This is the most difficult part of getting a job in the United States because you require work authorization. You will be constantly asked “are you permitted to work” and it's a chicken and egg: “Yes I'm allowed to work if you offer me the job, but without the offer, no!”
For that reason it's important that you detail what exactly is required of them:
- The visa requires an approved LCA which must be signed by the employer but can be filled in with your help and with the help of a lawyer, it takes 5-10 business days to return and takes approximately 30-90 minutes to fill in.
- The visa itself costs $205USD to apply for (and this can be paid by you or the employer)
- You will attend an interview, and be back and ready for work approximately two weeks after that.
- This visa is unique as it's only for Australian citizens, is always available, and can be issued all throughout the year.
- The visa lasts for 2 years but if we want to, we can apply for another two years indefinitely at the end which requires me to leave the country and return (all within about 2 weeks).
When should you mention visas and sponsorship to employers?
The key is never to lie, but not to bring it up too early. The reason for this is that if it’s the first thing you mention, all they’re going to see is the (perceived) pain it will be to employ you as opposed to just how wonderful you are.
Go in to interviews knowing everything there is about the E3, know answers to questions (like you find on this website) and be armed and ready to discuss that you are happy to take the lead. Don’t dodge the question or be coy, that will only make you look dishonest.
The visa itself is not expensive or a big lift, however if the employer uses a lawyer (which they likely will and should) it will cost them a few thousand dolllars in legal fees. So go in knowing that and have a plan.
The E3 visa defined in one sentence – good
The E3 visa is a non-immigrant visa specifically designed for Australian professionals in specialty occupations to work in the United States.
The E3 visa defined in three sentences – better
The E3 visa is a unique non-immigrant visa category available exclusively for Australian citizens in specialty occupations who have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer. This visa category offers several advantages, including a relatively straightforward application process and the ability for spouses to work in the United States. E3 visa holders can renew their visas indefinitely, provided they maintain qualifying employment.
The E3 visa defined in one paragraph – best
The E3 visa is an exclusive non-immigrant visa category for Australian professionals in specialty occupations seeking employment in the United States. To qualify, applicants must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer in a role that requires specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent work experience). The E3 visa offers several benefits, such as a simpler application process compared to other visa categories, the ability for spouses to obtain work authorization, and the option to renew the visa indefinitely as long as qualifying employment is maintained.
10 key things to remember about the E3 visa when you're talking about it with your employer
- It's an exclusive non-immigrant visa category for Australian citizens.
- Applies to specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge (generally means requiring a Bachelor's degree).
- Must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer (chicken, meet egg).
- Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent work experience) required.
- Relatively straightforward application process.
- Spouses can obtain work authorization automatically (the new E-3S status for dependents).
- Visa duration is up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely.
- You must be employed, working, and paid for the full period
- If you do lose your job, you have 60 days to find a new one
- Change of employer or job title/role may require a new E3 visa application.
