APPLYING FOR THE  E-3 VISA

E-3 applicants are required to present the following:

• The original or certified copy of the approved Labor Conditional Application, Form ETA 9035 filed by the U.S. employer with the Department of Labor. The Form ETA 9035 must clearly be annotated as "E-3 Australia - to be processed" of if dated after January 4, 2006 " annotated "E-3 Australia";.



• Evidence of academic or other qualifying credentials. A certified copy of the applicant’s degree and evidence that it is equivalent to the required U.S. degree could be used to satisfy the "qualifying credentials" requirement. Likewise, a certified copy of a U.S. baccalaureate or higher degree, would meet the minimum standard. In the absence of an academic or other qualifying credentials, evidence of educational experience that is equivalent to the required U.S. degree may be furnished.



• A job offer letter or other documentation from the employer establishing that upon entry into the United States the applicant will be engaged in qualifying work in a specialty occupation and that he or she will be paid the actual or prevailing wage.



• The original or certified copy of any required license or other official permission to practice the occupation in the state of intended employment. If a license or other official permission is not immediately required to perform the duties described in the visa application, the applicant must show that he/she will obtain such licensure within a reasonable period of time following admission into the United States.

In addition, E-3 and E-3D visa applicants; even children and babies listed in parents' passports are required to:

• Complete the visa application form DS-156.



• Pay a visa application fee;



• Present a passport or other travel document valid for at least six months beyond the holder’s period of stay in the United States with at least one blank page - the six-month requirement does not apply to United Kingdom passports;



• Provide one photograph which meets State Department regulations.



• Furnish evidence that the stay in the United States will be temporary.

Spouses and Children

If applying separately from the principal, a copy of the marriage certificate and/or birth certificate(s) for the child(ren) will be required.

Issuance fees

Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved visa to be issued. No fee is charged for the issuance of an E-3 or E-3D visa to an Australian passport holder.

Additional processing requirements and information for the following:

What do I do next?

Applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule an appointment for an interview. Applicants under the age of 14 and those 80 and over may be eligible to apply for a visa by mail.

Important Notice

Visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past which means that in some instances visa applications are taking longer to process to conclusion than has been customary. You will be advised at the time of the interview if your application requires additional processing.

Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.

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