E-3 Visa Attorney | Australian Professionals

Helping U.S. employers hire Australian professionals and helping Australian talent plan a U.S. career.

Fariba Faiz Law Offices PC provides E-3 immigration counsel to Australian professionals, U.S. employers, startups and growing businesses. The firm is based in San Francisco and represents clients across the Bay Area, nationwide and internationally.

Discuss Your E-3 Strategy

What Is the E-3 Visa?

E-3 is a temporary specialty occupation classification for qualifying Australian nationals. It has a separate annual allocation from H-1B. A qualifying case involves an appropriate U.S. position, the professional's qualifications and a certified Labor Condition Application.

E-3 visa processing abroad and a request to change or extend status inside the United States follow different procedures. Choosing the filing route requires attention to current status, travel, the employer's hiring schedule and the applicant's circumstances.

Qualifications, Licensing and Temporary Stay

The position must qualify as a specialty occupation, and the applicant must have the required degree or its equivalent and any required professional license or permission. The proposed employment and the applicant's qualifications must be documented.

E-3 applicants must intend to depart when their E status ends. A long-term permanent residence strategy should be coordinated with visa applications, status and travel.

E-3 Representation for Employers

Fariba Faiz can assist with evaluating the job description and degree requirements, reviewing worksite and compensation arrangements, preparing the LCA and employer support documents, and coordinating the immigration process with onboarding.

For startups, the analysis can address the actual business operations, the proposed position, funding and payroll arrangements, corporate records and the facts needed to explain the professional role.

E-3 Representation for Australian Professionals

Eligibility assessment for a proposed U.S. job.
Coordination with the prospective employer and its HR team.
Application preparation and consular strategy.
Planning for continued employment, a new employer or a change in role.
Review of travel, family considerations and long-term immigration goals.

Changing Employers or Planning Permanent Residence

A new job, changed work location or long-term green card plan warrants review before acting. Fariba Faiz can compare the relevant options and develop a strategy around the applicant's actual employment and immigration history.

What to Bring to a Consultation

Provide your resume, nationality, current status, proposed job description, salary, worksite, employer information and anticipated start date. If you already hold E-3 status, include your current approval and admission documents and explain the proposed change.

Schedule an E-3 Consultation

Updated October 13, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About E-3 Visas

Who can qualify for an E-3 visa?

Qualifying Australian nationals with an appropriate U.S. specialty occupation position, the required professional qualifications, and a certified Labor Condition Application may be eligible.

Is a USCIS petition required before an initial E-3 visa application abroad?

An initial consular visa application generally does not require a prior approved USCIS petition. Changing or extending status within the United States involves a separate filing process.

Can an E-3 professional change employers?

A change of employer requires the appropriate LCA and immigration steps. Ordinary H-1B portability does not apply to E-3 employment; review the filing or new-admission strategy before starting work for the new employer.

LCA Compliance and Public Access Files

Employers should coordinate sponsorship with wage, notice, and recordkeeping responsibilities. Our Public Access File guide for H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 employers explains the required records, access deadline, and retention rules.