US Proposes E Visa for Australians
In an effort to clearly depict the relationship or closeness of the US Administration and The Australian Government the US has created a new E Visa... In an effort to clearly depict the relationship or closeness of the US Administration and The Australian Government the US has created a new E Visa catergory with an annual limit of 10,500 visas to be issued.The new E-3 Visa is designed for those Australian Nationals who wish to work in the US on a temporary basis for a US employer in a " speciality occupation". Essentially the E-3 Visa will allow qualifying Australian Nationals to compete globally with the current 65,000 cap on the already over-exhausted H-1B category.
Qualifying Criteria:
- University Degree qualification or above and/or relevant work experience. How much work experience will be required is not clear yet;
- Australian National should have been offered a job in the US by a US based employer;
- US based employer must secure a certified Labor Certificate Application (LCA) with the Dept of Labor. This is similar to the H-1B criteria in place;
- The Australian National must also attest that they intend to return to their home country.
- Spouses and children of the E-3 Visa holder are able to join the applicant;
- Spouses are able to work in the US;
- E-3 Visas can be renewed indefinitely;
- May be able to switch into categories leading to settlement in the US, although Congress has not passed this bill and the logistics of it are still not clear.
- Fees??? No idea what the Filing fee will be for the E-3.
- Will it ultimately lead to settlement? No idea, at this time considered unlikely.
- Switching into other categories leading to settlement? Maybe.