E-3 visa status is available to Australian nationals in a "specialty occupation" or a position requiring "theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and attainment." Cornell will sponsor E-3 petitions for qualified individuals with academic positions.
The E-3 is a nonimmigrant visa. Applicants must satisfy a consular officer that they intend to leave the United States upon termination of their E-3 status. An E-3 visa may be renewed in increments of two years. There is no grace period for E-3 employees, so the individual is expected to leave the United States on the last day of employment.
How to Apply for E-3
All E-3 applications, including extensions and amendments, require the same steps.
- Get App
- Initiate App
- Establish Pay
- Obtain Visa
If this is an extension of E-3 status, for someone currently in the U.S., please contact us for an E-2 extension application checklist.
2 Initiate the application (hiring unit).
The hiring unit assembles the E-3 application materials. When all materials are collected, please send the completed application packet to International Services. Incomplete packets will not be accepted.
3 Agree on the pay rate.
International Services determines the E-3 wage by comparing a prevailing wage determination from the U.S. Department of Labor to actual wage data provided by the hiring department. The hiring department must agree to pay the applicant the higher of the two wages. International Services files the labor condition application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. When the LCA is approved, it is provided to the hiring department, or directly to the applicant, as desired.
4 Obtain E-3 visa (applicant).
The E-3 employee makes a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy to obtain the E-3 visa, as well as E-3D visas for dependents, if applicable.
Dependents
The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of E-3 employees may apply for E-3D status. The spouse of an E-3 employee may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to work in the United States.
Employment Restrictions
An E-3 visa is specific to the employer and position. E-3 employment authorized for Cornell does not allow employment by another department, at another location, or for a different employer. E-3 employees are not allowed to accept honoraria for lectures or consulting work.
