The E-3 visa explained: how Australians move to the US
Australia's best-kept immigration secret — a renewable US work visa only you can use.
If you're an Australian eyeing the US, the E-3 visa is your single biggest advantage. It's a work visa reserved for Australian citizens, and it sidesteps most of the pain of the H-1B.
Why the E-3 beats the H-1B
- No annual lottery — you're not gambling on a ballot.
- Lower cost and a faster, simpler process.
- Renewable indefinitely in two-year blocks.
- Your spouse (E-3D) can apply for US work authorisation.
What you need
A US job offer in a 'specialty occupation' (generally a role needing at least a bachelor's degree), the relevant qualifications, and an employer willing to file a Labor Condition Application. You then apply for the visa at a US consulate.
Verify the current MRV visa fee and requirements on travel.state.gov before you budget — and confirm your employer understands the E-3 (some default to the H-1B simply because they don't know it exists).
The catch: it's not a green card
The E-3 is a non-immigrant visa — you can live and work in the US for years on it, but it isn't permanent residence. If you want to stay for good, you'll eventually pursue a green card (usually employer-sponsored), which is a separate, longer process.
Don't forget the money side
The US taxes worldwide income and your Australian super is FBAR/FATCA-reportable with complex treatment — get cross-border advice before you arrive. Budget the full move with the estimator.
Frequently asked
What is the E-3 visa?
A US work visa reserved for Australian citizens in specialty occupations. It needs a US job offer and an employer-filed Labor Condition Application, but it avoids the H-1B lottery, costs less, is renewable indefinitely in two-year blocks, and lets your spouse work.
Can I get a green card from an E-3?
Not automatically — the E-3 is a non-immigrant visa. Many Australians live in the US on it for years, then pursue an employer-sponsored green card separately if they want permanent residence.
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Educational information only — not financial, tax, legal or migration advice.