from the United States
Have a specialty job offer
Possess an updated license in your specialty field
Have a lot of experience on the job

Steps to apply for the E-3 visa

Say you met all the outlined criteria and you are eligible enough to apply for this visa. You should then follow these steps accurately.

Step 1

The very first step is to start applying for specialty jobs in your field in the US. A job offer solidifies your application.

Perhaps, you finally received a job offer, you and your employee will move to the next step.

Step 2

Here, your employer needs to fill out a Labor Condition Application form with the Department of Labor. They have to fill out this form and let the United States government know that this will not harm the US citizens in search of jobs.

Another reason why your employer must fill out this form is to allow them to hire foreigners that are outside the United States to relocate and work in the US because they could not find a good match for the role within the country.

In addition, the form protects the immigrant by ensuring that they are paid fairly well by their employers with good working conditions.

Steps 3

Another step your employer must take is to file an ETA Form to the Department of Labor (DoL).

The approval of the ETA Form 9035 takes up to five to ten working days.

Now, your employer can appeal if they deny this application. But if your employer is successful, you as the employee take over.

The employee takes up the next step to apply for the E-3 visa

Step 1

The applicant for this visa begins this process as soon as the employer gets the approval from DoL.

At this point, you need to fill out the form DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form.

The form has spaces where you will correctly fill out your details.

After submitting the form, the embassy will look into your application before approving it.

Step 2

As soon as you get your mail of confirmation, you will go ahead to pay your visa fees. The E-3 visa fee goes for $205, please keep your receipt safely for future use.

Step 3

The next step involves scheduling your interview with the United States Embassy in your area.

Interviews are granted to eligible Australian citizens between the ages of 13 to 80.

While you await your interview date, you should get your documents ready.

Now, when it’s time for your interview at the embassy, you must arrive early and dress smartly.

More so, answer all your questions correctly and ask clear and precise questions.

The people that will take you on the interview are psychologically trained to detect foul play. So, be sincere and give honest replies.

Documents required for your application

Passport photograph uploaded in the DS-160 form
A valid passport
Your visa application fee receipt
DS-160 form confirmation page
The ETA 9035 form
A proof that you will return to your country of origin after your work stay.
Proof of your specialty qualifications like your license, certificates, degrees, or letters from your former employers.

How long does the E-3 visa stay valid?

This visa has a validity of two years and not more. It may come will less than two years of validity though.

However, you can renew the E-3 visa as soon as yours expires and you still have your specialty profession eligibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United States Australian visa helps specialty professionals exercise their expertise in the United States.

Though you can renew your visa but changing it to another kind of visa may prove a little bit difficult.