E3 Visa (Australian Professional Specialty Visas)

Get All Required Documents Ready

Ensure you meet the academic and occupational requirements. Have all the credentials proving your academic and occupation eligibility ready for submission. You must have your offer letter and a copy of your LCA.

Complete the DS-160 Application Form

You must complete the DS-160 application form. The application form is online. You can have someone assist you in filling out the form, but you must provide your e-signature before submitting it.

The only acceptable language is English. All the answers and information you provide must be in English except names in native native language.

You will be required to choose an interview post in the DS-160 form. It must be the same Post for your interview appointment. Ensure to select the Post nearest to you in your consular district.

Filling out the application form requires about 90 minutes of your time. You must save your progress if you need to take a break or delay the application. The application system is programmed to time out after 20 minutes of inactivity.

Ensure to record the Application ID Number on your form to access your application whenever you are ready to resume. It will appear in the top right corner of your form.

After you submit your application, print the confirmation page and take it along with you to your interview.

Pay Your Visa Application Fee

After you submit your application, the next step is to pay your MRV fee. The MRV fee for an E-3 visa is USD 205, an equivalent of 348.50 AUD. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Your payment is only valid for one application.

If your application is unsuccessful, you must pay another fee for a new application. If your application is successful, your fee payment is only valid for a year, counting from your date of purchase. After a year, you cannot use it to apply for a visa.

Book an Interview Appointment

You must schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. You can book an appointment online or through the visa appointment call center. It is advisable to book your appointment three months before your intended travel date.

The following is the list of U.S. consulates according to the State or Territory they serve:

• U.S. Consulate Sydney – Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, and Queensland.
• U.S. Consulate Melbourne – Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.
• U.S. Consulate Perth – Western Australia.

You must provide the following documents and details to schedule your visa appointment.

• Valid passport. The validity period of your passport should cover your stay in the United States. If your passport expires during your stay, as an Australian citizen, you get an additional six months of validity on your passport.
• Proof of MRV fee payment. If you paid through Australia Post, you must provide the Unique Seq No on your receipt. If you paid through your credit card, you must provide Receipt No.
• DS-160 application confirmation page.
• Valid email address.
• Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA).
• Other supporting documents.

There are exceptions for persons under age 14 or age 80 and over. Such applicants do not need to attend a visa interview. They are required to use the Visa Waiver Program route.

Attend Your Visa Interview

Attend your interview at the appointed date and time. Your interview venue is the U.S. consulate you booked your appointment.

Ensure to go along with documentation outlining your professional history, academic qualifications, and training. The consular officer will decide if your educational and employment information satisfies the eligibility requirements for the E-3 visa.

If the Consular Officer requests additional documents or information to process your application, you can send them through the Australian Post.

Retrieve Your Documents

After processing your application, the consulate will return your documents through a courier service or pick-up location.

Dependents Application Process

Dependents will have to apply separately. The application process is similar to that of an E-3 visa. The dependent must complete the DS-160 application form. They can select the E-3 option on the application and appointment forms to identify their visa type. They will be allotted the appropriate visa type (E-3D) when they submit their application at the interview.

Dependents must pay the application fee of USD 205, an equivalent of 348.50 AUD. Then fix an appointment. If your dependent children are under 14 years old, they do not need a visa interview.

When to Apply

Your dependents can apply at the same time as you. They can also apply after you get your E-3 visa.

If they are applying after you have been issued your visa, you do not need to be present with them at the interview. They must present a copy of your Labor Condition Application (LCA), pages 1-5, and (if applicable) visa or I-797 Approval Notice.

Can E-3 Dependents Work During Their Stay?

Only E-3 spouses can work in the United States during their stay. They must first get approval to work.

Your spouse must complete the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) via U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The form does not have the E-3 visa type option; selecting the E1 or E2 is acceptable.

E-3 spouses do not necessarily need to work in a specialty occupation. They can take up casual work, whether part-time or full-time.

Dependent children are not qualified to work.