E-3 Australian Treaty Workers

The E-3 visa category is available only for Australian citizens. You may use this category to employ individuals in positions that qualify as specialty occupations.

A specialty occupation is a position that:

Requires specialized knowledge in a specific field, and
Requires at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field as a minimum requirement

Key Points

Only Australian citizens are eligible for E-3 status
The position must meet specialty occupation requirements
Initial stay is granted for up to 2 years
Extensions are granted in up to 2-year increments
There is no maximum limit on the number of extensions, if eligibility continues

How the Process Works

All E-3 cases at Stony Brook are handled by the SUNY-approved immigration law firm.

The process includes:

Your department submits an Immigration Counsel Referral Request in accessVIS
Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) reviews the request
The case is referred to immigration counsel for preparation
The Labor Condition Application (LCA) is filed with the U.S. Department of Labor
The employee applies for the E-3 visa at a U.S. consulate (or applies for a change of status, if eligible)

This process ensures compliance with federal regulations and consistent handling of all cases.

Department Responsibilities

To support an E-3 case, you must:

Submit the Immigration Counsel Referral Request in accessVIS
Obtain Dean (or equivalent) approval

You must contact VIS before making any changes to:

Job duties
Salary
Work location
Job title

When to Contact VIS

You should contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS):

When you are considering a candidate who may require E-3 sponsorship
Before extending an offer, if visa sponsorship may be needed
Before making any changes to an employee’s position or funding
If you have questions about eligibility or process timing

Early coordination with VIS helps avoid delays and ensures compliance.