E3 Visa USA – Australian Working Visa in the US in 2023

The process can be broken down into stages but overall takes approximately six weeks from initial filings to visa in your hand after you have received a job offer.

The average timeline for getting an E-3 visa:
– Finding a job – 3+ months
– Interviewing for a job – 2-4 weeks
– Offer negotiation – 1-2 weeks
– LCA writing & approval – 2 weeks
– Interview wait time & document compiling – 2-10 weeks (dependent on location)
– Visa interview – 10 minutes
– Passport return with approved E3 visa – 1-2 weeks

1. Find a job for an E3 Visa

   You’re going to find mixed opinions on whether you can find a job from Australia or whether you need to visit the US to look for work, and in my opinion, it’s heavily dependent on your work history, your experience, the level of employment you’re going for, and what your industry.
   
   I contributed to a great article about the top tips for finding a job in NYC that will help you (all across the US), which focuses on things like optimizing your resumé (it’s no longer a “CV”), networking, tailoring your pitch, and more.
   
   Ultimately though, I think the key is networking. You are much less likely to find work if you’re applying cold through online portals than you are if you have a connection (even if it’s distant and small). Any introduction will open doors faster than a tweaked cover letter (but both are very important).
   
   Once you’ve landed a job offer, that’s a big deal. Yes, the visa process can seem daunting – but from here, there’s no use worrying about what your new employer is going to think. Play it cool, stay organized, and hopefully, your new employer will follow your lead.
   
   

2. Writing the E3 visa offer letter

   This is the first thing you need before moving forward. It must outline that your new job is both: 1. A full-time specialty service occupation requiring your degree; and 2. Include the salary being offered for your professional services.
   
   Ideally, it will also include:
   1. A brief overview of the company and where your position fits in;
   2. A rundown of responsibilities and duties associated with your position;
   3. Any special tools/ tech that will be used; and
   4. An explanation of why you are qualified for the position (referencing your degree and any relevant experience).
   
   Yes – this is going to be longer and more detailed than a normal job offer letter. That’s why I suggest drafting a copy for your employer to sign off on, based on the formal offer letter they give you and including the supplementary information above.
   
   You’ll then have two documents: A short (and more normal) letter of offer, and a longer and more detailed letter that will more directly check off the requirements for an E3 visa.
   
   

3. How to file the LCA for an E3 visa

   The next step requires your employer to file an LCA (Labor Condition Application, Form ETA 9035) with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). This is the piece of paperwork where I found having a lawyer to be most helpful, as it’s very specific and not necessarily common sense.
   
   I’ve written a full guide to the LCA here (it’s a whole article in and of itself). You can also find general instructions from the Department of Labor here as well which will answer some more technical questions.
   
   Most employers should do this for you (the actual submission must be the employer); however, it is important to understand what it contains.
   
   Once the LCA is “Certified”, have your employer print the document, sign it, and send the signed and certified document back to you.
   
   

4. The DS-160 and Booking Your Appointment to get an E3 visa

   Next, you must fill out the DS-160 form and book your consulate appointment.
   
   The DS-160 form is very comprehensive and will take you some time to get through. Have your passport and any previous US visas on hand, as well as dates for previous travel to the US. Here’s a detailed guide. Do this very carefully.
   
   I’ve written a full guide to the DS-160 here. It’s a lot of steps and you’ll get bored multiple times but make sure you do it carefully. This guide also includes location advice for getting your appointment.
   
   When you find an appointment and select it you will be given strict instructions on how to go forward. Read these very carefully.
   
   

5. Attending your E3 Visa interview (the E3 Checklist)

   You’ll receive specific instructions upon booking your appointment, which will detail what you can and can’t take into the consulate, what time to arrive, and other information that you should read very carefully. Regardless of where you go, you want to be over-prepared in terms of documentation.
   
   I’ve written a full guide to the E3 Visa interview here (including why you shouldn’t be worried about it and information about exactly which documents you should take in with you – even if you didn’t think of it).
   
   Once you’re done and approved, go have a drink and relax for a few days. After your appointment, you can keep track of the status of your application here. I waited until mine was “ready for pick up” before booking my return flight for that same day.
   
   Timeline – I had my last day of work with my previous employer on Day 23, flew to Canada on Day 24, and attended my appointment first thing in the morning on Day 26.
   
   

6. Getting your E3 visa, and checking the details!

   Once you receive your passport back, open it up and you’ll find the visa stamp in there. It’s a big full-page sticker that has your photo and all the details.
   
   CHECK THIS SUPER CAREFULLY.
   
   Are the dates right? Is the employer name spelled correctly? Is your name spelled correctly? Is every single other detail on it spotless and perfect? Yes? Ok great! If not, you need to alert the consulate/embassy you visited right away. DO NOT RETURN TO THE US IF IT’S WRONG. This is near impossible to change anywhere else so it’s best to do it there and then.
   
   If everything is ok, then you’re good to go. Here’s a guide on what you should bring with when you enter the US.
   
   HERE WE GO!