E-3 Visa Classification for Australian Nationals

The E-3 visa classification is available only if you are a national of Australia. You must come to the United States to work in a specialty occupation.

A specialty occupation requires you to apply both theoretical and practical knowledge in a highly specialized field. To qualify, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a field related to your position.

To support accurate and efficient processing, your E-3 request will be handled by the SUNY contracted immigration law firm. This ensures you and your department receive experienced guidance throughout the process.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for E-3 status, you must:

• Be a national of Australia
• Have a job offer in the United States for a specialty occupation
• Meet the educational requirement of at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field
• Be coming to the United States only to work in the approved position
  
  

Length of Stay

• Initial stay: You may stay in the United States for up to 2 years
• Validity period: Your E-3 status is granted for a specific employer and position
  
  

E-3 Request Process

If your department plans to hire you or extend your appointment under the E-3 category, they must:

• Submit an “Immigration Counsel Referral” request through accessVIS
• After your department submits the request, you will receive an email from the system with instructions. The email will ask you to complete and submit a biographical information form. You must complete this form to continue the process.
• Once all required forms are submitted your request will then be referred to SUNY-approved immigration counsel for processing and you will be contacted directly regarding next steps.
  
  

Employment Restrictions

While in E-3 status, you must:

• Work only for the employer and in the position listed in your approved E-3 petition
• Not begin employment until your E-3 status is approved
• Maintain valid E-3 status at all times

If your job duties, employer, or work location change, a new or amended filing may be required before you can continue working.

Extensions

• You may request extensions of stay in increments of up to 2 years
• There is no fixed limit on the number of extensions you may request, although some exceptions may apply
• Your department must submit a request through accessVIS no later than 4 months prior to your current E-3 end date.