E-3 — Australian Specialty Occupation

The E-3 is a US visa for Australian nationals in specialty occupations, created in 2005 under the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA). A streamlined alternative to the H-1B, it covers professional roles needing a bachelor's degree in fields like engineering, sciences, medicine, law, and accounting.

Stays are 2 years per visa, renewable indefinitely. The annual cap is 10,500, rarely reached. The $315 MRV fee plus $250 Visa Integrity Fee apply at consular post; in-US filings use Form I-129. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 join on E-3D status with work authorization. No PR pathway, no dual intent.

This visa is ideal for Australian professionals with a secured US specialty job offer who want faster, lottery-free processing and indefinite 2-year renewals.