E-3 Visa

<p>The <b>E-3</b> was created by a 2005 law after the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. 10,500 E-3 visas are available each year, but historically fewer are used.</p><p>It's for specialty occupation jobs, just like H-1B, but only Australians qualify. E-3s are issued for 2 years at a time and can be renewed indefinitely.</p><p>The process requires an LCA (like H-1B) but usually the Australian applies directly at the consulate with a job offer and certified LCA (an I-129 can be used if changing status inside U.S.).</p><p>Spouses of E-3 (who get E-3D status) can obtain work authorization incident to status (as of 2022 policy change). E-3 is considered nonimmigrant intent, but in practice they often change to H-1B if pursuing a green card.</p>