E-3 Visa

The E-3 Visa Defined

The E-3 temporary worker visa is designated for Australian citizens coming temporarily to the United States to work in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is defined as one that requires "theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree, or its equivalent, as a minimum requirement." Australian permanent residents are ineligible for this visa type unless they hold an Australian passport.

The hiring department must provide documentation to prove that the job requires a person with special qualifications and that the individual meets those qualifications. Further, the hiring department is required to pay a salary to the individual, which meets the prevailing wage. The individual's pay check must come from the hiring entity (Harvard University or an affiliated hospital).