The USCIS has a category of visas that it labels “dual intent” visas. These visas allow the holder to apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) without jeopardizing their status. The USCIS officially states that “E-3 visas are not dual intent visas in the sense of H-1B visas and L-1 visas.

Can you buy a house on an E-3 visa?

Yes you can buy property. You may be eligible to apply for legal permanent residency but would have to discuss with an attorney to see if you are eligible. E-3 isn’t a definite path to residency.

What is an E-3 visa to the USA?

The E3 visa is a particular type of US visa that allows Australian professionals to enter the United States to take a professional position relevant to their specialty. The spouse is able to apply for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), enabling them also to work in the United States.

What is a specialty occupation for E-3 visa?

E-3 Eligibility A specialty occupation requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the specific specialty (e.g., sciences, medicine and health care, education, biotechnology, and business specialties, etc…).

Can you go from E-3 visa to green card?

Can an E-3 visa holder apply for a green card? Applying for a green card, or Legal Permanent Residency in the United States again requires sponsorship. Either a US employer or an immediate relative who is a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident can sponsor an E-3 visa holder for residency.

How many times can you renew E-3 visa?

With your E-3 visa, you may be admitted initially for a period up to 2 years, and extensions of stay may be granted indefinitely in increments of up to 2 years. E-3 visa status can be renewed on an indefinitely if: You continue to have an employer in the United States and will remain in a specialty occupation.

Can you buy a house in the US with a work permit?

You can finance a home if you produce a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) or special employer-sponsored visa. Lenders must verify that you’ll be able to live and work in the country for at least three years. Each buyer may finance property with a foreign national mortgage, but the loans are not alike.

Can E-3 spouse work?

E-3 spouses are entitled to work in the United States with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Upon admission to the United States in E-3 status, they may apply for an EAD through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The spouse may not begin work until they receive the EAD card.

Is it easy to get an E-3 visa?

It is easier to get than an H-1B. Applications usually exceed the number of available visas, and the U.S. government conducts a lottery to determine who gets them, which can significantly reduce one’s chances. The E-3 visa, on the other hand, is exclusive to Australians and capped at 10,500 visas.

How long is an E-3 visa valid for?

24 months
Answer: The E3 visa is valid according to the validity period of the LCA. Additionally, it has a maximum validity of 24 months, after which the validity must be renewed.

Can you work in the US on an E3 visa?

The E-3 Visa is currently a working visa that is exclusively for Australian citizens to work in the US for 2 year stints but renewable indefinitely. There is a push for an E-3 type visa for Irish and South Korean citizens, however that is still pending.

How long is an E3 visa valid for?

An E3 visa is valid for two years and renewable indefinitely, so long as your sponsor is happy to continue to renew the visa for you. My first two years flew by and before I knew it, it was time to renew!

How can I renew my E3 visa online?

You must electronically complete a Nonimmigrant Visa Application, also known as a DS-160. The form can be found and completed online here. Before filling this out, you must decide which U.S. Consulate or Embassy you will be traveling to to renew your E3 visa.

How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?

As per the fee schedule on USCIS, we can assume this will be updated shortly to include an E-3 visa at $2,500. Does this apply to new employers or just extensions of existing visas with the same employer?