Initiating an E-3 Request

You must complete several steps before submitting an E-3 request. Careful preparation will help avoid delays and ensure your case can move forward without issues.

You should begin this process as early as possible before the intended start date.

Step 1: Confirm Employee Record

Before starting the request, you must:

• Confirm the employee has a Stony Brook ID (Empl ID)
• Ensure their date of birth, email, and citizenship are correct in PeopleSoft

If a new ID has been created, wait 24 hours before proceeding to allow system updates to complete.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You must gather and upload the required documents in PDF format, including:

• Letter of Offer or Employment Contract
• Detailed description of job duties (such as a personnel requisition)

Incomplete or incorrect documents will delay processing.

Step 3: Submit the Request in accessVIS

You must submit an Immigration Counsel Referral Request in accessVIS.

Once submitted:

• The Dean (or equivalent) will receive a request to approve the case
• This approval confirms your department agrees to comply with E-3 requirements
• VIS cannot proceed without this approval
  
  

Step 4: Employee Completes Their Portion

After submission, the employee will be asked to:

• Log into accessVIS
• Provide personal and immigration information

Delays at this stage will delay the overall process.

Step 5: Compliance and Export Control Review

VIS will coordinate required compliance checks, including:

• Export control screening through the Office of Research Compliance
• Verification that the employee and their affiliations are not restricted under U.S. law

This step must be completed before the case can proceed.

Step 6: Labor Condition Application (LCA)

E-3 cases require a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor.

As part of this process, you must:

• Confirm the salary meets federal wage requirements
• Ensure the work location and job details are accurate

VIS and immigration counsel will prepare and file the LCA. You may be asked to post required notices at the worksite.

The LCA must be certified before the employee can apply for the E-3 visa or begin work.

Step 7: VIS Review and Referral

Once all materials are submitted:

• VIS will complete a preliminary review (typically 5–7 business days)
• If complete, the case will be referred to immigration counsel
• The employee will then receive next steps directly from the law firm
  
  

Important Reminders

• You are responsible for submitting complete and accurate information
• You must begin the process early to avoid delays
• E-3 requests require internal approvals, compliance checks, and government processing time

Early preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and timely process.