E3 visas by mail is a relatively new initiative and can make your life easier, not requiring an interview in person to get the stamp in your passport. In order to qualify for an application by mail you do need to meet a number of requirements, and then complete each section of this coversheet. You must qualify in Section 1 to continue to Section 2. If you do not qualify you must schedule an appointment online.
To qualify for a mail-in visa, you must answer yes to all these criteria:
- You must have had a previous valid E3 (that is active or expired within the last 48 months)
- You must have had your fingerprints collected when you got that visa (it'd be very unlikely that you didn't)
- You've had no refusals for a visa in any category after your most recent valid visa
- You've never been denied any visa or the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
- You haven't changed your name or passport nationality (since the last visa)
- Your previous E3 did not require a waiver of ineligibility (e.g. criminal convictions).
- You've had no arrests or convictions (other than minor traffic violations) since your previous E3 visa was issued.
- You have no ineligibilities or reason to believe that you have failed to comply with U.S. immigration law.
- You are still a citizen of Australia.
From there you must complete the attached cover sheet. This cover sheet includes details of travel dates, your DS-160 (see above), your valid passport and the application fee receipt (just like when you get an appointment). You also still require an employment letter and certified (and signed) LCA to be included.
Where to send your mail-in visa application
For those applicants residing in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory:
U.S. Consulate General
Attn: [Visas Class] – [Travel Date]
Level 6 / 553 St. Kilda Road
Melbourne, VIC 3004
For those applicants residing in New South Wales, Queensland, Norfolk Island, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory:
U.S. Consulate General
Attn: [Visas Class] – [Travel Date]
Suite 2, 50 Miller Street
North Sydney, NSW 2060
How long does a mail-in application take?
Standard processing time is described as requiring a minimum of thirty (30) business days from receipt of all the required documentation.
If your travel is sooner than 30 days and you are unable to schedule an interview date earlier than what’s available online you may qualify to submit a request for an emergency appointment.
Hi Josh, how do I request an expedited mail in? I only have 9 working days in Sydney for my renewal and it won’t let me book an appointment since I think I qualify for a mail in. Work haven’t been helpful.
Hey Tess, good question, I don’t actually think there is an expedited mail-in option!
Hi Josh, for supporting documents for dependents (marriage certificate, birth certificate), do you know if you have to send originals or are scanned copies fine?
Do you know if you can book an appointment as a backup in case they reject your mail in request? Thanks.
Originals are always best! When you try to book the appointment, it will tell you whether they will allow you to book an appointment but you can’t do both.
Hi Josh. We are doing a mail in renewal for our E3. Do you know if we need to include our marriage certificate again? It isn’t mentioned on the checklist.
Also, 30 days to process seems extremely long for someone to spend in Australia. Is there any further information on this?
I wouldn’t think it would hurt to include again! Yeah it can take UP to 30 days, in many cases it’s faster but there’s no guarantee.
Hey Josh!
Quick question – I’m currently on the E-3 visa and my husband is on the E-3D, we want to swap it over so I’m on the E-3D and he’s on the E-3 visa now that it’s coming up renewal. Would this be considered just a change in status and can we just do this via mail as above considering we’ve been issued a visa in the category?
Thank you kindly!
Lucy
Great question and I don’t know for sure but yes, I think so! The form will tell you when you apply.